Travel Router and Free Internet at DVC

[BWV Dreamin]

I purchased this router,(Linksys WTR54GS Wireless-G Travel Router +Speedbooster) which has been mentioned here on the Dis, and everyone that is using it has been very happy. My question is, its been awhile since I configured my home router. Don't I need some other network info to set up in the router when I plug in at the resorts? Also, do you guys set up a WEP?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

The router should be assigned an IP from the network DHCP server. As far as WEP... that is up to you. Do feel trusting of your DVC neighbors? Personally, I am not worried about security issues as much as bandwidth consumption through my router. With my luck I'd have a multiple users streaming netflix movies to their computers. I would use a WEP myself.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The router should be assigned an IP from the network DHCP server. As far as WEP... that is up to you. Do feel trusting of your DVC neighbors? Personally, I am not worried about security issues as much as bandwidth consumption through my router. With my luck I'd have a multiple users streaming netflix movies to their computers. I would use a WEP myself.

Thanks Rob! Okay, then nothing really more than setting the WEP up before we go, or do I need to do it on their network?. Then just hook it up with CAT5 cable (ethernet cable)from the wall ? Mine at home connects to the modem. I can't recall the wiring at this moment (have to go home and look at it).

 

[kapeman]

I would recommend you use WPA2 as WEP encryption is rather weak.

The additional overhead due to a higher level of encryption is negligible.

I have a very similar router and it is rock solid.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I would recommend you use WPA2 as WEP encryption is rather weak.

The additional overhead due to a higher level of encryption is negligible.

I have a very similar router and it is rock solid.

So Kapeman, do I set up the WPA2 before I go, or when I get there? Also, just use an ethernet cable from the wall to the back of this router and its ready to use?

 

[kapeman]

So Kapeman, do I set up the WPA2 before I go, or when I get there? Also, just use an ethernet cable from the wall to the back of this router and its ready to use?

The router config and the config on your laptop should be the same as it is at home.

As far as the physical connection, you are correct. Just plug the ethernet connection into the WAN port on the router and you should be good to go.

 

[pilferk]

At home, I use WPA2...because I don't want anyone "peeking" at what's going between the router and my PC. Banking info, CC#'s, etc..there's a LOT of personal and financial data transmitted when I'm logged on at home.

On the road, I use WEP...because largely I'm browsing the net, checking email, maybe uploading photos to Walmart if we're on vacation (and we pay when we pick up, not when we upload)...nothing overly sensitive. Mostly I'm just trying to make sure my neighbor doesn't jump on my router and steal my bandwidth, which sounds like it might be what you're worried about. They COULD, if they really put the time in, hack the encryption by force.....but the sheer number of people that could/would pretty much means I've accomplished the main objective of limiting access to my node.

So, in the end, it probably depends on what you're most comfortable with, and how you'll be using your net connection at WDW.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

At home, I use WPA2...because I don't want anyone "peeking" at what's going between the router and my PC. Banking info, CC#'s, etc..there's a LOT of personal and financial data transmitted when I'm logged on at home.

On the road, I use WEP...because largely I'm browsing the net, checking email, maybe uploading photos to Walmart if we're on vacation (and we pay when we pick up, not when we upload)...nothing overly sensitive. Mostly I'm just trying to make sure my neighbor doesn't jump on my router and steal my bandwidth, which sounds like it might be what you're worried about. They COULD, if they really put the time in, hack the encryption by force.....but the sheer number of people that could/would pretty much means I've accomplished the main objective of limiting access to my node.

So, in the end, it probably depends on what you're most comfortable with, and how you'll be using your net connection at WDW.

So what does the WPA2 do that WEP doesn't? I'll have to get my instructions out (or call Linksys) to set up the WPA2. I do have my computer name hidden from broadcast.

 

[pilferk]

So what does the WPA2 do that WEP doesn't? I'll have to get my instructions out (or call Linksys) to set up the WPA2. I do have my computer name hidden from broadcast.

It's a security issue.

WEP is much more easily hacked, because of the way it handles (or fails to handle) related key attacks. Using readily available software, you can hack a WEP key is something like 3 minutes (I think that's the figure thrown around...something like that).

WPA2 is MUCH more secure, though if you put it in PSK mode (where you specify the passphrase), it's only as strong as the passphrase you give it....an easily hackable phrase (like a true dictionary word) means you're pretty much "blowing" it's inherent superiority in security. Some routers let you use Simple Config (or whatever they call it in other router brands) to generate a good "strong" passphrase for you.

WPA was actually designed to be the replacement for WEP....because of the flaws found in WEP via cryptoanalysis.

Here's a good (if slightly simplified) explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Related-key_attack

 

[DisDaydreamer]

On the road, I use WEP...because largely I'm browsing the net, checking email, maybe uploading photos to Walmart if we're on vacation (and we pay when we pick up, not when we upload)...nothing overly sensitive. Mostly I'm just trying to make sure my neighbor doesn't jump on my router and steal my bandwidth, which sounds like it might be what you're worried about.

So, in the end, it probably depends on what you're most comfortable with, and how you'll be using your net connection at WDW.

Ditto... the laptop I bring is just a communications device/image viewer for me. Doesn't hold any sensitive info, so I am comfortable with minimum security.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

It's a security issue.

WEP is much more easily hacked, because of the way it handles (or fails to handle) related key attacks. Using readily available software, you can hack a WEP key is something like 3 minutes (I think that's the figure thrown around...something like that).

WPA2 is MUCH more secure, though if you put it in PSK mode (where you specify the passphrase), it's only as strong as the passphrase you give it....an easily hackable phrase (like a true dictionary word) means you're pretty much "blowing" it's inherent superiority in security. Some routers let you use Simple Config (or whatever they call it in other router brands) to generate a good "strong" passphrase for you.

WPA was actually designed to be the replacement for WEP....because of the flaws found in WEP via cryptoanalysis.

Here's a good (if slightly simplified) explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Related-key_attack

Ok, very good explanation. I'm not sure if my Linksys is set up for WPA2....its a Wireless G with Speedbooster. I've had it about 3 yrs now. Plus don't the wireless PCI cards in the other PC's must also be WPA2 capable? I'll have to check this out. Thanks!

 

[ZekeKelso]

Remember, don't take advice on important matters from strangers on the intertet. If you get in trouble following the advice given here, remember what you paid for it. That said.....

Most "interesting" transacation on the interest are going to be done through a secure website, with encription built into the browswer giving you a reasonable amount of protection.

As far as good/bad encription - what are the odds that somebody - who happens to be an expert hacker with the proper software - is going to be in one of the DVC units next to yours, spending their Disney time searching out wireless signals to hack?

Me? Maybe I'm naive, but I don't worry about such things. My main bit of protection is to not do anything with critical personal information from a "strange" location, whether wired or wireless.

 

[FLYNZ4]

1) I use WEP... 128 bit rather than 64.

2) I use MAC address cloning to my primary PC (laptop). This does not seem to be necessary at DVC... but some hotels try to put mechanisms to prevent router use (they want to charge for each laptop connection)... and MAC address cloning seems to solve that problem

3) I use MAC address filtering... which limits wireless access to only the set of PCs for which I specifically give access to. You need to get the MAC address from each computer you want to give access... and manually enter it into the MAC address filter table.

4) Of course... I change the login name and password to the router itself.

/Jim

 

[brianm27]

...or just bring a 25 foot ethernet cable instead.

 

[FLYNZ4]

...or just bring a 25 foot ethernet cable instead.

That doesn't work when you have multiple people with laptops who want to access the web simultaneously.

Plus... most locations (not sure about DVC) would require a separate fee for each laptop if you didn't have a router.

/Jim

 

[kapeman]

Remember, don't take advice on important matters from strangers on the intertet. If you get in trouble following the advice given here, remember what you paid for it. That said.....

Most "interesting" transacation on the interest are going to be done through a secure website, with encription built into the browswer giving you a reasonable amount of protection.

As far as good/bad encription - what are the odds that somebody - who happens to be an expert hacker with the proper software - is going to be in one of the DVC units next to yours, spending their Disney time searching out wireless signals to hack?

Me? Maybe I'm naive, but I don't worry about such things. My main bit of protection is to not do anything with critical personal information from a "strange" location, whether wired or wireless.

Yes, but the encryption keeps someone from using your Internet access without paying for it.

Setup a laptop somewhere and see how many unprotected SSIDs are out there that anyone can use for free. It also wouldn't take much for some script kiddie to drop a worm or virus on the wireless LAN as well.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Remember, don't take advice on important matters from strangers on the intertet. If you get in trouble following the advice given here, remember what you paid for it. That said.....

Most "interesting" transacation on the interest are going to be done through a secure website, with encription built into the browswer giving you a reasonable amount of protection.

As far as good/bad encription - what are the odds that somebody - who happens to be an expert hacker with the proper software - is going to be in one of the DVC units next to yours, spending their Disney time searching out wireless signals to hack?

Me? Maybe I'm naive, but I don't worry about such things. My main bit of protection is to not do anything with critical personal information from a "strange" location, whether wired or wireless.

I understand completely where you are coming from. I am buying this router for our DVC trips only. I feel setting up a WEP will be secure enough for our purposes. I will not be paying bills online, nor purchasing items. The purpose is to primarily check email, chat on Disboards, and let the DS'a get online to their websites. I will disable the SSID broadcast once I set everything up. I have never done the MAC address thing, so I don't know if its necessary or not for this purpose.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

1) I use WEP... 128 bit rather than 64.

2) I use MAC address cloning to my primary PC (laptop). This does not seem to be necessary at DVC... but some hotels try to put mechanisms to prevent router use (they want to charge for each laptop connection)... and MAC address cloning seems to solve that problem

3) I use MAC address filtering... which limits wireless access to only the set of PCs for which I specifically give access to. You need to get the MAC address from each computer you want to give access... and manually enter it into the MAC address filter table.

4) Of course... I change the login name and password to the router itself.

/Jim

Do you think you could PM me with the instructions on the MAC address filtering? I'm sure its not that hard, I know where to find the MAC addresses. I've just never gone into the area on the router for this.

 

[ZekeKelso]

Yes, but the encryption keeps someone from using your Internet access without paying for it.

Setup a laptop somewhere and see how many unprotected SSIDs are out there that anyone can use for free. It also wouldn't take much for some script kiddie to drop a worm or virus on the wireless LAN as well.

I've never worried about someone using my internet access without paying for it on vacation. Disney provides more than enough bandwidth - cal me naive, but I doubt the guy next door is going to be running a pirate radio station out of their DVC room. If someone can get free internet access, I'm happy for them.

As for a script kiddie to drop a worm or virus on the wireless LAN - that's a different issue. With my laptop at least, it would be impossible, with no shared useful directories. To me security is about how I use the computer and not about trusting the line to be secure.

NOTE - this is just what I do; not a recommendation for others.

 

[FLYNZ4]

Do you think you could PM me with the instructions on the MAC address filtering? I'm sure its not that hard, I know where to find the MAC addresses. I've just never gone into the area on the router for this.

This is the proceedure I use for my Lynksys travel router. To enable MAC address filtering, do the following for each laptop:

1) Log into router

a) Address = http://192.168.16.1
b) Login = your username
b) PW = Your secret password​

2) Wireless tab
3) Mac address filter tab
4) Add Mac address from new laptop to be added

a) To get MAC address from new laptop to be added:
b) Start - run – command – ipconfig/all (use wireless MAC)​

Only laptops specifically listed in the MAC address filter table will be able to connect to your network.

/Jim