Netgear WPN824EXT WPN824EXT User Manual - Page 23

Chapter 2 Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can be received well beyond your walls by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your wireless equipment. The WiFi range extender provides highly effective security features, which are covered in detail in this chapter. Enhancing the Security of Your Network Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs. Wireless Data Security Options Range: Up to 300 foot radius Figure 2-1 1. Open. Easy but no security 2. MAC Access List. No data security 3. WEP. Security but vulnerable 4. WPA or WPA-PSK. Very strong security Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11b/g wireless networks at ranges of up to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate area to access your network. There are several ways you can enhance the secur ity of your wireless network. • Restrict access based on MAC address. You can restrict access to only trusted computers so that unknown computers cannot wirelessly connect to the WPN824EXT. MAC address filtering adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed. 2-1 v1.0, April 2008