Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security - NETGEAR FVG318 Reference Manual

ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall FVG318 Reference Manual

Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security

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 VPN firewall provides highly effective security features which are
covered in detail in this chapter.
FVG318
Figure 3-1
Note: Indoors, computers can connect to wireless networks at ranges of 300 feet or more.
Such distances allow others outside of your area to access your network.
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 FVG318. 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.
• WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most determined
eavesdropper.
3-2
v1.0, September 2007
Configuring Wireless Connectivity