Set up Wireless Security on a Cisco Small Business VOIP Router

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Updated:December 12, 2008

Document ID:108656

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Introduction
How can I set up Wireless Security on a Cisco Small Business VOIP Router?
Related Information

Introduction

This article is one in a series to assist in the setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Cisco Small Business products.

Q. How can I set up Wireless Security on a Cisco Small Business VoIP Router?

Securing your wireless network is a simple process, which generally does not require a lot of time. This can be done by:

Enabling WEP or WPA on the Router/Access Point
Enabling Wireless MAC Filter on the Router/Access Point
Disabling SSID Broadcast on the Router

In order to set-up wireless security on the Cisco Small Business router, complete these steps:

Enabling WEP on the Router/Access Point

Wired Equivalent Protocol (WEP) is a type of wireless security which does not change. It provides comparable confidentiality to a traditional wired network. There are two types of WEP you can choose from:

a. WEP 64-bit: This type of WEP consists of 10 hexadecimal codes.

b. WEP 128-bit: This type of WEP consists of 26 hexadecimal codes. As a result, it is more secure than WEP 64-bit. In order to enable WEP 128-bit, click here.

Enabling WPA on the Router/Access Point

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a type of wireless security which is dynamic in nature. It changes depending on the time renewal you specify. As a result, WPA is more secure than WEP.

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (WPA-TKIP) - Utilizes a stronger encryption method and incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) in order to provide protection against hackers.
Advanced Encryption System (WPA-AES) - Utilizes a symmetric 128-bit block data encryption.

To enable WPA, click here.

Enabling Wireless MAC Filter on the Router/Access Point

Wireless access can be filtered using the MAC addresses of the wireless devices transmitting within your network's radius. You can either permit or prevent specific wireless computers access to your wireless network.

Disabling SSID Broadcast on the Router

Disabling the SSID broadcast is one way of securing your wireless network. This procedure will prevent other users from detecting your SSID, or your wireless network name, when they attempt to view available wireless networks in your area. For instructions, click here.