WAP Security Issues

First of all I'm new to wireless and I've been researching and asking the "so-called pc experts" on my problem with trying to secure my WAP(Wireless Access Point),if it is even possible ? I have a Linksys (model NR041)4 port hard wired router from my cable modem,I have a SMC (model 2655W) wireless access point hooked into my router,the IBM Thinkpad Laptop I use has a D-Link Air Card(model DWL-650).My company supplied me with the WAP so I can use the laptop wireless,I have no software for the SMC WAP,it broadcast 800' from my house, Is there any way I can set up the router to make the WAP secure ?,anyone within a block of my house can access my network.I talked to a guy that said I'd have to buy a wireless router and scrap my current set-up or uplug the WAP when not in use(I'd rather not do that!),I have also sent a few e-mails to support at Linksys and SMC and still haven't heard a response,I can't find any info on this in the forums or the archives,so I'm hoping the experts here in the alt.internet.wireless community can help me out-any and all replies will deeply be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

800' seems like a wildly excessive range for any home/SOHO wifi gear. I
looked up the distance table for the SMC 2655W. You can find it www.smc.com,
just search on the product name 2655W. All the other manuals are also here.

The maximum claimed range outdoors goes up to 1800', but the range varies
from 80 to 180 feet for APs operating indoors, where the signal passes
through building materials. Of course, results will vary with materials, but
I'd be surprised if somebody can really snatch your signal at 800' without
an antenna.

Anyway, according to the manual, configuration for the 2655W can be done
either via a utility (which you say you don't have), or via a web page (a
standard method for most home/SOHO equipment). The admin web page is at
192.168.2.50, default password "default" (you should change this
immediately). 2655W supports 128-bit WEP, and so does your D-Link client
adapter. Read the 2655W manual for details on how to configure 128-bit WEP
on the AP.

"ktblair" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news7nuc.19135$js4.7011@attbi_s51...
First of all I'm new to wireless and I've been researching and asking the
"so-called pc experts" on my problem with trying to secure my WAP(Wireless
Access Point),if it is even possible ? I have a Linksys (model NR041)4 port
hard wired router from my cable modem,I have a SMC (model 2655W) wireless
access point hooked into my router,the IBM Thinkpad Laptop I use has a
D-Link Air Card(model DWL-650).My company supplied me with the WAP so I can
use the laptop wireless,I have no software for the SMC WAP,it broadcast 800'
from my house, Is there any way I can set up the router to make the WAP
secure ?,anyone within a block of my house can access my network.I talked to
a guy that said I'd have to buy a wireless router and scrap my current
set-up or uplug the WAP when not in use(I'd rather not do that!),I have also
sent a few e-mails to support at Linksys and SMC and still haven't heard a
response,I can't find any info on this in the forums or the archives,so I'm
hoping the experts here in the alt.internet.wireless community can help me
out-any and all replies will deeply be
appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

ktblair wrote:

> First of all I'm new to wireless and I've been researching and asking the "so-called pc experts" on my problem with trying to secure my WAP(Wireless Access Point),if it is even possible ? I have a Linksys (model NR041)4 port hard wired router from my cable modem,I have a SMC (model 2655W) wireless access point hooked into my router,the IBM Thinkpad Laptop I use has a D-Link Air Card(model DWL-650).My company supplied me with the WAP so I can use the laptop wireless,I have no software for the SMC WAP,it broadcast 800' from my house, Is there any way I can set up the router to make the WAP secure ?,anyone within a block of my house can access my network.I talked to a guy that said I'd have to buy a wireless router and scrap my current set-up or uplug the WAP when not in use(I'd rather not do that!),I have also sent a few e-mails to support at Linksys and SMC and still haven't heard a response,I can't find any info on this in the forums or the archives,so I'm hoping the exper
ts here in the alt.internet.wireless community can help me out-any and all replies will deeply be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

Security is not a yes or no thing. Security comes in various levels. For
most SOHO use, enabling WPA or WEP is adequate if you change the passkeys
from time to time.
--
Cheers, Bob