Protect your wireless connection by making your network password-encrypted.
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
Wireless network routers transmit an Internet signal from the modem to computing devices around your home or office without the use of an Ethernet cable. While one of the main advantages of a Wi-Fi connection is portability, a wireless network can pose problems if the signal is not protected. If you suspect or know a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi signal, activate a simple network password encryption to stop anyone from using your Internet connection without your permission.
Step 1
Launch a Web browser of your choice and type "192.168.1.1" in the address bar. Press the "Enter" key to access your router control panel.
Step 2
Enter the username and password to your personal router control panel account. If this is your first time on the account, the default entry for both password and username is generally "admin." If this does not work, consult your router manual for the username and password.
Step 3
Click the "Wireless Security" tab and choose the WPA wireless encryption. As of 2011, the "WPA-PSK" encryption type is the most modern and secure wireless security encryption and is almost impenetrable with modern computers.
Step 4
Enter a password in the text box next to the "password" label. For greatest security, use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Click the "Apply Changes" or "Save Changes" button to save your password and activate the encryption.
Step 5
Restart your computer and attempt to connect using your wireless network. Instead of automatically connecting, it will now ask your WPA password.
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privacy & security protectedReferences
- Microsoft at Home: How to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network
Photo Credits
- Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
