What is a hardware firewall? Wi-Fi Facts Tips And Problem Solvers

If my router has one, do I need to run the Windows firewall or other third-party firewall software?

Wireless routers have a hardware firewall that safeguards the network by providing both incoming and outgoing protection. A hardware firewall will include network address translation (NAT) capabilities that make your PC invisible to anyone trying to attack it. If you enable the hardware firewall, you probably don't need a third-party software firewall. You should still run the Windows firewall, however, because it keeps a low profile and will stop basic worms if your PC gets hit by a drive-by downloader.

What should I do to secure my Wi-Fi network?

Routers offer two common forms of security: WEP, and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption. Both are easy to enable, although you'll get maximum protection from WPA. To activate security, go to your router's browser-based administration tool (the default address for most routers is http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1) and look for the wireless-security area. WPA requires you to enter a simple security phrase (eight to 63 characters), or, with some routers, a more secure (but much harder to remember) 64-digit key. Similarly, WEP demands that you choose from 64-bit or 128-bit encryption, and enter an alphanumeric hex phrase,.

In addition to enabling wireless security, you can also disable the broadcasting of the Service Set Identifier (SSID, or network name). Doing so can make the network more difficult for hackers to see. Also, make sure to enable the router's hardware firewall (more on that later), and change the router's default password. And never enable file sharing, unless you really use it.

Wireless router locks up and has to be restarted How Do I Fix This

Possible causes:
Firmware bug Upgrade firmware to the latest version, downloaded from the manufacturer website. In some cases it may be necessary to ask Support for more current "beta" firmware.

Upgrade to a better/newer router
ARP cache/table overflow (typically in an older router)

Overwhelmed by peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing application (e.g., BitTorrent/Azureus, eDonkey/eMule)

Reduce the maximum number of connections in the P2P application. Start pretty low and then work up to a maximum safe level.