Wireless Network Access Based on MAC Address?
In a nutshell, I have a wireless network set-up at home. I am wondering if there is a security mode which will only allow computers with a certain MAC address through – as opposed to entering a password (which is what I presently use?)
I have a D-Link DI-524 router if that helps at all, but I am more focused on weather that type of security exists and what it’s called.
Thanks in Advance,
– Garion
The type of security you are looking for is usually called MAC FILTERING.
The DI524 (under the wireless) doesn’t include that type of filtering (why? it just didn’t) But you can make it work that way. Go to the DHCP page, disable DHCP server at the top, enable “STATIC DHCP” which allows you to assign a LAN address to a specific MAC address. (If the unit can’t get an address, it won’t connect and if the MAC address isn’t assigned it wont pull an automatic address.) You may have to manually enter the “static address” within the wireless settings on the computers as well to get this to work! This isn’t all that great because it CAN BE BYPASSED if you know how. (Actually MAC filters can be bypassed also.)
If it were me, I would get a router that has MAC filtering specifically for wireless as well as enable WAP/WEP (which you can also enable in the 524 and I suggest you do.)
The 524 simply skipped that as a “feature” Several other DLINKS do and nearly all Linksys, Netgear, etc do have wireless MAC tables to specifically allow ONLY specified MAC addresses. (UPGRADE your router!) If you go shopping look for a router that includes Wireless MAC fitlering. (You will still need to use other wireless security to be safe!)
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