Netgear DG834PN DG834PN Reference Manual - Page 26

Reference Manual for the DG834PN RangeMaxTM ADSL Modem Wireless Router The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer. Implement Appropriate Wireless Security Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks at a maximum range of up to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate area to access your network. Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your wireless equipment. The DG834PN RangeMax ADSL Modem Wireless Router provides highly effective security features which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs. DG834PN LUHOHVV'DWD 6HFXULW\2SWLRQV 5DQJH8SWR)HHW  /PEN3YSTEM%ASYBUTNOSECURITY 3ERVERS 0#S  -!#!CCESS,IST.ODATASECURITY  7%03ECURITYBUTSOMEPERFORMANCEIMPACT Figure 3-1  70! 03+ There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network: • Restrict Access Based on MAC Address. You can allow only trusted PCs to connect so that unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the DG834PN. Restricting access by MAC address adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the wireless link is fully exposed. • Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID. If you disable broadcast of the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies wireless network 'discovery' feature of some products, such as Windows XP, but the data is still exposed. 3-2 Wireless Configuration v1.0, November 2005