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networking old XP Pro notebook with new Vista notebook

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by Peter Lovell, 2008/04/13.

  1. 2008/04/13
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    I am TOTALLY CONFUSED!!!! :confused:

    I am unfamiliar with networking and I expected that networking old notebook (which has XP Pro) with my new notebook (which has Vista) plus learning how to use Vista would be a nightmare and it sure is!!

    I seem to have established a LAN connection using a cross over Ethernet cable and THINK I have managed to network the notebooks:):

    BUT

    My notebooks are connected to the Internet by broadband using an unsecured wireless modem .

    I have contacted both my ISP (the supplier) & the manufacturer of the modem and they seem unable to tell me how it can be secured :mad:

    My question is this, if my wireless modem is not secure there how on earth is it possible make the network between the two notebooks 100% secure?????:(

    I am the only person using the network between my two notebooks and I want continuously to be able to share (and transfer) all the data between them both during and after the process of setting up Vista on the new notebook. Simply using "shared documents" will not be enough

    However because my wireless modem is not secure, I suspect that, if the file sharing for the root disks of my notebooks is turned on I could be sharing them not only with my network but with the world ... the last thing I want. Am I wrong or right? If I am right how can I overcome this problem? :confused:
     
    Peter Lovell,
    #1
  2. 2008/04/13
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    First question:
    What model wifi modem? (exact name, model number, version number)
     
    TonyT,
    #2


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  4. 2008/04/13
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    model wifi modem? exact name, model number, version number

    Thanks Tony.:)


    Open Networks
    IConnect
    4 Port
    ADSL
    2/2
    Wireless Router

    625W

    http:.192.168.1.254
    User name Root
    Password **** (can give you if you need it}:D


    Sorry to bother you, I should know how to do all this! I am sure it is basic stuff. I'm on a steep learning curve.:eek:

    What makes me really angry is the inability of the ISP (the supplier) and the manufacturer to tell me how to do this:mad:

    I REALLY resent forced necessity of having to learn the ins and outs of Vista as well as I know XP Pro. On top of this there will be the expense of replacing software and hardware I am sure that Vista will make redundant
     
    Peter Lovell,
    #3
  5. 2008/04/13
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Thanks.
    What EXACT model number adsl modem-router?

    Try this:

    1. click here: http://192.168.1.254
    Default admin username: root or admin
    Default admin password: 0P3N or password
    Note that a Zero is used, not a capital O. Login details can usually be found on the bottom of the unit.
     
    Last edited: 2008/04/13
    TonyT,
    #4
  6. 2008/04/13
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    What now??? How do I secure the modem

    Dear Tony.

    Forgive me, I suspect am behaving like a humungous techno twit:eek:

    The EXACT model number of the adsl modem-router is Open Networks, Model Number IConnect625W

    I went to Open Networks LAN setup home page url]http://192.168.1.254[/url] as instructed, but I am non the wiser as to how I can use this page to make sure my modem and network is secure. Is there any way you talk me through it?
     
    Peter Lovell,
    #5
  7. 2008/04/14
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    In the OpenNetworks control center (Web browser) locate a section for Wireless or Wireless Security or Security. Then set it to use either WEP encryption or WPA2 TKIP encryption.

    Then locae the Admin section and change the Login password.

    FYI, your local shares on each networked computer cannot be accessed by others from the WWW, but if keep the default Login password and no wireless encryption, someone in range w/ a laptop could connect to your wifi network and then connect to your shared files and shared printer.

    This is your device:
    http://www.opennw.com/products/broadband/625w_data.php

    This PDF file explains how to setup wifi security for your iConnect:
    http://www.opennw.com/_pdf/6xx_R10.xx_WirelessSecurity.pdf

    Other documents/downloads for your iConnect:
    http://www.opennw.com/Support/Downloads/index.php

    IMPORTANT!
    When connecting to the iConnect to manage wireless settings ALWAYS use a computer that is connected by cat5 wire, don't use a wireless laptop to manage the iConnect wireless settings.
     
    TonyT,
    #6
  8. 2008/04/14
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    Networking with a wireless modem

    Thanks a million for your patience Tony.:):):):)

    I am Down Under & you are East Coast USA so time zones cause a communication delay

    I'm going to make a start now.

    Downloading manuals etc at the moment.

    Will then start setting things up slowly step by step, I can't afford to make a mistake. So easily done, one false key and I'm a gonner.

    If I get into trouble I'll get back on the BBS using this thread. Is that OK??:)

    BTW I am definitely going to get rid of my ISP (I would love to name it or would that be flaming?) it forced me to buy the wireless modem from it at a vastly inflated price and gives pathetically lousy back up, I should not have had to bother you with this problem.:mad:
     
    Peter Lovell,
    #7
  9. 2008/04/14
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    haha. If you get into trouble we may not hear from you for days!

    No problem, just post back if have confusions, that's why we're here.
     
    TonyT,
    #8
  10. 2008/04/15
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    What are WEP 0r WPA2 TKIP encryption?

    Hi Tony

    I'm back again already!!! I managed to set up a new user name and pass word:) But that's as far as I got!!! After that I became ever more lost, I really don't know what I am doing:eek:

    I need to set up encryption!!!

    I downloaded the 6xx_R10.xx_WirelessSecurity.pdf from
    http://www.opennw.com/_pdf/6xx_R10.x...ssSecurity.pdf

    I am a TOTAL newbie to encryption. I haven't any idea of what WEP encryption or WPA2 TKIP encryption are, I am hopelessly lost:confused:

    If I change to WEP (manual page 7) what "10 digit hexadecimal key" I should enter in the "Encryption Key field "?

    Also the manual says "NOTE Your wireless computer network card and software must support the same encryption levels you select on the 625W. "

    I haven't the foggiest idea if my wireless computer network card and software support the same encryption levels as I choose to select on the 625W! I suppose .that I can safely assume that 64-bits will be supported by all?

    The manual says WEP:

    "provides some protection against unauthorised users reading your data. For this encryption to work, both ends of the wireless connection must have the same encryption keys ":(

    I don't want to share my naughty secrets with the world!! I just want to network my two notebooks and get them talking to each other so I can set the new one up whilst continuing to use the old one! The problem is that I depend on my notebooks to keep in touch with people all over the world (including my wife in Europe). I'm scared witless that if I get into trouble nobody may never hear from me ever again!!

    Thanks for you patience!
     
    Peter Lovell,
    #9
  11. 2008/04/15
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    The routers says, "the computer wifi adapters must support the same encryption levels ".

    80211b wifi adapters support WEP encryption. WEP = Wireless Equivilancy Protocol. HEX = characters 0-9 and A-F. A 10 digit hex key could be something like: A09454D1G6.

    WPA = Wifi Protected Access

    WEP can be 64 bit or 128 bit encryption. Older 80211b adapters only support 64 bit. Most all adapters made in the last 5 years support 64 & 128 bit. And they also support 80211g and WPA.

    Most routers automatically generate the hex key for you. WPA passphrase can be something that you invent, such as a pEteL991X#. Passphrases are case sensitive.

    How it works: To connect to an encrypted wifi network you must enter the hex key or the WPA passphrase. Windows wifi connection software or the manufacturer connection software will prompt you to enter the key or passphrase. Once entered, it will be remembered so don't have to enter it again.

    WEP encryption can be discovered by someone using a linux laptop and special software in about 5 minutes. He must be in range of your router. WPA can also be obtained easily by the same, but only if the passphrase is a word in a dictionary or a name.

    WPA is far more secure than WEP.

    The way it works is all packets of data that pass through the router contain the key or passphrase. The packets of data are scrambled and look like jibberish. The router and the computer use the key to unscramble the data. This prevents just anyone from using your wifi network to get out onto the Internet.

    Now, if you don't care if a neighbor wants to share your Internet connection, or if there's no other homes within a hundred meters of you, then you don't have to use WEP or WPA, your computer files won't be available to outsiders anyway, UNLESS YOU make them available by certain file sharing permissions. The Windows default is to NOT share files on the C:\ drive, only the Shared Documents folder is shared by default.

    When changing wifi security on the router you need not worry about being disconnected. You can always use a wire from the comp to the router and connect thay way and access the router again and change things back to the way they were if screwd up.
     
    TonyT,
    #10

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