The Importance of Network Security
In the process of home network setup, one thing that you may not have considered is network security. Wireless network installation can be very complicated, and as such, you might believe that the security part of it can wait till a later date, but you could not be more wrong. this is something that needs to be done as SOON as possible.
You might think that you should be that one person on the block setting up a home network that anyone can use, and that’s a great dream to have. The only problem with this is that anyone could park in your immediate area and use your internet to download illegal materials. this could include music, games, movies, or even inappropriate forms of pornography. In the end, this can all be traced back to you, which is why you need to make sure you have the best wireless network security system set up.
When it comes to wireless security, there are two major types of firewall. The first type is the software firewall. this type of firewall is one that you install on your computer and it keeps you protected. The second type of course is the hardware firewall. Technically it is still software, but it is a box that sits on your network keeping hackers and other malicious users out of your private life. The question is what type of hardware firewall you are going to purchase.
Since a hardware firewall is essentially a router, you need to figure out what brand you want. there are quite a few different major brands such as Cisco, D-Link and Netgear, but in the end the level of security and quality you want will determine the price you pay. for instance we could first start out by talking about the standard D-Link and Netgear.
The lower end routers do their job, and can even be customized with Linux based firmware. They will cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 – $50. not a huge price to pay, but you have to remember that their security isn’t always top notch, and in many cases can be easily broken. Though you may not be able to afford it as a home user, a Cisco router would be a great choice if you are big on security.
Note that Cisco is normally used for large scale companies or even corporations, and their routers can easily run from $500 – $15,000. It’s a lot of money, but if you can afford it, then this would definitely be the best wireless network security option for you.
In the end it all comes down to how much security you need, and what you need it for. All wireless routers offer some measure of security, and if you are not happy with the items on the market, then you could always create your own router. that however, is something best left to those with experience, and you’ll be there soon enough.
