How to Make Linksys Networks Secure

Securing a Linksys wireless network prevents unauthorized users from accessing it.

Securing a wireless network, such as a Linksys network, is essential to maintaining the privacy of a home Internet connection. If you choose not to secure a home network, anyone within the broadcast range of the wireless router can access your Internet connection and see any information that passes over it. Linksys, like other router manufacturers, includes options to make a network secure.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect the Linksys router to the computer. Attach one end of the Ethernet cable to a numbered Ethernet port on the router. Connect the other end to an Ethernet port on the computer. You may need to "power-cycle" the router by unplugging its power cord for 30 seconds and plugging it back in before the computer will recognize the router.

2. Access the router's configuration page. Type the router's local access IP address into an Internet browser address bar and press "Enter." If you do not know the local access IP, look for a sticker on the underside of the modem or on any of the router's documentation. If you still cannot determine the access IP, try 192.168.1.1 (commonly used by Linksys routers) or contact Linksys customer service and request the router's access IP.

3. Examine the options for securing the wireless network on the router's configuration page and choose one. The most common method is to add a wireless access password, or network key, to the network so it cannot be used by anyone who does not know the password. You also can specify the MAC address of every device allowed to use the network, preventing any other devices from accessing it.

4. Secure the wireless network. The specific method for adding the chosen security options will vary depending on the model of Linksys router, and instructions are supplied with the router. For assistance with securing the wireless network, contact Linksys technical support at 800-326-7114 or consult Microsoft's guide to setting up a wireless networks (see link in Resources).

Resources

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network