Securing your Wireless Network

You need to always add security to your wireless network.

The first type is called authentication: For there are several distros out there where you can load it onto an old 500 mhz pc with two nics, and authenticate, or at least have a login and disclaimer page.

Second type is called encryption. To secure your radio this way, log into your access point or meshAP and select WPA2. Selecting better security is needed to limit those unwanted wireless guest.

WiFi Protected Access - WPA
WPA encrypts information, and it also checks to make sure that the network security key has not been modified. WPA also authenticates users to help ensure that only authorized people can access the network.

There are two types of WPA authentication: WPA and WPA2. WPA is designed to work with all wireless network adapters, but it might not work with older routers or access points. WPA2 is more secure than WPA, but it will not work with some older network adapters. WPA is designed to be used with an 802.1X authentication server, which distributes different keys to each user. This is referred to as WPA-Enterprise or WPA2-Enterprise. It can also be used in a pre-shared key (PSK) mode, where every user is given the same passphrase. This is referred to as WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
WEP is an older network security method that is still available to support older devices, but it is no longer recommended. When you enable WEP, you set up a network security key. This key encrypts the information that one computer sends to another computer across your network. However, WEP security is relatively easy to crack.

80.2.X authentication
802.1X authentication can help enhance security for 802.11 wireless networks and wired Ethernet networks. 802.1X uses an authentication server to validate users and provide network access. On wireless networks, 802.1X can work with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) keys. This type of authentication is typically used when connecting to a workplace network.