WiFi Setup. On Networks N150R

N150 WiFi Router (N150R)

Restrict Access by MAC Address

You can enhance your network security by allowing access to only specific PCs based on their Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. You can restrict access to only trusted PCs so that unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the router. The Wireless Station MAC address filtering adds additional security protection to the wireless security option that you have in force. The Access list determines which wireless hardware devices are allowed to

connect to the router by MAC address. See Advanced Settings on page 61 for the

procedure.

Wireless Security Options

A security option is the type of security protocol applied to your wireless network. The security protocol encrypts data transmissions and ensures that only trusted devices receive authorization to connect to your network. There are several types of encryption: Wi-Fi

Protected Access II (WPA2), WPA, and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA2 is the latest and most secure, and is recommended if your equipment supports it. WPA has several options including pre-shared key (PSK) encryption and 802.1x encryption for enterprises. NIt is possible to disable wireless security, but that is not recommended. You can view or change the wireless security options in the Wireless Settings screen. See

WiFi Setup on page 23.

WiFi Setup

The Wireless Settings screen lets you view or change the wireless network settings. Your preset router has a unique network name and password on the product label. If you change them, note the new settings and save them in a secure location.

Note:

If you use a wireless computer to change the wireless network name (SSID) or security options, you are disconnected when you click Apply. To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

Consider Every Device on Your Network

Before you begin, check the following:

• Every wireless computer has to be able to obtain an IP address by DHCP from the router as described in

Use Standard TCP/IP Properties for DHCP on page 12.

• Each computer or wireless adapter in your network must have the same SSID and wireless mode (bandwidth/data rate) as the router. Check that the wireless adapter on each computer can support the mode and security option you want to use.

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N150 WiFi Router (N150R)

• The security option on each wireless device in the network must match the router. For example, if you select a security option that requires a passphrase, be sure to use same passphrase for each wireless computer in the network.

View or Change WiFi Settings

Your preset router comes set up with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and network password. This information is printed on the label for your router. You view or change these settings in the Wireless Settings screen.

 To view or change wireless settings:

1.

Select Setup > WiFi Settings to display the following screen.

2.

Make any changes that are needed, and click Apply when done to save your settings.

Note: The screen sections, settings, and procedures are explained in the following sections.

3.

Set up and test your computers for wireless connectivity: a.

Use your wireless computer or device to join your network. When prompted, enter the network password.

b. From the wirelessly connected computer, make sure that you can access the

Internet.

Wireless Settings Screen Fields

• Enable SSID Broadcast . This setting allows the router to broadcast its SSID so that a wireless station can display this wireless name (SSID) in its scanned network list. This check box is selected by default. To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear the Allow

Broadcast of Name (SSID) check box and click Apply.

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