Wi-Fi network password protection

[dmacburry2003]

I have a Wi-Fi access point/router at home connected to my cable modem. I access the Wi-Fi AP/Router using a Pocket PC and I have two PC's connected to the AP/Router through wired ethernet. Does anyone know how I can password protect my shared internet access? (not software shared, the modem is hooked up to the router, then to the PPC and PC's)

[David Prahl]

I have the exact same setup, except I've done nothing to secure my network (poor range is my security!).

Your router might support password protecting the connection, but then you'd have to enter that PW on the desktops, too. I'd suggest setting up WEP encryption on your wireless network. The PCs won't "care", and you'll get the security you need without having to enter a password every time.

Do you need help on setting up WEP? There should be instructions that came with your router.

[dmacburry2003]

The AP/Router doesn't have any built in security measures. I don't mind entering passwords (even fifty gazillion times for that matter). And, the router doesn't have a manual (got it out of the box as a Christmas present).

[dmacburry2003]

PS: Somewhat of a network logon would be nice...

[David Prahl]

Do you know the model? Most routers and access points made in the past year or so support WEP. I'm surprised that one doesn't.

As far as I know the only way to restrict wireless access is through the router or access point.

[dmacburry2003]

Forgive me for being so dumb, I went to the website for my model (Linksys BEFW11S4) and found out that there is a web-program that allows you to set all of the passwords and keys for the AP/Router (I should have done this in the first place instead of jumping for help and pesting people). The website was an IP address (http://192.168.1.1), only accessable through a PC connected to the router. It was pretty nifty, I didn't even know it exsisted. It contained all kinds of configuration options, IP data, logs, etc. I did find the box though, I went *sneaking*, and it contained no manual nor CD. Hmm... It did have a bunch of cardboard and plastic in it though...

Thanks for the help!

[David Prahl]

Thanks for asking! Posting questions or ideas here solves the problem 90% of the time, and I ask quite a few questions. It's a great community, and it's meant to be used for this kind of thing.

Did you get the password thing working? Does it prompt for a password now?

[dmacburry2003]

It does prompt for a password on the Wi-Fi access. However, it does not prompt for a password on the PC's connected to the router directly through the wired ethernet. Thats good, though. I only really need to be secure from other outside Wi-Fi users. I went to a friend's house once and their neighbor had Wi-Fi access. I thought it was coming from my friend's computer and I stayed up using it all night :)