Changing the SSID and disabling SSID Broadcast is another set of excellent security precautions.
Changing the SSID from it's default, will allow the Wireless Network to be unique, and with the combination of disabling SSID broadcast, then the SSID that is set will be unseen.
Accessing the Access Points Setup
To access the Access Points Setup, and the LAN IP address has not changed, then computer must have an IP address of 192.168.1.XXX. If the Access Point is plugged in via Ethernet to a Linksys Router and the computer is also connected a Linksys router via Ethernet, then the PC should already have a correct IP address (unless the LAN IP Address of the Router has been changed). If unsure, please assign the computer a Static IP Address so it will have an IP address in the same range as the Access Points IP Address.
If the Access Point is being connected to a hub/switch/router via Ethernet, then use the cable that was provided with Access Point. If the Access Point is being connected to the computer directly, then a Cross Over cable must be used. Cross over cables can be purchased at most electronic stores.
Remember: When ever a change is made in the Setup of the Access Point, the Apply button must be used to save the settings to the Access Point.
Open a web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape)
When the browser opens, go to the "Address" bar and input the IP address of the Access Point.
Default IP addresses:
WAP11 v2.8 - 192.168.1.251
WAP54G v1.1 - 192.168.1.245
A "User Name" and "Password" prompt will appear, leave the "User Name" field blank and input the Access Points password (The default password of a Linksys Access Point is admin) into the "Password" field.
Changing the SSID of an Access Point
When the SSID of a Wireless Access Point is changed, it should be changed to something with both numbers, letters, and no spaces, do not use an address, or a name, or anything that may be allow someone to trace the location. An example would be Stap1e431, this is the word "Staple" with a 1 replacing the letter 'i'. There is also a capital letter and more numbers after the word, this makes it difficult for intruders to guess what the SSID is if the broadcast is disabled.
To change the SSID, make sure that the "Setup" page is up and go to the "Wireless" section and input the new SSID into the "SSID" field, then click on the Apply button. A page will appear prompting that the settings were successful, and when that page appears, click on the Continue button and the Access Point will have a new SSID.
Disabling SSID Broadcast:
Before disabling the SSID Broadcast, be sure to have each wireless computer configured with the new SSID, after setting each adapter with the new SSID proceed with disabling the SSID broadcast:
WAP54G
From the "Setup" area, click on the "SSID Broadcast" drop down box and select the Disable option.
Then click on the Apply button. A page will appear prompting that the settings were successful, and when that page appears, click on the Continue button and the Access Point will no longer broadcast its SSID.
WAP11 v2.8
From the "Setup" page, click on the Advanced tab.
The "Filters" area will load, click on the Wireless tab.
The "Wireless" page will load, near the bottom there is an option for "SSID Broadcast", set it to Disable.
Then click on the Apply button. A page will appear prompting that the settings were successful, and when that page appears, click on the Continue button and the Access Point will no longer broadcast its SSID.
Please note that with each new computer that is added to the Wireless Network, after disabling SSID Broadcast, may not be able to communicate after being configured for the network. If this happens enable SSID Broadcast, to allow those new computers to connect wirelessly, then disable SSID Broadcast again and the computer should work properly from that point on. If there are non-Linksys adapters on the network, please check with the manufacturers of those network adapters for setup information.
