How to Enable Security On Your Wireless Network

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By Chris Carruthers
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Enable Security On Your Wireless Network

All too often, a wireless network is set up using the factory defaults, which leaves your network with little or no security. Often this is due to the apparent complexity of deciphering terms such as WPA or WEP. A much simpler method involves restricting access to specific PC's by referencing a unique identifier called a MAC ID.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Wireless Router
PC with web browser
Router manual
Network ID & password

Step 1

Before attempting to enable security on your wireless network, you'll need to obtain the MAC ID of each device that will be on the network. In Windows, this can be obtained by selecting RUN from the Start menu. Type CMD. Type IPCONFIG/ALL at the prompt. Your PC will have a MAC ID for each Ethernet port. Make sure to use the one for your wireless connection. An example of a MAC ID is 00 19 6B E8 2B 0B.
Step 2

Access your router. Your wireless router manual will have instructions on how to access the router settings. The procedure involves entering the router's IP address into your web browser instead of a web address.
Step 3

Your router will have a tab labeled Access Restrictions, or something similar. A policy can be created for a PC or a group of PC's. Enter the MAC ID of each PC into the policy. Make sure to save the changes once you are done.