Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
connect a single PC, you can connect it directly to the Ethernet port. However, if it doesn't include a
router, you need to connect the Ethernet port on the modem to the WAN port on a router and then
connect your PC or network to the router.
To determine whether your modem includes a router, consult the manufacturer documentation. If the
modem includes a DHCP server and NAT functionality, it has a router. If not, it's just a bare modem
with no built-in router.
To secure your network, do the following:
• Change the default password for the router's administrator.
• Change the default SSID for a wireless router—An unauthorized user can look up
documentation for a router based on the default SSID and learn default passwords, IP
addresses, and other information that can be used to hack your network.
• Use WPA2 encryption with a strong encryption key on your wireless router; all connections to
the router must provide the same SSID, encryption type, and encryption key to make a
connection.
• Configure wireless routers to accept only wired connections for management (viewing or
changing settings).
• Log the MAC address of users who connect to the network and check periodically for
unfamiliar devices; use the MAC address filter feature to block unauthorized network devices.
• Limit the number of IP addresses to those you actually need for your client PCs and devices. If
your router is configured to supply more IP addresses than devices, unauthorized users can use
them.
• Use the Public or block all incoming traffic firewall option for Internet connections made in
public places to block all unsolicited incoming traffic.
• With Windows 7/8, use the Home firewall option for a home network (especially if you are
going to set up a homegroup).
• With Windows 7/8 or Windows Vista, use the Work or Office firewall options for other types
of workgroup networks.
• If only Windows 7/8 users and supported devices are on a home network, set up a homegroup,
which is a secure network.
Having a Backup Plan in Case of Service Interruptions
Because no high-speed connection is immune to service interruptions, you should consider having
some type of backup plan in place in case of a significant service outage.
If you have a cell phone with 3G or 4G wireless service, you can in many cases use your it as a
modem by activating a feature called
tethering
. This normally works by having your cell phone
connected to your PC via a USB connection combined with software from the cell phone provider,
manufacturer, or a third-party application. The software establishes the device as a network
connection, which you can then enable and use to go online. The support and fees for tethering vary,
so contact your cell phone provider to find out about tethering plans available to you. While they can
be expensive, in an emergency you can temporarily activate the tethering service, and then deactivate
it when it is no longer necessary.
