joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Is there a cable wireless router out there, that I can just switch off at the plug when I don't want to transmit wireless?
At the mooment, my Linksys HR200 must be connected to my Virgin router via a cable. If I just turn the wireless router off, it cancels the connection.

GaryCat

Unscrew the aerial ?

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Yes, there are several that can do this. BT are selling one that I worked on recently that had a big separate switch that could do this.

In addition the more common method is to go into the setup of the wireless router where you can disable all wireless functions. You would also want a light on the front panel of the router to verify that this has worked.

You would have to check on an individual basis for any router you were buying if these features were present. You may even need to email the manufacturer or download the routers manual to be sure before purchase. This kind of info is often not really highlighted unfortunately.

mart360

If i recall the Netgear dg834 has the ability to disable wireless, and also the belkin i have does too..


in the wireless settings, it give the various specs,, b, g, & off

if you select off, its perminant, until you enter the router firmware and re enable it.

You know if it works, as the wireless light on the front of the router goes out...













































oh and the mrs shouts at you as well




MArt

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Thanks for the replies.
The router I have does not have an aerial.
Also, I know how to access the settings to turn of the wireless options, but, I'd rather turn off the actual unit. But doing this disables my internet connection, even though I am still using my modem.
This is not an all in one wireless modem like BT, with cable you still need a modem, with the wireless router. So its TWO units that need to be on for the wireless, but I only want one when I don't want to use wireless.

mart360

the wireless router should have its own ip address, just look on the bottom, or google the make.

once you can access the firmware, it should be a matter of ticking a box


Mart

scoobynewbie72

iTrader: (1)

I have a BT2091 (not on Bt anymore) as said above I go into settings and just uncheck wireless, then the light on the front goes out,
http://192.168.1.1/ seems a common way to get into settings.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

I have no problem accessing the firmware. I did this to set my WEP, change the SSID, limit access to pre-defined MAC addresses only etc.
My issue is being able to turn of the wireless router itself, rather than just the wireless option.

mart360

Hmm

why the need to turn of the wireless router?, surely once its disabled, then bobs your?


Mart

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

WEP is useless, use WPA, If the router does not have WPA then I would honestly suggest you place it in the bin. Thats not a joke or scaremongering btw.

It is widely accepted that WEP is a broken security method, even by the people that made it.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

energy saving mostly. Seems a waste to have it on and not use the wireless part.

As for the WEP, thats all it has. The only WPA settings that are on it are WPA personal, to set my own passphrase.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

WPA personal is a lot more secure than WEP. WEP is also just a passphrase.

RoadrunnerV2

As Luminous has already mentioned, use WPA-PSK if you can.

One thing, WPA-PSK is only secure as the passphase it's based on. I recommend using a Generate a Secure Password - kurtm.net

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

RR's suggestion is a very good one. However, personally, I don't like online password generators. The password will be delivered to you down your unencrypted connection. You can also call me cynical, but when you generate your password at their site, they also know your IP

There is a free offline tool that can be used to generate passwords called KeePass. Its primary purpose is to store all your passwords, but there is a password generator in there. Of course there will be other tools, but I always have that with me for my passwords anyway.

EDIT: rr's suggestion is better than I gave hime credit for, assuming you believe what the website owner has written. There is no reason why the code could not be sent back to him even if his javascript is generating it offline

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Cheers guys. I've disconnected the router manually. I did use wifi for surfing on my laptop, but I don't need to. I've tried looking for a firware update for the router, to see if they have incorporated a better WPA version. But there has been no updates since its release in 2005.
I'm going to get a better router now.

thanks anyway.