Wireless Configuration

[marvin]

Hi

 

After different consideration on a wireless setup i decided to go with the following:

 

We have purchased 4 laptop trolleys with 8 laptops in each. Each trolley has its own wireless access point so that it can be plugged in any network points. The AP is a D-LINK DWL-2100AP and just to keep it simple i have set a WEP key which will be configured to the laptop and only i can do this.

 

I know WEP is not the most secure way but since the AP wont be powered or plugged in all the time, this was the easiest option.

 

Since i got that sorted i was wondering whether i should keep all AP on the same channel which is set to 6? Sometimes we will use all the trolleys in one room as we have bigger classes. Any opinions on this?

 

Thanks

[plexer]

You cannot put them all on the same channel if you want to use them all in the same room.

 

At least go for WPA/WPA2 rather than wep.

 

Wep keys can be broken in seconds.

 

Ben

[marvin]

Would any channel do as long as they are not the same ones? I thought some channels dont transmit stronger wavelenght?

 

Also would simple WPA connection do? or do i need to combined some other encrytion to it?

[plexer]

WPA/WPA2 is a better option than wep for sure.

 

Do not use the default ssid use one that relates to you.

 

1 6 11 are the normally used channels.

 

If the access points themselves can scan for a good channel that might work for you.

 

Ben

[Geoff]

WPA keys can be broken in minutes.

[Joanne]

we don't use any security on account of not really needing to.

 

Change the channels though. I use something like 11 at home (stupid wii!) but it's fine. I think they do affect the range a bit, but not enough to make a difference in a laptop trolley.

[marvin]

I have set up one of the trolleys on channel 1 now with WPA-PSK security and changed the SSID.

 

Do you think this is enough security?