Cut the cords with a Wi-Fi network

To secure your new Wi-Fi network, go to your wireless router's configuration utility again by entering its IP address in your browser. Using the router documentation or built-in help, if necessary, find the option that lets you change the default password. With the DI-624, this option lives within the Tools page. Apply the change but leave the configuration routine open for the next step.

Set the SSID
The next step in securing your network is changing its name, which is usually referred to as the service set identifier (SSID). With the DI-624, you reach this setting by clicking the Wireless button. Change the default SSID to anything you like but avoid values that an intruder might guess, such as your last name. Apply the change without exiting.

Your router may also allow you to disable SSID broadcasting, which keeps neighbors or would-be intruders from seeing your wireless network among their Wi-Fi connection choices.

Enable encryption
Now enable encryption. If your router and all of your wireless adapters support it, use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption with a preshared key. This provides more than adequate security for most home users. If your hardware doesn't support WPA, enable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption.

Most routers let you create WEP or WPA keys by entering a passphrase. You'll likely need to enter the passphrase twice for verification. Apply the changes without exiting.

Don't use a passphrase that's easy for an intruder to decipher. Mix it up; create one that's hard to guess, with a combination of numbers and letters.

Filter MAC addresses
As a final security precaution, consider limiting access to network adapters with specific MAC addresses. To use MAC address filtering, you'll need to enable the feature in your router's configuration routine. Look for a filtering button or a menu option. Then enter the MAC addresses you recorded in step 3 for your Wi-Fi adapters. Apply the changes and exit the router's configuration utility.

Most 802.11g routers come configured to work with both 802.11g and 802.11b clients. If you've purchased 802.11g devices for all of your wireless systems, choose an 802.11g-only mode to boost performance.