VBNET

Wireless Support

Please note that VBNet is providing this information as a courtesy to our customers; while you are free to use a wireless router, we only offer telephone tech support for wired connections direct to the wall jack. Please plug your directly into the wall with wireless disabled/disconnected and computer rebooted before calling technical support.

USING WIRELESS ON VBNET NETWORKS

VBNet actively denies unsecured wireless routers on the network for the following reasons:

• Owners of wireless routers leave themselves at great risk using an unsecured router that anyone can connect to.
• Unsecured wireless has caused several technical and administrative issues that would be solved simply by making the router secure.
• They are allowed only as a convenience and not necessary for connectivity since there are wall jacks in each bedroom - one for every resident.

CONNECTING A ROUTER TO VBNET NETWORKS

• Never use wireless and a wired connection from your computer at the same time. Use one and disable/disconnect the other.
• Routers that aren't plugged in correctly cause issues on the network that result in suspension or ban. Be sure to plug your router or other device into the port marked for Ethernet, Internet, Uplink, WAN, or Modem access - NOT the numbered ports if your rotuer has them. Numbered ports are for computers or other devices, not the walljack.
• There are certain router models that use wizards to walk you through the setup process. Depending on how the user answers certain questions, the wizard will request that the walljack cable be plugged to one of the numbered ports. If you see this, begin the wizard again and choose the other option as your answer and the wizard should then direct you to plug into the correct port that isn't numbered.

SECURING WIRELESS ROUTERS

• Change the SSID to uniquely identify your router.
• Change the administrator's password on your router.
• Disable broadcast of the SSID and link to your specific router.
• Use of encryption is the most effective and important means of protecting your router and the information coming off it. If you are going to do only one thing, this is it. Do not use WEP encryption, use WPA or stronger.
• Use MAC address filtering. Note that if you ONLY use MAC address filtering without taking any other steps to secure your wireless router, you will still be seen as an unsecured router and will be denied access.