Toss routers with hardcoded passwords, expert says

Network World ^ | Aug 27, 2014 4:26 AM PT | Antone Gonsalves

[FreedomPoster]

I use a my own router \ as a wireless access point. Turn off DHCP, hook up to the AT&T router via LAN ports (instead of the WAN port on your router), and configure away.

Definitely change the default password that’s on the side of the AT&T router.

[drunknsage]

Love it! I run it on 3 devices and it has never needed a reboot. It comes in a few flavors with different features and services. Best way to set up the firewall is to learn about it. Too much security will block everything and lead to issues with some games and services. Find a happy medium for your network with a balance between security and ease of access.

I run a e2000 as an access point and a e3000 as my main unit. The E2000 is a giant pos without ddwrt. They actually corrected issues that linksys ignored like the over heating.

Just be careful when flashing the firmware and make sure you follow the directions. If you can read and follow steps, ddwrt is a breeze.

[NoCmpromiz]

Thanks. ;-)

...but...but... a $15 wireless router/repeater from WallyWorld is SUCH a bargain. < /sarc>

[palmer]

Sure, but we don’t have to make it so easy for them. Like a lot of things, the most practical defense might be security through obscurity.

[drunknsage]

I tell folks to try and get the refurbished linksys e2000. They are 29 refurbished. It’s important to flash ddwrt because it’s a piece of crap on its own in stock form.

Some great advice above, especially about bridged mode. I tell my clients to avoid ISP supplied equipment as much as possible. Comcast gateways are total crap. DSL customers are often out of luck without bridged mode and it can be a real pain to set up and even more so if you have to reset it.

If you have the cash and don’t want to mess with open source solutions, Asus makes great routers with tons of features. They are pricey though.