Do I need to disable the wireless bit?

[rumi]

First a confession: I have virtually no knowledge of or particular interest in wireless broadband access. That said, I've just introduced a second neighbour to IDNet and, although he too doesn't need wireless access now, he can see a need for it (when he can persuade his wife to let him buy a laptop!).

With this in mind I suggested he ordered a pre-configured (by IDNet) Netgear DG834G, which arrived yesterday.

I'll be setting up everything for him (I have the G-less version) but using one of the wired ports.

Do I have to or is it advisable to 'disable' the 'wireless broadcasting bit'? If so, how? See, I told you I new b*gger-all about wireless!

[Steve]

You can disable the wireless access point of DG834G if their not going to use it and then in the future should they have need of it re enable it and set the encryption and password.I believe the factory default is wireless on with no security so you need to do one or the other or their neighbours may decide to have free internet access.

[vitriol]

The netgears are pretty easy to setup,

Log into the router via Internet Explorer by typing the routers IP address into the address bar.

You may be prompted for a username and password, enter those.  Once in, it's simply a matter of navigating to the Wireless Settings part and turning it off.  If the interface is the same as my DG834GT there will be a check button that says "Enable Wireless Access", just untick it and apply the changes.

Dead Easy and   



 

[Sebby]

You don't have to disable the wireless, but if it's definitely not going to be used, I probably would. Of course, you could just make it secure then leave it in case anyone did want to connect. Either way, it's probably fine.

[rumi]

Great! Thanks guys.

[gyruss]

If wireless isn't being used at the time, disable it.  You can re-activate it at any given time anyway.  Its one less thing to worry about when it comes to security.

When you do eventually come to set up the wireless side, do a quick search on the web for 'securing a home wireless network' and read and digest all the advice you can and act on it 100%.  The more secure your wireless network (or your neighbours) the better for peace of mind.

I've secured mine and whilst its only the laptop that my missus uses to connect, i wanted to be sure that i did everything i possibly could to deter possible hack attempts from idiots with port scanners and the like.  

Its also worth disabling the wireless during any extended holiday periods too if noones going to be about to use it fully.

ANyway, there is tons of advice on wireless security out there, and you never know? you might end up enjoying the task of securing one

[Rik]

I put a 6" nail through that end of the router. Problem solved.

[David]

Thats odd when I did this to my router it started to work perfectly Rik 

[gyruss]

Oh thats where i've been going wrong   I've screwed up many a router, but a 6" nail? wow.. never would have thought

[Rik]