How do I protect my home wireless network from being used by neighbors?

I have cable internet and a linksys wireless router to connect my desk and family computers. The installation tech for the cable modem said I had such a good connection with the wireless system that in my small development, other wireless cards might accidentally link with my network. How do I prevent this?

Public Comments

1. I think if you activate a password, no one who doesn't know it can use your network.
2. well my bf has a wireless card and we did get some receptions but unless such person has your password and ip address i dont think they are able to use your connection.
3. password protect your system
4. make it a security network, 4 them to get internet (w/ the security) they need 2 no the wep enri[ition
5. Use WEP (wireless encryption protocol). It's built in on most Linksys routers. Go into the router's settings through your browser and go to the security tab. From there, you can enable WEP. You have to choose the key for it (a combination of numbers and letters). Then, you have to program this number into your wireless cards. Once you try to connect, Windows will say that it's a secure wireless network and ask for the WEP key. This is where you input the key you chose. If you have other questions about enabling security/WEP, I know that Linksys has 24 hour tech support for free. Also try their website www.linksys.com for documentation on those things.
6. Look on the bottom of unit for a 8 or 10 digit number and the letters WEP. That is the code # to encrypt your network.
7. Hello, you can visit linksys.com and search the support tab for WEP encryption. Alternativaly, open Internet Explorer on any Computer, the in the address bar type in 192.168.1.1 and hit enter. It will then ask you for a username and password. User name is blank and password is usally admin. Once your in look for WEP encryption or security. Click on enable, and it will then ask you to enter the WEP Key (Wireless Encrypted Password). You can either enter 10 Numbers for 5 Letters, or even a pass phrase sometimes. Hit save, the router will reboot and viola, your done. Good luck.
8. Use WPA instead of WEP if your router is older and doesn't have wpa then use WEP. Secondly, of course change the password on the router itself. Next, change the default ssid and change it so that the ssid is not broadcast. Finally, set it up so that only certain MAC address are able to access the network (yourself included :) ). You really should do all these things to make your home network secure, you really shouldn't pick and choose.
9. call linksys customer support... they can walk you through the process of adding a password (13digit code.) It's NOT intuitive, but they can help you (in an Indian accent.) :)