Category Archives: Networking

Try an OpenWRT Wireless Distribution System (WDS) to Extend Your Network

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My home network is based on a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) that runs on two Linksys WRT54G wireless routers that have been flashed with OpenWRT open source firmware (currently Whiterussion RC5).

Last year I was forced to move up to the second floor of the house due to the noise generated by 3 kids under the age of 7. Yeah, the house is noisy. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the foresight to run ethernet cable upstairs back in 1999 so I had a bit of a problem: How do I get my Shaw cable modem connection from the basement ot the second floor? (I’ve had it with Telus – DSL was not an option) Continue reading →

OpenDNS: I’m a happy camper

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I gave OpenDNS a shot after lifehacker (one of my favorite tech sites) included it in their “Best apps of 2006“. I’ve got to say that I’m pretty happy with it.

One of my pet peeves when surfing is waiting for DNS lookups. My ISP’s DNS servers are not always the fastest and I’ve found my browsing is significantly faster since switching. I also like the fact that OpenDNS automatically corrects my spelling mistakes when I’m typing URI’s into the browser bar (e.g. “www.amazon.cmo” is auto-magically fixed to “www.amazon.com”). Finally, I like the fact that OpenDNS has integrated anti-phishing technology to protect all the computers on my network from phishing scams. The service also adds a number of nice features for network administrators on corporate networks.

Setup is really easy. All you have to do is change the DNS settings on your router or computer. That’s all there is to it.

Downsides? I suppose if you’re the paranoid type you could be worried about potential privacy issues with OpenDNS tracking your surfing habits. But then, your ISP can do that too, so that doesn’t really hold much water.

Overall, I’m really pleased and I’ll be keeping my networks pointed at the OpenDNS DNS servers for the foreseeable future.

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Network Security

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So you’ve just started a new business, and have a million things to worry about; computer security is the last thing on your mind. But it shouldn’t be–malware and other threats have the power to bring a small business to its knees. Here is a guide to the most common network security threats and how to prevent them.

An excellent overview of the potential computer security threats that should be of concern to all businesses. How do you rank?

read more | digg story

Your wireless network (probably) isn’t secure

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Does your company have a wireless network? If so, then there is an excellent chance that you have a gaping security hole in your network.

Let’s start with the obvious: Wireless networks are inherently less secure than wired networks for obvious reaons. A hacker who wants to hack your wired network has to plug into your network. A hacker who wants to hack your wireless network just has to park outside.

The only way to secure a wireless network is to encrypt the data that moves across it. The first attempt to secure 802.11 networks was called WEP. And for many of you, that is the only kind of encryption that your wireless access point/router supports. Unfortunately, it turns out that WEP encryption is really easy to crack: How to Crack Wep

WPA was designed to solve the problems in WEP. Its not “un-crackable” but it is a significant improvement on WEP. If your wireless access point has WPA ability then this is what you should be using.

Securing Wireless Networks
So do we just throw wireless networks out the window? No, there are several things that can be done to secure your wireless network.

Segment your network – Your wireless network should ideally be treated as less trustworthy than your wired network. Computers that connect to your wireless network should not automatically have the same access to network resources as wired computers do.

VPN – Encrypt the data that you send over the wireless network using VPN technology. This way, if someone is able to infiltrate your wireless network, at least the data travelling over the network is still encrypted.

Upgrade to “Enterprise” grade WPA – If you bought your wireless access point at Best Buy or Futureshop then it is a consumer grade solution. These typically employ preshared keys and are much easier to crack than enterprise grade WPA solutions. While enterprise class solutions are more expensive, I think your network security is worth it.

Conclusion
If you must run a wireless network, then it is worth taking the extra steps to ensure that your network is secure. Don’t just assume that your wireless network is secure because it almost certainly is not.