Set up simple network and ensure security

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  1. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
       #1

    Set up simple network and ensure security


    i would like to do a simple home network.

    at present i have a 2in1 wireless router/modem (2wire Gateway 2701) from my isp (Bell sympatico). I have my main use desktop computer (windows 7) wired to the 2in1, then i also use a laptop (windows 7) wirelessly connected to the 2in1.

    i use the internet on both, but would like to set up a network for file/printer sharing between the 2 computers. i am concerned with the proper way to do this while ensuring decent internet security, as i understand it using a network opens more security risk?

    thanks
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  2. Posts : 124
    Windows 7 pro 64 bit
       #2

    setup WPA2 (wifi protected access) with a password, and while setting up the printer you can add the password for the printer to remember, and that will be enough security for home. I hope this helps
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  3. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
    Thread Starter
       #3

    thank you, for the suggestions.

    1.im trying to understand several aspects of it better, the WPA2 is one aspect, but i havent learned how to, yet.

    2.im trying to understand why my ISP said that what im doing (home network) per my first post is not possible with the 2in1, and it is not a true network, what???

    3.i beleive i can at a minimum can share files and printers and that is a network, no?

    4.in general terms, am i more exposed to hackers being in this network, even with proper security measures etc, as opposed to before?

    my understanding is the most effecient way to share the files/printers is to

    a. Windows Private network
    b. Turn on network discovery
    c. Enable Public folders in private network settings
    d. In LAN settings enable File / Printer sharing


    thanks
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 124
    Windows 7 pro 64 bit
       #4

    if its a router and modem, i dont see how that wouldnt be possible... yes using a network opens more security risks.... log into your modem/ router, go to the web address given in the book , 192.168.1.1 and set up your WPA2 there, also change your router password... after that is done your security should be good, if you have wifi than it is already a network and you should be able to print share etc... you need to start a homegroup though.
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  5. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you bmcdevitt for your attention and help,


    1. without setting up favorites and email client folders on BOTH computers, can i access these from each computer?

    2. i think understand public folders default allow sharing, but can any other file/folder be shared just by using share in folder "properties", or can i share the whole C drive...?

    3. do i need to modify any settings in the Windows Firewall - it shows all incoming not allowed except for those in inbound rules, all outgoing is allowed except for those in outbound rules....i dont fully understand the issues with various ports...?

    4. My NAP is disabled, do i need to enable this?


    thanks
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
    Thread Starter
       #6

    i have following five options: WEP-Open, WEP-Shared, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.

    so i should use WPA2-PSK, correct?


    also in the configure wireless network (settings) , should i change the network name and enable SSID broadcast?
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  7. Posts : 660
    win7
       #7

    Hi balm,
    In answer to your questions above,
    Yes, use WPA2-PSK as this is the most secure system which uses AES encryption on your wireless link.
    Yes, I would change your network name.
    With regard to SSID broadcast, it makes the discovery of your networks existence easy and if you have WPA2-PSK activated, does not make your network easier to "Hack". Even if you do not broadcast your SSID, a determined hacker can still find details on your network existence, but won't be able to break your security.

    For a good tutorial on setting up your homegroup for file sharing etc. there is a good tutorial in these forums available here:- Homegroup - Create

    In the other tutorials available you will find the answers to lots of questions you may have on Windows Seven or you can always come back and ask like you have done here!! Good Luck!!
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  8. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
    Thread Starter
       #8

    wily, thank you,

    i think ive reconfigured the gateway properly now. i also used this advice (seemed quite good):

    http://compnetworking.about.com/od/w...fisecurity.htm

    the only question is re. bullet7. static IP address - my Gateway set up has under private network, configure manual, enable DHCP checked (followed by 1st & last address in range), default DHCP pool, BUT then in current setting - edit address allocation it shows address assignment under device as "private fixed: (address)"...i assume this is the same as the STATIC addressing which is recommended... also do i need to manually configure static Ip in windows network settings...

    ill study up more on the home network setup.
    Last edited by balm; 14 Jan 2011 at 09:48.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 660
    win7
       #9

    Private Fixed address is the same as STATIC address, in other words the address of your computer would remain as setup for your network connection ie fixed or static. In DHCP, your router dynamically assigns each connecting computer an address from the DHCP pool of addresses that is available. As your system has enable DHCP checked, you are using this method of address allocation. I would suggest that you adjust the range of available addresses to suit your own needs eg if you have 2 computers and 1 printer, only allow a range of say 5 addresses which will allow connection of all your present needs plus 2 spare (total 5) for occasional connections such as visiting friends laptops or wifi for a mobile phone.
    As you can see from the above, as you have enable DHCP selected, you do not need to setup any static i/p addressing in Windows.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 58
    Windows 7 Home Premium - Desktop 32 bit / Laptop HP (G62) 64 BIT
    Thread Starter
       #10

    wily, thank you, im learning a ton here!

    sooooo, do i understand correctly that it perfectly safe to leave the Gateway DHCP checked, basically i still have a fixed address in terms of the security recommendation discussed as per the linked article, ?


    also it is safer to REDUCE the range of addresses in DHCP on the Gateway?
      My Computer


 
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