NETGEAR DGND3300 - Manual (Page 27)

RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Modem Router DGND3300 User Manual
Safeguarding Your Network 2-3
v1.0, March 2009
• If using multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between
adjacent access points is 5 channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.
Wireless Security Options
Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks at a maximum range of up to 300
feet. Such distances can allow for others outside your immediate area to access your network.
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 Dual Band Wireless-N Modem Router provides highly effective
security features which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features
appropriate to your needs.
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network:
• WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption block all but the most determined eavesdropper.
This data encryption mode has been superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
• WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES). Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) using a pre-shared
key to perform authentication and generate the initial data encryption keys. The very strong
authentication along with dynamic per frame re-keying of WPA makes it virtually impossible
to compromise.
Figure 2-1
Wireless data
security options
Range: up to 300 foot radius
1) Open system: easy but no security.
2) WEP: security, but some performance impact.
3) WPA-PSK: strong security.
4) WPA2-PSK: very strong security.