My wireless network can be flaky at times, probably thanks to interference from other networks and devices. If you have an unreliable wireless connection, it could be because you’re not on the optimal wireless channel for your router and environment. Did you know that your Mac has a built-in tool to find the best wireless channel? The trick involves using the Wireless Diagnostics Utilities app that comes with your Mac.
One of the bigger security-related stories over the past week concerns a vulnerability in WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). WPS is designed to be an easy way for inexperienced users to set up a secure network, using methods such as inputing a PIN from your router into your computer or other device. The problem is that the PIN, which is 8 digits long, is susceptible to brute force attacks. In fact, a free tool named Reaver can crack that PIN in just a few hours. This vulnerability exists regardless of the kind of security you’re using on your network, so even WPA2 is at risk. This means that the kid next door could get Reaver running, go off and watch a movie, and a few hours later he is in your network. The solution? Turn off WPS. Unfortunately, you can’t do this with modern Linksys routers.
As technology increasingly creeps into our lives, we have more devices that require Internet or network connectivity. In the past, many of us had a computer or two on our networks. Now, we have gaming consoles, DVR’s, streaming devices, and more. In my house, I count 10 devices that regularly connect to my network, not counting my smartphone. How many devices are connected to your network? What types of devices are connected? Let us know in the comments.
