jmckeown

I am new to PC security and I have a question. Am I right in assuming that if I want to use MAC filtering I need to get the MAC address of my laptop and my PPC and enter those numbers into my router for it to work??

ikehiker

Yep (assuming the laptop is connected via WiFi).

Check the WiFi Guide, WM03SE section if you have any problem finding the MAC on your X30.

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-Ike-

jmckeown

Thanks found my MAC addresses on both 600M and the Axim. I will use only MAC for security as I can't get WEP to work.

Question: for WEP , would it matter how many computers are on the router? I have one computer tied in and the laptop and Axim running WIFi.

MrKlaatu

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WEP codes are sometimes "device dependent", especially when using ASCII passwords on devices from differing manufacturers. They use different algorithyms to code an ASCII password into HEX.

When using WEP Devices, it is best to not use passwords. Instead find one of your devices that will show you the HEX of your password, then use this HEX in all other devices.

Or you can just go HERE and create a HEX number to enter into all devices.
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jmckeown

I generated hex codes using my router(linksysWRT54G)...but when I enter a code into my Axim X30h it won't stay there. I use OPEN and WEP but below that where I eneter the key it won't stay there ....wonder if I should create compltely new network name?

wooch

MAC filtering is great for preventing folks from connecting to your network. But, WEP prevents the data packets from being intercepted and read from your router to your Wireless device, and Vise Versa. I'd use both. Here's another great WEP key generator.

Also, here's some good information on MAC filtering and the importance of using it in conjunction with WEP/WPA.

jmckeown

I understand the Key concept.....How do I enter the key encryption

wooch

Enter the key encryption where? On your device(s) or on the router?

jmckeown

On my Axim. I went start/settings/connections tab/clicked on network name/in next box I see my network name and connects to: The Internet/click on Network KEy tab/click "open and "WEP" / enter in my network key(not passphrase) and ok back to todat screen . When I go back to the page where I eneterde my Network Key the box has 12 * digits. Why won't the network key I entered stay there?

ikehiker

The asterisks are a security feature - the key is still there. Are you using 128 or 64-bit WEP? If you are using 128, you may want to switch to 64. I reality, it’s just as secure and it’s easier to get 10 characters right than 26.

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-Ike-

jmckeown

OHHHH OK and here I am beating my head off the wall because the key won't stay there....thanks. I am using 64. but won't work for me. Tried using the other keys (did change key number)HAve Axim set at shared and WEP but no go. I'll keep playing with it

Thanks Again

ikehiker

Try switching to "Open" authentication (make sure the router is set the same or to automatic).

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-Ike-

jmckeown

Would that be the same as MTU on my router

Would WPA be easier to set up. I entered my MAC addresses of my laptop and my AXim into the router and lost my signal ( bars went blank)

ikehiker

No, MTU is different. The WEP protocol (open, shared or automatic) will be listed somewhere on the same page as where the keys are set. All devices need to be running the same so if your laptop is set to shared, you may need to change it, too. Which router?

Try doing a soft reset on the Axim.

__________________
-Ike-

jmckeown

Linksys WRT54G