asked on

Issues using a wireless router as firewall for wired desktop computer

I have a Netgear MR814 Cable/DSL Wireless Router. I have purchased this to use as a firewall for my desktop system, which is currently not wireless. I want to use a wireless router in case I go wireless in the future. Question: are there any security tradeoffs by going with a wireless router instead of a "wired" router?

Technicon-SG

if you disable the "wireless" link it will act the same as a "non-wireless" router. If there is no option to disable wireless set unit for MAC authentication and/or WEP.

In general...the answer would have to be "yes"

Your vulnerability from the WAN (internet) side would be the same (fairly high security) however you are now open to "wireless" hackers attempting to connect to your LAN (local network) side. I don't want to downplay this risk...but unless you are in an area with lots of people (like a metropolitan apartment complex)...it is still negligible. Just use good practices...use mac authentication and/or WEP.

cornell256

ASKER

This answer is what I am looking for, thanks so much. I would like to ask for two clarifications, however - and this is for a Windows XP system and possibly a W2000 laptop or WXP laptop.
(1) I think you are saying if I disable "wireless", then the security will be equivalent to using a firewall router that is wired.
(2) I live in a metropolitan apartment complex. Given that, will it be easily possible to "lock down" the LAN so no wireless hackers can connect to my system, or am I limited to relying on the WEP encryption.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Technicon-SG

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

automedical

I have a Dell desktop with Windows XP pro and a Sony Viao Laptop with Windows XP pro. My desktop is connected with Cable Modem (Motorolla) to connect to the Internet. I bought a U.S. Robotics 802.11 g Wirless Turbo Router and PCI card for the laptop. The wirless pc card has a strong signal strength but can not connect to the internet. Neither computer has the firewall on. When i do ipconfig on the laptop their is no default gateway address.

What is DHCP?

cornell256

ASKER

Hi, automedical. Since this question is closed, you will want to resubmit your question as a new question so it will get answered! (I knew about this entry because I am notified as the original question-asker of new comments.) Your question is not a comment, it's a new question - - just an fyi.