Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G

3-20

Connecting the Router to the Internet

202-10006-05, June 2005

Wireless Configuration

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Chapter 4

Wireless Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the wireless features of your DG834G Wireless ADSL

Firewall Router.

Considerations for a Wireless Network

In planning your wireless network, you should consider the level of security required. You should

also select the physical placement of your router in order to maximize the network speed. For

further information, refer to

Appendix D, “Wireless Networking Basics”

.

To ensure proper compliance and compatibility between similar products in your area, the

operating channel and region must be set correctly.

Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines

The operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly based on the

physical placement of the wireless firewall. The latency, data throughput performance, and

notebook power consumption also vary depending on your configuration choices.

For best results, place your firewall:

•

Near the center of the area in which your computers will operate

•

In an elevated location such as a high shelf where the wirelessly connected computers have

line-of-sight access (even if through walls)

•

Away from sources of interference, such as computers, microwaves, and cordless phones

•

With the Antenna tight and in the upright position

•

Away from large metal surfaces

Note:

Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance

degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the router. For complete range/

performance specifications, please see

Appendix A, “Technical Specifications”

.

Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G

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Wireless Configuration

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

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 DG834G wireless router provides highly effective security features

which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.

Figure 4-1:

DG834G wireless data security options

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 DG834G. 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.

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.

1) Open System: Easy but no security

2) MAC Access List: No data security

3) WEP: Security but some performance impact

Wireless Data

Security Options

Range: Up to 300 Feet

DG834G

Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G

Wireless Configuration

4-3

•

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.

•

WPA-PSK

. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption provides data security. The very

strong authentication along with dynamic per frame re-keying of WPA make it virtually

impossible to compromise. Because this is a new standard, wireless device driver and software

availability may be limited.

Understanding Wireless Settings

To configure the Wireless interface of your router, click the Wireless link in the main menu of the

browser interface. The Wireless Settings menu will appear, as shown below:

Reference Manual for the Model Wireless ADSL Firewall Router DG834G

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Wireless Configuration

Figure 4-2:

Wireless Settings menu

The following parameters are in the Wireless Settings menu:

•

Wireless Network

.

—

Name (SSID)

. The Service Set ID, also known as the wireless network name. Enter a

value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all

wireless devices in your network. The default SSID is

NETGEAR

, but NETGEAR

strongly recommends that you change your network Name to a different value.