Wireless Networking

kbkid · 10-24-2006, 06:53 AM

I have been reading and researching wireless internet so that I can merely transfer music from my home computer to outside in the driveway to my CarPC. I do not need to be able to access the internet 5 or 10 miles away, I just need it simply to reach the driveway so I can transfer music or data or programs instead of getting out the cable.

Right now on TigersDirect, they have a D-Link 54Mbps 802.11g wireless start up kit. It comes with the D-Link DI-524 54Mbps Wireless Router and D-Link AirPlus 54Mbps 802.11g USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter. I'm not quite sure of all I need.

Most people look to get wireless internet for war driving or accessing it around town, thats not what I need. Can someone tell me if this is a good product or whats the deal.

Here is a link to the product I'm talking about. I read through the WiFi FAQ at the top already and found some useful information, but this is my goal. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=D700-5310

DarquePervert · 10-24-2006, 07:04 AM

That will do what you need, yes.

kbkid · 10-24-2006, 02:49 PM

You wouldn't think I'd need a seperate antenna or anything, that should cover it all.

DarquePervert · 10-24-2006, 03:38 PM

Whether you want to go that route is entirely up to you.

BarryWoods · 10-24-2006, 05:45 PM

The nice thing about the usb adapters is you don't have to worry about cable loss with external antennas. If you aren't getting the signal you want just sit the thing on the roof of your car while you are transfering files.

kbkid · 10-24-2006, 07:55 PM

So with all I'm using it for, that would work fine. Alright great.

ahart · 10-26-2006, 06:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kbkid

So with all I'm using it for, that would work fine. Alright great.

I would use some sort of security on your system though, you will probably find if the router is set to full power this may reach further than you intended and people going by could hack into your home system.

kbkid · 10-26-2006, 06:58 AM

What kind of saftey precaution could I take? I understand what your saying, but I'm unsure of how to prevent this.

DarquePervert · 10-26-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kbkid

What kind of saftey precaution could I take? I understand what your saying, but I'm unsure of how to prevent this.

There are dozens of guides out on the 'net to help secure a wireless network.
Google for them.

SnyperBob · 10-26-2006, 07:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kbkid

What kind of saftey precaution could I take? I understand what your saying, but I'm unsure of how to prevent this.

The router's user manual will outline how to set it up specifically for your application. Otherwise, like DP said, just hit up the net, or post questions on this forum

BarryWoods · 10-26-2006, 12:03 PM

As long as you have either 128 bit wep or some form of wpa encryption, I wouldn't worry too much. Most losers won't take the time to crack the encryption. They'll just steal the little old ladies bandwidth down the street. Hiding the ssid and/or mac authentication isn't a good form of security.

ahart · 10-27-2006, 06:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kbkid

What kind of saftey precaution could I take? I understand what your saying, but I'm unsure of how to prevent this.

I would use WPA as the minimum as it only takes 17 minutes for someone to crack the 128 bit wep encryption, if they have the right tools to do it. I set up wpa on my home link the other day on my linksys router and it only took 5 minutes to do this.

When using wpa it is advisable to use the AES for the encryption key, making it a secure link. This will deter and stop people from using your bandwidth and sniffing around your system.

You could also set up mac address filters to only allow you and or you friens to use you link, and if you only want to go to the driveway power down the unit to 50% for starters and find the limitations and if you can power it down even more, but you dont want the link to weak or you will create headaches for yourself later on.

SentraVIP · 10-27-2006, 06:52 AM

Those USB based wifi adapter has good reception. So no need booster or anything, unless you're living in buckingham palace or something similiar... then range might be a problem.

If you're worried about security, then don't connect it through your wifi hub, just create a P2P wifi with the host computer (make sure it has nothing important/private in there) and transfer from there.

But frankly, my personal opinion is that it's only sound nice on theory but not practical as you need to be sitting in your car to transfer those files.

Another work around is to set your car wifi to auto connect upon detection of your p2p network and remote start your car... But that will cost additional $$$ on the alarm systems.

BarryWoods · 10-27-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ahart

I would use WPA as the minimum as it only takes 17 minutes for someone to crack the 128 bit wep encryption, if they have the right tools to do it. I set up wpa on my home link the other day on my linksys router and it only took 5 minutes to do this.

When using wpa it is advisable to use the AES for the encryption key, making it a secure link. This will deter and stop people from using your bandwidth and sniffing around your system.

You could also set up mac address filters to only allow you and or you friens to use you link, and if you only want to go to the driveway power down the unit to 50% for starters and find the limitations and if you can power it down even more, but you dont want the link to weak or you will create headaches for yourself later on.

I wouldn't even bother with mac filtering. Mac addresses are pretty easy to spoof. Easier than cracking wep. Like I said while wep can be cracked, so can wpa, if you have any encryption, unless you ****ed off the neighbor kid, most people won't take the time to crack it. The best security would be to put the wireless network on a separate subnet and vpn to your wired network.