 Optimus2357Premium
join:2010-11-21
West Warwick, RI
kudos:1 | reply to SoonerAl
Re: [RI] Run Home Networking Security Check? Thing is, chances are, if you know enough to run your browser in compatibility mode, you know enough to set up your network.
What I think would be cool is if they took it a step further. Allow you to save your network name and pass-phrase online. That way if you called in for support, they would have a way to help you recover that info without the liability of keeping it on file themselves. Just a though. |
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 SoonerAlPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
kudos:5
1 edit | said by Optimus2357:Thing is, chances are, if you know enough to run your browser in compatibility mode, you know enough to set up your network.
What I think would be cool is if they took it a step further. Allow you to save your network name and pass-phrase online. That way if you called in for support, they would have a way to help you recover that info without the liability of keeping it on file themselves. Just a though.
Ouch...
I'm not a big fan of that at all. I'm just a big believer in the "cloud" so to speak that is growing in popularity...
I think its best to have guidance on how to use Windows Connect Now [WCN] for Windows users (probably the majority of home users) to save off the home wireless profile on a flash drive for example. The flash drive can then be used to recover a wireless client or add a wireless client as needed.
»theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/L···nect_Now
If the client can not use WCN, ie. like a MAC or Linux client for example, the wireless key is in plain text in the \Smrtntky\Wsetting.txt file on the flash drive. Simply copy-n-paste to the client.
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"When all else fails read the instructions..."
MS-MVP Windows Expert - Consumer |
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SoonerAlPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
kudos:5 | I tested this against an unencrypted network. See the screen shot. Unfortunately the guidance on how to secure your network seems to be missing in action... 
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"When all else fails read the instructions..."
MS-MVP Windows Expert - Consumer |
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Optimus2357Premium
join:2010-11-21
West Warwick, RI
kudos:1 | reply to SoonerAl
That is a valid point, and no doubt the reason Cox has not implemented such a solution. I just don't see risk all that high, considering someone would have to be in range of your wireless network to take take advantage of knowing your pass-phrase. Also, if you had file sharing disabled, they would have to do some work to gain access to any of your files. Probably the worst they could do is lay down a client with some packet sniffing software and listen for any HTTPS traffic with perhaps some credit cards. Just out of principle though, I can see how it's still a risk.
How do you feel about routers that print their network info somewhere on the unit? I know Netgear is doing this more and more often. WCN is great (alot better then WPS) but I have still run across some compatibility issues. IE, people with special wireless clients they need to use since they have a VPN. Digging for the .txt is a great work around (I will have to remember that, thanks) but having it on the router itself makes it a lot easier. |
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SoonerAlPremium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
kudos:5
1 edit | said by Optimus2357:How do you feel about routers that print their network info somewhere on the unit? I know Netgear is doing this more and more often.
Ok...I see what you mean. The screen shot is from the example Netgear setup wizard.
»support.netgear.com/app/answers/···-through
At the end it puts an icon on your desktop with the wireless network profile information...all of it...Wow...
I guess it makes it easy for folks, but...Hmmm...
I know there are folks on the MSFT Answers forums that are freaking out about the fact Windows 7 allows you to see the encryption key in the wireless network properties. Wait till they see this for example... 
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"When all else fails read the instructions..."
MS-MVP Windows Expert - Consumer |
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