You must configure the wireless properties on each desktop computer or laptop
that will connect to the wireless access point.
Right-click the wireless connection icon in the computers "notification area"
(also referred to as the "system tray"). The "notification area" is located
at the right hand side of the "taskbar" near the computers clock. NOTE: The
wireless connection icon looks like 2 tiny computers next to each other.
Click "View Available Wireless Networks"
Select the name (SSID) of the wireless access point you want to connect to by
clicking on it. NOTE: Any wireless access point you connect to must also be
WPA-PSK enabled in order to benefit from WPA's protection.
Enter the encryption key/password you created into the "Network Key:" box
(see the following image). Enter it again in the "Confirm Network Key:" box.
You can copy
then paste your encryption key from "Password Agent Lite" into the boxes that
require it. The encryption key/password must be the same one you used to configure
the access point earlier in this tutorial.
Click the "Connect" button to begin connecting to the wireless network.
NOTE: In Windows XP you won't find WPA options in the data encryption drop-down
menu found within the properties sheet for a wireless connection. In Windows XP
you must choose the WPA option under Network Authentication, and choose — "TKIP"
which is the type of encryption.
Use a strong password to
limit access to the devices management interface. Store the password in
Password Agent Lite. If a malicious individual gains
access to the management interface they can make configuration changes to disable
your broadband access. A malicious individual could also reprogram (flash) the
"firmware" installed in a chip mounted inside the 2WIRE 2700HG-B and similar
devices. Firmware controls a device at the most basic level. This allows a
malicious individual to reprogram the device to meet their needs. Once the 2WIRE
2700HG-B "gateway" or any similar device is compromised in this manner it is
possible for a malicious individual to monitor your use of the Internet. You
could be redirected to fraudulent Web sites used to collect/steal usernames and
passwords to services you access online.
To set a password to protect the management interface:
click the "System" image/link at the top of the management interface
click the word/link "System Password" (see following image)
Remember to generate and save your new password using
"Password Agent Lite" or a comparable
password manager.
Enter your password.
Click the "Save" button to save your new password.
final thoughts
Password Agent Lite can be easily installed on a USB thumb/flash or other
portable drive using the "TakeWithMe" wizard. You can take Password Agent Lite
and your encryption key to each wireless client or device you need to configure.
USB thumb/flash drives are very inexpensive. You only need a small capacity drive
with 2 MB (megabytes) of unused space to install and run Password Agent Lite.
Your encryption key, passwords and anything else you store with Password Agent
Lite is protected with encryption. Make it so!
If you have any comments on how I might improve this information please offer your
suggestions. Thanks, Tom
