wireless and wpa

Forum: Networking
Topic: wireless and wpa
started by: EpsilonMirror

Posted by EpsilonMirror on April 10 2004,03:01

hi, i tried searching the boards and couldnt find anything. does anyone here know how to setup wpa in dsl. my wireless network uses it and i have no idea how to set things up in linux.
edit: sorry i forgot to say this but im using a dlink dwl-g650 revc it should be supported by the madwifi driver. is that in dsl?

Posted by dexdex on Feb. 08 2005,12:24

Did you find something. I have the same problem. My WLAN Router use WPA.

Posted by alcamyst on Feb. 09 2005,12:51

on other distros you need the WPA_supplicant.

Type it into google and have a look

Posted by cstalberger on Feb. 12 2005,19:33

the best way to actualy use your wireless router SAFELY, Disable WEP, and Enable Network MAC Address Filter, Allowing only Specific Devices ie Specific Network Cards, to access your network, It will look open and people can see it But will not be able to connect, Since your router will be programmed with your specific Network Card MAC Address, no matter what OS you have installed, it will give your computer access, and no one else

Posted by gmandual on Feb. 12 2005,21:08

The Madwifi drivers that came with 0.9.2 of DSL didn't seem to work with the WPA supplicant. I am running the madwifi drivers (from their CVS Snapshot in late January.) And am running the WPA supplicant. There are numerous WPA howto's on google as well as the madwifi site:
< Madwifi WPA Howto >

If you can't get it working then I would recommend running WEP, locking down your MAC addresses as well as limiting the number of IP addresses available via your DHCP config. If you only have one machine using wireless at your home/work then only allow DHCP to give out one IP.
Wep isn't perfect by any means, Mac address's are very easy to spoof, and someone in theory could always mine an IP address. But each is a layer of difficulty and is an obstacle that has to be overcommed. It is was of the basic concepts of a defense indepth architecture.
When it comes to people "hacking" your access point it is about opportunity and effort. Open access points are so prevelant these days, where NO security is implemented, that if you secure yours the best you can the people will just go after your neighbors who isn't secured.
It is sort of like the story, if I am out in the woods taking a walk with a friend, and we run accross a bear. I don't need to be able to outrun a bear, I just need to be able to outrun my friend.