ISP supplied wireless not secure??

I've just had the most amazing 32 hours in my life, all without sleep.
I've been trying to make an (ISP supplied) DSL modem/wireless router
work in wireless mode. And, I need some help::>

The modem/router in question is a Starbridge Networks Linx L-510. The
website is www.Starbridgenetworks.com.

The bulk of my problems making it work were related to the wireless
receiver in the laptop, the router itself functions fine as supplied
by the ISP.

BUT.........apparently Starbridge Networks never heard of wireless
security.

The 2 selectable security options are 'none' and WEP with a user
definable key. There are no settings for WPA anything!

So, after I spent all this time making the wireless in the laptop
work, I went to enable the WPA in order to secure my wireless. I
understand this has to be done on both ends of the wireless link. Note
that I AM NOT trying to connect 2 or more computers together, my sole
interest in wireless is to allow the laptop to roam around my
house...I believe the proper term is 'Internet Connection Sharing'.

So, here's what I found when I attempted to modify the wireless setup
for improved security.

1) No WPA setting available.*

2) The wireless protocol supported is never mentioned in the
documentation, I strongly suspect it's not 802.11g.

3) There is no company address, website or tech support number listed
in any of the documentation for the router. I only found the website
by googleing.

4) Even on the website, there is no company address given and no tech
support number or any other form of contact.

5) The quick Start hardcopy that comes with the modem is a joke-not
that unusual::> BUT.......

6) The full installation and documentation manual (supplied on disk)
also does not list a website, company address or contact information.
Not even warranty information is supplied.

7) The website doesn't have a search engine and my model number is not
listed. No information is available about my router-no drivers etc.

8) The box is a plain brown box with a few stickers on it, although I
confess one of those does have the website listed.

*Only WEP with user assignable key is available.

I realize this is most likely an OEM model, which is why there are 'no
frills'.....but, my ISP charged me a damn high price to install and
lease this modem, and I'm seriously wondering whether I should send it
back and tell them NO THANKS.

My initial intention was to have a router that provided 802.11g (WPA)
security and to pay their price for the hardware lease so that the
hardware would be supported by them. It appears that security is NOT
available in this model, and why the ISP is distributing wireless
routers that aren't even mildly secure is beyond my comprehension.

So, should I send it back and ask for my money back? That would mean I
would have to buy a modem/router and set it up myself without their
support.

Appreciate any suggestions.

A

INFO:

Domain Name.......... starbridgenetworks.com
Creation Date........ 2003-08-03
Registration Date.... 2003-08-03
Expiry Date.......... 2006-08-03
Organisation Name.... Starbridge Networks L.L.C.
Organisation Address. 3265 Meridian Parkway
Organisation Address.
Organisation Address. Weston
Organisation Address. 33331
Organisation Address. Florida
Organisation Address. UNITED STATES

Admin Name........... Web Master
Admin Address........ 3265 Meridian Parkway
Admin Address........
Admin Address........ Weston
Admin Address........ 33331
Admin Address........ Florida
Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
Admin Email.......... (E-Mail Removed)
Admin Phone.......... +1.9543341390
Admin Fax............ +1.9543341395

Tech Name............ Web Master
Tech Address......... 3265 Meridian Parkway
Tech Address.........
Tech Address......... Weston
Tech Address......... 33331
Tech Address......... Florida
Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
Tech Email........... (E-Mail Removed)
Tech Phone........... +1.9543341390
Tech Fax............. +1.9543341395
Name Server.......... A.NS.INTERLAND.NET
Name Server.......... B.NS.INTERLAND.NET
Name Server.......... C.NS.INTERLAND.NET

Also without WPA support send it back.

JM

"Ari" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...

<SNIP>

Send it back and go get a proper SOHO router.

Thanks JM and Riggor.

I kinda felt the same way, but wanted to check in case I missed
something. I'm new to the security issue, but can only assume this is
either a very poorly and unsupported product OR that it is an OEM
product.

My guess is that it is probably more than 2 years old and not flash
firmware up-datable. The joke is on my ISP I suspect, they insisted on
me paying to have this router installed because it was wireless and
they wanted to make sure my setup was secure!!!!!! I wonder how many
of my neighbors are running these things with no idea that the
encryption is nearly worthless::>

They probably bought them for 2 dollars each on ebay::>

Again thanks for the input.

A



>
><SNIP>
>
>Send it back and go get a proper SOHO router.
>

"Ari" wrote in message ...
> I've just had the most amazing 32 hours in my life, all without sleep.
> I've been trying to make an (ISP supplied) DSL modem/wireless router
> work in wireless mode. And, I need some help::>

Most ISP's lease dated wireless hardware so they can make as much $$ as
possible.

Seriously, just go and buy your own wireless hardware. It will eventually
pay for itself, you will know exactly what you are getting, and at the end
of the day you own all of it.