User's Manual

Reference Manual for the ProSafe Wireless 802.11g Firewall/Print Server Model FWG114P
4-2 Wireless Configuration
M-10177-01
Implement Appropriate Wireless Security
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and
can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of
your wireless equipment. The FWG114P Wireless Firewall/Print Server provides highly effective
security features which are covered in detail in this chapter.
Figure 4-1: FWG114P wireless data security options
There are several ways you can enhance the security of you wireless network.
• Restrict Access Based on MAC Address. You can allow only trusted PCs to connect so that
unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the FWG114P. Restricting access by MAC address
adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the
wireless link is fully exposed.
• Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID. If you disable broadcast of
the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies the wireless
network ‘discovery’ feature of some products such as Windows XP, but the data is still fully
exposed.
• WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption will block all but the most determined
eavesdropper.
Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11 wireless networks at ranges of 300
feet or more. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate area to
access your network.
1) Open System: Easy but no security
2) MAC Access List: No data security
3) WEP: Security but some performance impact
Wireless Data
Security Options
Range: Up to 300 Feet
12VDC, 1.0A
4321
INTERN ET
LOCA L
10/100M
USB
MODEM
FWG114P