Vista - in DEPTH help on how to set up security for linksys WRT54G2 wireless routers security

I need someone to give help on how to set up security for this router right down to the littlest of things. Dont tell me to call costomer service because they were useless to me. I have NO IDEA how to set one of these things up. Do I change the ip address? How do I change the ip address of the router. YOU walk me through every bit of it!

here are the details- I have a desktop computer hooked up to a vonage device hooked up to a modem.

the router will ONLY BE USED FOR my Ps3, Nintendo ds and wii. NOTHING ELSE, NO COMPUTERS NO NOTHING BESIDES THOSE 3 things. I want security, but I want my ps3, ds and wii to be able to access it. Ok here we go- I need this thing to be set up as soon as possible....................

What does the manual say that came with the router, I've heard that Linksys have very good instructions for setting them up and I believe they have a very good web site were you can get good support.

Sorry I can't help further as I have no experience with Linksys routers, I did find this starting point for you.

Linksys.com - Support / Country Selection

Hi GreatNate,

Here is a link to the main webpage for your router: Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G2
Check the User Guide link under More Information.

Here is how I would do it:

Acess the router, by using ethernet cable. Restart. The router instructions should tell you the IP to enter in your search bar (if not search online for example, "linksys router IP")

http://192.168.1.1/

Find the following and Configure:

1. Block anonymous internet requests
2.You can disable SSID Broadcast (I leave mine enabled though-as it makes it easier to reconnect to network in the event I repair/disconnect from network)
3. Do not use default router SSID- change it
4.generate key for WPA/PSK or WPA1 with a randomly manual generated 20+ digit string consisting of Numbers/symbols/letters/caps/lower case-Not an auto generated string Do not use WEP. (back it up, and
store it somewhere safe- like a encrypted/protected drive)
5.Enable MAC Filtering to allow only those IP's you add to the access list (i.e., networked computers, Ps3, Nintendo ds and wii)
note-to do this: disable mac filtering cannect all devices (turn them on) a MAC address will be generated- then "enable" mac filter to "allow" only these devices.
6. Disable remote Admin/Disable Remote upgrade/Disable UPnP
7. Set alpha/numeric random password to router that is no less than 8 digits.
8. I set my IP to be obtained automatically, and my key to auto-renew daily by default

If you router offers WPA2 encryption use this as it is more secure than either WEP or WPA PSK.

Futher info-
No one will see your SSID (network name) if you disable broadcast. There are many free programs that can hack WEP/WPA PSK (pre-shared keys). The trick to prevent someone gaining access to your network/piggingbacking is to:

1. Change the SSID from Linksys to say Qrtf1 (for example)
2. Do not use WEP, do not use a PSK key that is easily cracked like "protection"/ "Johns Computer"/"Home Network"/ "creative"/"micheal", (common phrases/names/anything found in a dictionary), etc., as WPA/PSK is as easily broken as WEP-unless you use a long randomly generated Pre-shared key like this-

i.e., 0z417swWM1'@((H#3$J]{,GOBW248+_@#fsdVXPq34012

and a router password like this:

i.e., 2j73Sq9obW

and it is very easy to enable MAC for only your networked devices- and block all others. If your router offers it use WPA1
Setting up your Wireless like this and disabling remote Admin, makes changing the Router IP superfluous-even if you broadcast your SSID. A long random key, and alpha numeric password make it virtually impossible to crack, and provides optimal security. Blocking anonymous requests to your router makes your computer invisable to any "pings" that are used on the Internet to locate Pc's/routers for the purpose of hacking, or attacking or in the event of unpatched vulnerabilites looking for systems to infect with malware. The router, even if located, will appear to be your PC on the Interent offering even more protection with the Hardware firewall as all attacks will be directed to it as opposed to your computer(s). This is something even hardwired PC's need for better security. Computers connected directly to the Modem are most suceptable to Pinging and hacking attacks.

wow thats so helpful, thanks for the in depth reply. what if I get a new game device like a nintendo wii. Do I then just

1- disable mac filtering and connect wii to router
2-re-enable mac filtering and connect wii to internet whenever I like

Yes disable so all devices can connect

Note- maybe I misinformed you; Ethernet connected devices will not be assigned MAC address (only the wireless devices using the encrypted key).

is wpa1 compatible with ps3 ds and wii?

yes (sort of)-

See the WPA1/WEP/WPA encryption is only for the wireless devices. Any game systems will most likely be connected directly to the router (ethernet), and therefore will not use the encryption, but will have the advantage of the Router firewall.

I will be connecting them wirelessly though?

If they are connected to the router wirelessly they will be under the encryption/MAC protection. If you plug them in, they will not.