Wireless Networking - Routers Vs Access Points

By: Eric Meyer

While planning for your wireless network you might be asking what is the difference between a router and an access point. You need to think of a router as more of a server because it performs many functions like a server. An access point only provides a portal for wireless client to connect to your existing LAN.

Routers can perform many functions. Routers can connect many different WLANs together acting like a traffic cop. Routers also act as a DHCP server. A DHCP server assigns dynamic IP address to your computer every time your computer starts up. If you don’t have a DHCP server then you will have to assign each computer on your network a permanent IP address. (continued...)

As I have said before your router can also act like a traffic cop. You can use a router to perform port forwarding to certain computers on your LAN. For example you can direct all internet traffic looking for your game server’s port number to a specific computer on your LAN.

The ability to connect multiple computers to the internet is one of the main features of a router. The router is assigned one WAN IP address from your ISP. This IP address is called a public IP address that everyone on the internet can see. Because you have multiple computers connected to your router the router uses a protocol called NAT {Network address translation} NAT will assign the computers that are behind your routers IP address, private IP addresses. NAT acts as a firewall because computers on the internet cannot in theory even see your computers. They will only see the IP address of your router. NAT does block traffic from reaching your computers but it will not block Trojans from going out to the internet. That is why I do recommend installing a firewall on your LAN computers.

The role of an access point on a LAN is to give the wireless user a door way to enter. The more people that enter the door at the same time the slower they will go. 802.11b access points say they will give you a through put rate of 11mps but the actual rate is around 5MPS. 802.11g has a rating of 54mbps with an actual through put of 20mbps. The access points do have most of the same security features as a router such as WEP, WPA, 8021x and TKPI but they will not have the traffic cop functions like a router. Also the access points will not have NAT which would add an unnecessary layer to your network. To keep it simple access points just simulate plugging in your laptop to a port in the wall and that’s it.A router is used on the border of you network to act as a traffic cop deciding who can come in and blocking those you want to keep out.

Eric "The Wireless Ninja" Meyer is an expert in Wirless Networking and a fan of Cheesy Kung Fu Movies. You can view other Wireless Networking articles at http://www.wirelessninja.com

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Why You Need a Wireless Network

By: Cassandra Stinchcombe

As far as I'm concerned, wireless networks are one of the best inventions in history -- they really are the best thing since sliced bread. I mean, really, bread is easy enough to cut yourself, but have you ever tried to wire up a network? So, in the spirit of spreading the word, I'm going to give you five reasons why you need a wireless network.

Share Internet Access
Wireless networking gives you a cheap and easy way to share one Internet connection between multiple computers, eliminating the need for more than one modem. You can even add new computers to your network simply by plugging in a wireless card and switching them on -- they get an Internet connection straightaway! There aren't many wired networks that can say that. (continued...)

Share Files and Printers
A wireless network gives you access to your files wherever you are in your home, and makes it easy to synchronise the data on a laptop with a home computer. It is much easier to send files between computers with a wireless network than it is to send them by email, or even by burning them to a CD.

Plus, with the printer connected, you can also write things wherever you want, press print, and go and collect them from a printer connected to another computer -- printers that are plugged into one of the computers on the network are shared between all the computers automatically.

Play Games
You might have seen an option in your favourite game to play over a LAN. Well, wireless networks are LANs, which means that your whole family can play that game together -- without needing the computers to be anywhere near each other. It's far more fun to play against real people you know than to play against random people over the Internet, not to mention that the game will work much faster. You could even invite your friends to bring their computers and join in -- a 'LAN party'!

An added benefit is that wireless equipment lets you easily connect any games consoles you or your kids might have to the Internet, and start playing online. It's far easier to play online with a wirelessly connected Xbox or PlayStation 2 than to have to connect it to your modem every time.

Always On
A big factor in the spread of broadband was that it let Internet connections be always-on, without needing to dial in. Well, wireless networking lets network connections be always-on, meaning that any of your computers can connect to the Internet whenever you want! You can take laptops from room to room, and it doesn't matter -- they'll always have access. Plus, there's not even any need to set up a username and password system, as wireless networks work without logging in. It's just so convenient!

No More Wires
This, of course, is the biggest reason why you should switch your network over to wireless. Wires are inconvenient, expensive, ugly and dangerous -- you'll be delighted to see the back of them.

The average Ethernet wire doesn't cost that much per metre, but once you've bought enough metres to do whatever you need to do, well, it tends to add up quickly. Not only that, but if you want to run your wire between rooms or floors, you have to knock holes in the walls -- which might not even be allowed if you're renting. I know plenty of people in rented apartments who had to keep their network confined to one room until they went wireless. With wireless networking, well, you can even take your computer outside, if you want to!

No more wires also means no more spaghetti all over the floor and in the corners. Not only does this improve the safety of your home, as it's all too easy to trip over exposed wires, but it also means that you don't have to go to all the trouble of packing all the wires up and re-connecting them at the other end when you move. It also means that you don't have to examine every wire for damage if your Internet connection breaks down.

Convinced?
If you're excited, then that's great -- keep reading these articles for advice on how to set everything up. If you don't think it's for you yet, well, don't give up on it -- I'm sure you'll come round when you realise just how easy and cheap wireless really is.

About The Author
Cassandra Stinchcombe - Learn how to set up your own wireless network, in clear easy steps. Cassandra's Wireless Website

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Wireless NoteBook Security

By: Eric Robert Meyer

Physical Security

1 Cable Locks – The majority of laptops are equipped with a Universal Security Slot (USS). This is like a bike lock for a laptop. One end connects to the computer and the other end will be secured to an unmovable / indestructible object. Cable locks will not stop a thief with bolt cutters but will prevent a grab and run type theft.

2. Use a Docking Station – Docking stations will lock down your laptop when in the office where the majority of thefts happen. Cleaning staff, outside contractors, customers and fellow employees can all be tempted to perform a crime of opportunity. As the old saying goes locks are meant to keep honest people honest. (continued...)

3. Metal Asset Tags- Engraving – Thieves are often caught with equipment that the police know are stolen property. The problem is that it can’t be returned due to lack of information. Engraving and asset tags will provide proof that it is stolen and possibly get your laptop returned to you. Also, Write down your serial number and register the laptop with the manufacture.

4. Use a Back Pack – Don’t use a laptop carrying case, use a back pack to carry your laptop. Laptop carrying cases might as well scream steal me to a thief. Professional theft rings make their living stealing from passengers in airports, bus stations and trains. One common scenario is one female thief will start talking to you, and while you are distracted another thief will steal your laptop. If you use a back pack then it’s less obvious what you are carrying.

5. Lock up your PCMICA card - A PCMICA card is even easier to steal then a laptop. PCMICA cards can be very expensive and easily sold on EBAY.

6. Use Tracking Software – Tracking software is set to automatically call a specific service at set times. If the laptop is stolen then the tracking software will report back with an IP address which will give the tracking service an address.

7. Double Lock System – If you must store your laptop in a room use the double lock theory. Lock the laptop in a cabinet / safe then lock the door. Thieves will often have access to the room but not enough time to get through a second lock.

Operating System Security

1. Use a Firewall – If you don’t have a firewall on, you are just asking for problems. Cheap Personal firewalls are available that will make your computer invisible to hackers. Norton Personal firewall, Zone Alarm, Black Ice are commercial firewalls some even have free versions. Windows XP SP2 comes with a built in firewall just click control panel – firewall – and turn the firewall on.

2. Disable your guest account- This will prevent anyone from logging on as guest

3. Disable Remote Desktop Sharing

4. Change the Administrator Accounts Name

5. Enable a BIOS Password - Disable booting from the CD Drive or floppy

6. Log Off- Simple Enough

7. Screen Saver Password – Enable a screen saver password on resume and have a short time out period for the screen saver

8. Back up Using Ghost – Before you go on a trip make a complete image of your operating system and a separate back up for your files. If your laptop is stolen all the information will still be available.

Rogue Access Points – Don’t connect to a rogue access point. A rogue access point will simulate a pay as you go wireless service like Boingo Wireless. A mobile user will connect to the access point, when they try to surf the internet they will be asked for a credit card number and other personal information. Other rogue access points are meant to infect your computer with Trojan Horse viruses so the hacker can remotely control your computer.

VPN - Use a VPN to connect to you work network. VPN's will encrypt all your network traffic while you are connected to the hotspot. If you don't use a VPN another hotspot user can watch all your web surfing and emails with a network sniffer.

Email – Check with your ISP to insure that your email traffic is secure. Many POP3 email accounts are not encrypted which means all emails are sent in plain text.

Eric Robert Meyer is an expert in wireless networking. You can sign up for the wireless ninja newletter at http://www.wirelessninja.com and receive the latest information on the world of wireless technology.

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