Category Archives: Networking

Home Wireless Network Security Tips

Home Wireless Network Security Tips

Many people have home wireless systems setup to browse the web, watch movies, listen to music, and do all sorts of things wirelessly. The problem is that most people don’t know the first thing about making their home network secure. Fortunately, securing your home network can be done very easily if you just follow the following few tips.

Change Default Passwords

Routers and modems generally have web access that allows users to modify settings and manage the equipment. This is great unless someone you don’t want to access the admin panel gets access. The default passwords are easily guessed by other people so it is always a good idea to change the default logins.

Turn on Encryption

Encryption is a vital part of any wireless network. Encryption scrambles the signal that is transmitted between your computer and the wireless access point. This is good because it makes sure that other people aren’t able to “listen in” on your internet activity. A similar example is using websites that utilize TLS or SSL secure encryption.

Change the Default Network Name

Routers and wireless access points usually come from the factory pre configured with a default network name, or SSID. An example of this is the network name “linksys” which is what Linksys uses for all of their products. You can tell if your wireless router is a Linksys by looking at the barcode. If someone doesn’t know what your SSID is, they can’t access your network. Change your default SSID and disable the broadcasting of your SSID and your network will be as good as hidden.

Enable Firewalls

Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to your computer and your wireless access point. It is important to make sure they are enabled.

Image source: ww2.cox.com

by Liz Posted on September 16, 2012
Posted in Networking, Security | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Common Wireless Router Configuration

When setting up Local Area Network or LAN together with a network like a router, it is very important to be familiar with IP addresses. These addresses identify devices on an IP or TCP network. It could be a private IP address like 192.168.1.1 for LAN, it could also be for public use for Internet and it can even be for Wide Area Network Use or WAN. While many people are familiar that 192.168.0.1 is an address used globally, it is but only one of the many addresses located between 192.168.0.0 and 192.168.155.255. This IP is commonly read as 192.168.o.1 (default router IP address).

A number of IP ranges are put aside for private use by the World Wide Web Standards Groups. They have been able to invent non-public IP addresses which are always available to Internet Service Providers or ISP and to their subscribers. One of which is 192.168.0.1. The IP ranges are divided in to three: 1) 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255, 2) 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 and 3) 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255.

Routers like Belkin and the rest have one IP from the subscriber’s ISP. This is how the device or network is recognized – using a specific public address. If a public address can be used by a different device on a different network, one from which will definitely be rendered useless. It is a conflict that creates complications. It would be like two people agreeing to share one umbrella, but they also know for a fact that they should be at two different places at the same time. With devices, one should let go. It will be impossible for that device to function on the actual network system while it claims some device’s address.

There is a significant IP called a default IP to manage various wireless routers like Netgear or D-link. This default IP is almost always 192.168.0.1. Managing wireless networks software is as easy as:

  1. Pull up a web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).
  2. Go to the Address Bar, and type 192.168.0.1.
  3. Hit the Enter key.
  4. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) should be displayed.
  5. Enter the username and password. (This information usually comes from one’s ISP. Default username and password can also be found over the Internet for first-time access. Refer to the product manual for more information.)
  6. Edit/Activate configuration settings. (Refer to the product manual for more information.)
  7. Save settings.

Wireless configuration settings need to be edited and saved. When it comes to people that are aware how non-public the IP 192.168.0.1 is they can access the GUI with a default username and password especially if their device detects the network is unsecured. As a responsible user, make it to a point to go over the wireless device’s manual. Follow instructions on how a strong password can be created. Edit your GUI’s password as well to prevent unauthorized Internet connection using your network.

by Liz Posted on August 10, 2012
Posted in Networking | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How to Password Protect a Wifi Network Using CD-R King LP-8186 Router

To set a password on your wifi network, simply follow the steps below:

1. Connect to the internet through your WiFi.
2. Check the IP Address your your router. If you’re not sure simply follow these steps:
a. Click Start.
b. Click Run.
c. Type cmd. Press Enter on your keyboard.
d. On the black screen type: ipconfig
e. Press Enter.
f. IP Addresss is the default gateway shown.

Check ip through ipconfig

3. Open Internet Explorer (or any internet browser you are using) and type that IP Address on the address bar:
You will see a page like this:

CD-R King Wireless Homepage

The navigation bar is on the left side.

4. Click Wireless on the left-hand menu.

Setting wireless password for CD-R King Router

5. Click on the dropdown menu for Encryption. Select WPA2.

7. For Pre-Shared Key Format, choose Passphrase on the dropdown menu.

8. Type your desired Wifi network password on the Pre-Shared Key box. Click Apply Changes.

9. To set password on your admin page, click Management on the left sidebar.

Set Administration Password on CD-R King Router

10. Fill up the required fields and click Apply Changes.

by Liz Posted on January 26, 2012
Posted in Computers, Internet, Networking, Security | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

Getting the Best Network Support Services

“I do not fear computers, I fear the lack of them…”

As I wear my organizational shirt the last time I play Magic: The Gathering, it reminds me how much I love computers. I have completed a bachelor degree in Industrial Technology major in Computer Engineering and I am so grateful to be acquainted with my fellow computer experts. Though I am not from the IT supportdepartment, the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained from working as a Technical Support Engineer made me who I am today.

With my skills and expertise, allow me to share some tips on how to find the best Network Support services for your company needs.

Network Support Team
Networking: Do it the right way!

Network support services is very important factor to consider for the success of your business operation. Therefore, a team dedicated for the setup and support is necessary. Looking for a support engineer and IT staff is not only the HR’s job. As a business owner or manager, you have to set the qualifications to find the best suited for the job openings.

As you consider the machine compatibility, router and computer security, phone functionality and network communication, your IT people should also be knowledgeable with these stuff. They should know how to take care of computer and network issues. The size of IT support also depends on how big your company is and the nature of your business. If it includes more phones, computers and servers, then the more computer experts you will need.

Before hiring a network support staff, check their credentials and work history. Some ITs are into part-time jobs but if you prefer full-time staff, indicate is clearly on the job description. There should be no conflict of interest. The chosen applicant must be dedicated and responsible to the stated job specifications.

A well-experienced IT support should be equipped with knowledge, skills and expertise to cope with network problems. He or she must know how to handle network outages and set turn around time efficiently.

CISCO certifications and related licenses is a plus for service technicians and network engineers. The IT support team does not only deal on troubleshooting but also on systematic planning when issues arise.

If you have the right people, reliable network provider and very good infrastructure, then your business will be on the right track!

by Liz Posted on August 29, 2011
Posted in Networking | Tagged , | 2 Comments