Wireless AP security

[dezt]

We have a Belkin Wireless router that can operate in access point mode. So i've turned off the modem side of it and it is just running as a wireless access point now. What I want to know is whether I should use WEP security or MAC address control? The reason I ask is because I have an ipaq h5550 which doesn't seem to like 128bit WEP which was set up, but if I turn off the WEP security and set it up with MAC address control it conects fine.

 

Would I have any problems by using just MAC address control by itself?

[Geoff]

MAC Address filtering is worthless. It'll only stop casual users from coincidently connecting. Anyone determined enough will take the time to spoof their MAC address.

[Nij.UK]

well out of the 2 choices i would go with the MAC filtering, because WEP key security is just paper thin, and it can be hacked without much effort.

 

The only thing with MAC filtering is that you have to be on top of the list so if you are going to be having loads of laptops connecting to that AP then thats a lot of MAC address to input

[marco84]

WEP will cause you more trouble than its worth on your IPAQ.

[kearton]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/05/15/wep_crack_interview/

[dezt]

Does anyone know if it's possible to use WPA on a h5550 ipaq?

[kearton]

here's an OLD link suggesting it requires a firmware update. check the HP site for latest firmware

 

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=0&prodSeriesId=322916&prodNameId=306698&swItem=PSG_I20968-105261&swEnvOid=2008&swLang=8&taskId=135&mode=3

[Geoff]

Google indicates updating it to the latest firmware will add WPA support.