I How do I set up password protection on my home wireless network?

I want to make it necessary to enter a password in order to access my wireless internet.

Public Comments

1. just set up mac filtering and no one will be able to use your access point but the mac addresses you enter. also setup wep encryption to scramble the info being transfered from your laptop and the router and turn off broadcasting so that your neighborhood does't see your access point is even there.
2. do let me know abt that........
3. There's two things you can do: 1. Set up mac filtering, which closes your network off to all computers except the ones you tell the router to permit. No password is needed for that, but if you have guests with laptops once in a while, or family that comes and goes, you should choose #2. 2. You can set a password with the WEP encryption option. It doesn't lock out computers automatically, but only computers with the right access password can use the internet connection. Better choice if you have laptops. Either way, you'll need to get into your router's control program to activate it. Also make sure that all the computers using the connection at this time are set to enter the password automatically or are identified by the router (depends on which option you use). There should be more detailed help in your instruction book that is with the router (if it has one).
4. Click this link and it should take you to your router's configruation page http://192.168.1.1 If that doesnt work try this: http://192.168.0.1 If neither works try other variations for the last 2 numbers Once it loads the configuration page find the wireless options area. In there should be something about security/protection that has options for WEP or WPA. Pick WPA (may be WPA-PSK, meaning Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) and type in a password where prompted. To make it even more secure look for something called Access List, or Allowed Devices, or something simillar and click Add. If it doesn't give you your Mac address you'll need to find it (forgot how, try System Properties) and type it in. Now only your computer will be allowed to connect even if someone else gets the password
5. ok first things first, every answer so far is not sufficient. I'm not saying they aren't right but they just aren't sufficient. Two, it's a little difficult to say how to lock down your router because each vendor is a little different. Three, mac filtering is nice and all but its still not enough security. You give me 5 minutes with a router with only mac filtering and i'll have all the data i need to do damage. The idea is not to use just one layer of security but multiple ones. As far as using WEP, don't, it's just too weak these days. At the least you need WPA but preferrably WPA2. Once that is setup then you can go ahead and do your mac filtering. Once that is complete i would even suggest going as far as disabling your SSID, but only after you've connected your workstations. This is three layers of security on top of whatever software layers you've implemented such as intrusion dectection systems and of course your antivirus. The idea is to make it not worthwhile for hackers/crackers to get into your network, they are usually looking for a quick fix and an idiot that leaves his/her network wide open. I would suggest reading the manual that came with your router as it will instruct you on how to properly secure your network. Good luck