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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ  >> High Speed Online  >> Security
Q:How secure is Wireless Road Runner/Wireless Home Networking in preventing others from using my access?
A:

Time Warner Cable incorporates the latest security and encryption standards. The wireless modems are either configured with 64- or 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption to ensure that your data is safe and secure. As new security and encryption standards become available, Time Warner Cable will evaluate and adopt them as appropriate in order to ensure that your data is as secure as possible.

However, we strongly recommend that you follow the precautions below to prevent others from using (and abusing) your access especially if your wireless modem is located in a multiple family home, an apartment building or suburb where homes are close together:

  1. Don't use TCP/IP for File and Printer sharing
    Access Points are usually installed on your network, behind any router or firewall you may be using. If someone successfully connects to your Access Point, they'll be on your network. But since they'll be using TCP/IP to make the connection, you can easily deny access to MS File and Printer sharing by using a protocol other than TCP/IP for those services. That way, they may get access to your Internet connection, but they'll be stopped short of your files.
  2. Follow secure file-sharing practices:
    • Share only the minimum amount of files (Folders only, not hard drives)
    • Password protect everything shared with a strong password (eight or more characters, mixing both numbers and letters).
  3. Enable WEP Encryption
    There has been some questions as to WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and some of its weaknesses. Bottom line is, better a weakly secured network than no security at all (make sure that whatever encryption key you use, it's not something that anyone could figure out).
  4. Change the preset Administrative Password
    Change your password from the default immediately after you set up. Also remember to create a strong password. It's possible that the default password is the same for all of the models and, since you're not the only one who has that particular brand of wireless modem, someone else can figure out the default password and can use it to gain access to your wireless network.
  5. Think about where you are locating your wireless modem
    Locate the wireless modem toward the center of your home rather than near the windows. Plan your coverage to radiate out to the windows, but not beyond them.
  6. Turn off SSID
    You and your friends can hook up your wireless set up for some gaming by broadcasting your SSID (Service Set Identifier). As fun and easy as that sounds, if your friends can easily hook up to your wireless connection, then anyone else can easily gain access to your network too. This is why so many clients with an SSID of 'any' can roam from place to place and find access. Broadcast SSID support allows any SSID to bind. This can put your security at risk.
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Last Published: July 17, 2008
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