Cisco Small Business Voice Gateways and ATAs (Linksys Business Series)

Securing your wireless network is a simple process, which generally does not require a lot of time. This can be done by:

• Enabling WEP or WPA on the Router/Access Point
• Enabling Wireless MAC Filter on the Router/Access Point
• Disabling SSID Broadcast on the Router  

To set-up wireless security on the Linksys router follow the instructions below. 

Enabling WEP on the Router/Access Point 

Wired Equivalent Protocol (WEP) is a type of wireless security which does not change. It provides comparable confidentiality to a traditional wired network. There are two types of WEP you can choose from: 

a. WEP 64-bit: This type of WEP consists of 10-hexadecimal codes.

b. WEP 128-bit: This type of WEP consists of 26-hexadecimal codes hence it is more secured compared to WEP 64-bit. To enable WEP 128-bit, click here.

Enabling WPA on the Router/Access Point 

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a type of wireless security which is dynamic in nature. Meaning, it changes depending on the time renewal you will specify. Hence, WPA is more secured compared to WEP.  

• Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (WPA-TKIP) - utilizes a stronger encryption method and incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers.
• Advanced Encryption System (WPA-AES) - utilizes a symmetric 128-bit block data encryption  

To enable WPA, click here.

Enabling Wireless MAC Filter on the Router/Access Point 

Wireless access can be filtered using the MAC addresses of the wireless devices transmitting within your network's radius. You can either permit or prevent specific wireless computers access to your wireless network. 

Disabling SSID Broadcast on the Router 

Disabling the SSID broadcast is one way of securing your wireless network. This procedure will prevent other users from detecting your SSID, or your wireless network name, when they attempt to view available wireless networks in your area. For instructions, click here.