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Home Network Router Security Secrets

Article is provided courtesy of Que.
Date: Apr 7, 2006.

Article Information

Article Description

Ever delve inside your home network routers and use the hidden security settings that can lock down a network nice and tight? Most people never do. Andy Walker reveals 10 secrets on how to easily access your router's security settings.

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10. Activate WPA

Short for Wi-Fi Protected Access, WPA is the preferred method of encrypting your network. It can be used instead of WEP because it’s a newer, more secure protocol. To enable WPA, click the Home button, then the Wireless button. From the Security pull-down, choose WPA-PSK (PSK also known as personal mode is short for pre-shared key). Then enter a passphrase like "My cat is attached to my trousers." See Figure 12. You can enter 8 to 64 characters, including white spaces. Click Apply. When a computer or other Wi-Fi device tries to connect to the router after it reboots, it will be prompted for the passphrase.

Figure 12 WPA is easier to use and provides more security against network snoopers.

11. Conclusion | Next Section Previous Section

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