While driving thru GE with my iPhone, I am a bit flabbergasted by the number of wifi connection points being blasted around GE. For those of you unfamiliar with the iPhone, it has the ability to access the internet not only thru AT&T's slow Edge network, but it can connect thru any available wifi connection. As I drive around, the various wifi routers within range show up on the phone as possible connections. Based upon my observations I would offer the following:

1. Change the name of your router (SSID) from the default (linksys, hpsetup, 2Wire01) to a unique identifier:

- if you leave it at the default, chances are you left the password at the default as well, inviting anyone to log in to your router and change settings at will.

2. Disable the broadcast SSID option.

You know the name of your router (I hope) when you set up your wireless devices, why do you need to broadcast it to the neighborhood letting everyone know you have a router that they can use for free. Only give the SSID to the devices or people you want to connect.

3. Increase security on your router

Good: Create a password - don't just leave the default in place.
Better: Create a WEP key

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Some of the names people gave their routers were not very creative. Some were the default with an extra number: 2Wire02, 2Wire07, linksys1. Some were the street they live on: Newton, Mainst, Park. Others I assume were the owners last names: Macgregors, Fawell, etc. The most creative one I saw was: brady_bunch_radio_station

DTM

Have you every taken a look at the maps of WiFi access points at WiGLE? When I saw my house displayed on the map as a wide open access point, I realized it was time to enable WEP.

Naperville has free WIFI access in there whole downtown which is sponsored by advertisers. They were going to roll it out throughout the town but it was too much. What are your thoughts about having this in GE?

I guess I would ask the question, where would I sit down to enjoy the wifi that doesn't already have it? Starbucks has it, Java Juice had it...

How do you change the name of the router? Mine's 2WIREXXX because that's what it came as.

I have AT&T DSL and I really wanted to change it, but I couldn't figure out how.

It came with a WEP code that has to be typed in to obtain access, but I couldn't figure out how to change it to a personal code. Is it OK as long as it is WEP protected or should I look into this?

Changing the name of a router is different for every router, but the basic process is the same: Log in to your router using your web browser and find the configuration page to change the network name. If you don't have the user manual for your router, you can probably find a copy at the 2wire web site. Once you've got the user manual open, do a search on "Network Name" or SSID. I personally don't think it's that big of a deal to broadcast the network name as long as you have WEP or WPA enabled.

The WEP key isn't a simple password. You'll probably have to enter a 26-digit hexadecimal number. I'd suggest sticking with the one you have. When I change my WEP key, I invariably write it down and store it in a safe place that I promptly forget. If yours came with WEP already configured, I imagine they printed your key on a sticker on the router, so you won't lose the key.

Your router might also support WPA, which is generally viewed as considerably more secure than WEP. If you want to go through the hassle of changing your WEP key, I'd suggest switching to WPA. I've stuck with WEP because I have one device that doesn't support WPA.