The Basics of HOME NETWORKS

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The Basics ofHOME NETWORKS

• Capstone Technologies Group
• Brian Sammons

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Why a home network?

• Share an internet connection between multiple
  computers.
• Share files and devices between computers
• Better security by using a hardware firewall.

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Choose Your Technology

• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n (coming)

• Wired Network
• Wireless Network

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Wired vs. Wireless

• Wired Network
• Secure
• Cheaper equipment
• More reliable
• Faster data transfer
• Run cable in walls or along baseboards
• May need a professional
• Good for new construction

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Wired vs. Wireless

• Wireless Network
• Mobility, Mobility, Mobility
• Slower data speeds?
• More expensive?
• Inherently insecure

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802.11a vs. 802.11b

• 802.11a
• Uses the less crowded 5Ghz spectrum
• Accommodates more users
• Data speeds up to 54Mbps
• High absorption rate (easily blocked by walls and
  objects)
• Operating range 150ft
• Not compatible with 802.11b protocol
• Components are expensive

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802.11a vs. 802.11b

• 802.11b
• Uses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrum
• Data speeds up to 11 Mbps (biggest disadvantage)
• 300ft operating range
• Low absorption rate (travels through walls and
  objects)

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802.11g

• 802.11g
• Compatible with both 802.11a and 802.11b networks
• Uses the overcrowded 2.4 GHz spectrum.
• Data speeds up to 54 Mbps
• 300ft operating range
• Low absorption rate (travels through walls and
  objects)

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802.11n

• Approximately 1 year away (2005-6)
• Frequency most likely the 5GHz range, meaning
  possible compatibility with 802.11a
• Throughput to match highest possible data rates-
  (raise the effective throughput of WLANs to at
  least 100M bps)
• Defining standardized modifications to the 802.11
  physical layers and MAC layers, which will
  improve not just data rates but also actual data
  throughput

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Network Set up Demo

• Linksys
• Belkin
• DLink
• Microsoft

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Securing my wireless network

• Change the defaults!
• Enable WEP
• MAC Address filtering
• Disable DHCP
• Change the IP Subnet

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Change the defaults!

• Change the default SSID
• (Service Set IDentifier)
• Disable SSID Broadcast
• Change the default username and password
• Default password lists commonly available, just
  Google default password list
• http//www.phenoelit.de/dpl/dpl.html

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Enable WEP

• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a protocol used
  for encrypting packets on a wireless network. It
  uses a 64-bit (or 256-bit, depending on the
  vendor) shared key algorithm. Using WEP will
  increase the protection on your data, but doing
  so will reduce the effective data rates.
• Truly secure? Nope!

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MAC Address Filtering

• Only MAC addresses that have been registered with
  the wireless access point are able to gain access
  to your network.
• You can usually locate the MAC address of your
  network card on the device itself.

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Disable DHCP

• Use static IP addresses if the number of users on
  the network is small. Turning off DHCP will
  prevent wireless sniffers from seeing the IP
  addresses being used.

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Change the IP Subnet

• Most wireless routers use the default 192.168.1.0
  or 192.168.0.1 network. It is easy for people to
  guess the IP addresses used and illegally gain
  access to the network.

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OK, Ive done all that

• Whats next?
• How secure am I now?

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Wardriving / Warchalking

• http//www.bitshift.org/wardriving.shtml
• Whats needed?
• Whos doing it?
• Am I at risk?

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Hotspots in the area

• Lots of unsecured homes/businesses
• www.wifimaps.com
• www.wardriving.com

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Conclusion

• Thank you for your time!
• Capstone Technologies Group
• Brian Sammons