Ask the Question

cdsmith15 · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Montrose

I have a ZyXEL P-660H/H Router. I have used the Ethernet cable to get access to the net on my desktop computer. But I have just got a laptop and I started using the wireless function on the router. But when I connected I noticed it said it was Unsecure. How do I fix this please.

NickAskew · Moderator Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 112 Location: Thirsk

Hi

I'm assuming you mean a 660H/W as the H model doesn't have a wireless interface.

The generic manual here (it covers 1 of about 10 different variants of your router) on page 8 specifies that if you enable the OTIST option it assists you with automatically configuring your router and clients (providing you have OTIST equipped wireless card in your laptop) for WPA-PSK which is a security protocol to ensure access to your router is via a unique key and thus stopping your neighbours from using your broadband connection.

http://dl01.zyxel.com/DownloadLibary_ShortName/P-660HW-D1/quick_start_guide/P-660HW-D1_2.pdf

On page 9 it shows you the screen where you select the security type [Manually assign a WPA key] and then shows you a screen where you enter your own key - this key is generated from a word or phrase that you provide.

Having had a longer look at the manual I can see it would be very confusing configuring a laptop with a wireless card that does not support OTIST so I recommend you choose the go the ADVANCED SETUP on your routers configuration page and choose wireless security and select a pure WPA key (instead of a WPA-PSK) as it is far more likely your laptop will support it. After you have activated the WPA on your router you should try and connect via your laptop and you should notice your router now appears in the list as a security enabled connection, upon connecting you will have to enter the same WPA key you configured in your router.

If the manual I link to above isn't for you model then please tell me the exact model number of your router and I'll dig out a more relevant manual.

Cheers

Nick

cdsmith15 · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Montrose

Still no further forward. I seem to have a mental block at this. Anyway, the model number is P-660 HW-T1.
Thanks.

NickAskew · Moderator Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 112 Location: Thirsk

Hi

On your computer that is hard wired to your router, open a web browser and enter this in the address bar:

http://192.168.1.1

If you haven't connected to the web interface on your router before then the default password of 1234 should be entered to get access to your routers configuration settings. If you have, and you changed the password, then enter it here.

On the next menu you see, select the "Wireless LAN" option, and then the sub option that is called "802.1x/WPA".

You should now be on screen with the title "Wireless LAN- Wireless", and if so, follow the instructions below:

1) Enable Wireless Lan Tick Box should be TICKED (I assume it is as you already appear to have wireless access to your router)

2) Change the ESSID name from ZyXEL to CDSmith (that way people browsing your neighbourhood can't see the manufacturer of your router.. making it harder for them to hack it)

3) Hide ESSID: Set to [NO]

4) Channel ID: Leave as it is unless you have particular bad wireless connection between your router and close wireless devices.

5) RTS/CTS Threshhold: Leave unticked.
6) Fradmentation Threshold: Leave unticked.

Providing you haven't already ticked a box on the config screen anywhere for WPA, then you will see the WEP security settings next:

7) WEP Encryption: Select [ENABLED]

8 ) Enter 4 keys into the 4 key fields labeled Key1, Key2, Key3 and Key4. The field labeled Key1 is the only one that you will use to authenticate your wireless client (laptop) but the manual says you need to fill all 4 in for it to work..

So for key 1 enter [29] characters (exactly 29 characters), and make a note of this key as you will need to type it exactly as you do here into your laptop when connecting to your wireless router when we have finished. The key should look something like this
atrtg33hjd2ki87wu7ejrnrb8hxbn
(don't use this code.. your router would be insecure as it is viewable on the web!)

For the remaining keys (2, 3 and 4) enter the same characters but change the last one to something else for each key - you will never need to enter this code into your laptop.

Ensure Key1 has the check box selected next to it and then click [APPLY] to save the changes in your router.

Wait 10 seconds, switch off your router, wait another 10 seconds, switch your router back on and then attempt to connect to it from your laptop - you should see your router is now picked up in the list of available wireless networks as [CDSmith] and it should be listed as security protected, when you attempt to connect to it it should prompt you for a key at which point you should enter the 29 character string you placed at Key1 above.

Good Luck!

Nick

cdsmith15 · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Montrose

Thanks so much. That's me now secure and connected.

On me.
Thanks,
Chris.