The Basics of HOME NETWORKS Capstone Technologies Group Brian Sammons

Why a home network?  Share an internet connection between multiple computers.  Share files and devices between computers  Better security by using a hardware firewall.

Choose Your Technology  a  b  g  n (coming)  Wired Network  Wireless Network

Wired vs. Wireless  Wired Network SecureSecure Cheaper equipmentCheaper equipment More reliableMore reliable Faster data transferFaster data transfer Run cable in walls or along baseboardsRun cable in walls or along baseboards May need a professionalMay need a professional Good for new constructionGood for new construction

Wired vs. Wireless  Wireless Network Mobility, Mobility, MobilityMobility, Mobility, Mobility Slower data speeds?Slower data speeds? More expensive?More expensive? Inherently insecureInherently insecure

a vs b  a Uses the less crowded 5Ghz spectrumUses the less crowded 5Ghz spectrum Accommodates more usersAccommodates more users Data speeds up to 54MbpsData speeds up to 54Mbps High absorption rate (easily blocked by walls and objects)High absorption rate (easily blocked by walls and objects) Operating range 150ftOperating range 150ft Not compatible with b protocolNot compatible with b protocol Components are expensiveComponents are expensive

a vs b  b Uses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrumUses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrum Data speeds up to 11 Mbps (biggest disadvantage)Data speeds up to 11 Mbps (biggest disadvantage) 300ft operating range300ft operating range Low absorption rate (travels through walls and objects)Low absorption rate (travels through walls and objects)

g  g Compatible with both a and b networksCompatible with both a and b networks Uses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrum.Uses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrum. Data speeds up to 54 MbpsData speeds up to 54 Mbps 300ft operating range300ft operating range Low absorption rate (travels through walls and objects)Low absorption rate (travels through walls and objects)

n  Approximately 1 year away (2005-6)  Frequency most likely the 5GHz range, meaning possible compatibility with a  Throughput to match highest possible data rates- (raise the effective throughput of WLANs to at least 100M bps)  Defining standardized modifications to the physical layers and MAC layers, which will improve not just data rates but also actual data throughput

Network Set up Demo  Linksys  Belkin  DLink  Microsoft

Securing my wireless network  Change the defaults!  Enable WEP  MAC Address filtering  Disable DHCP  Change the IP Subnet

Change the defaults!  Change the default SSID (Service Set IDentifier)(Service Set IDentifier)  Disable SSID Broadcast  Change the default username and password  Default password lists commonly available, just Google “default password list” 

Enable WEP  Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a protocol used for encrypting packets on a wireless network. It uses a 64-bit (or 256- bit, depending on the vendor) shared key algorithm. Using WEP will increase the protection on your data, but doing so will reduce the effective data rates.  Truly secure? Nope!

MAC Address Filtering   Only MAC addresses that have been registered with the wireless access point are able to gain access to your network.   You can usually locate the MAC address of your network card on the device itself.

Disable DHCP  Use static IP addresses if the number of users on the network is small. Turning off DHCP will prevent wireless sniffers from seeing the IP addresses being used.

Change the IP Subnet  Most wireless routers use the default or network. It is easy for people to guess the IP addresses used and illegally gain access to the network.

OK, I’ve done all that…  What’s next?  How secure am I now?

Wardriving / Warchalking  html html html  What’s needed?  Who’s doing it?  Am I at risk?

Hotspots in the area  Lots of unsecured homes/businesses  

Conclusion  Thank you for your time! Capstone Technologies Group Brian Sammons