[Hidden-tech] Security and coverage for shared WiFi

Zach Fried, LPP LLC zach at localprosper.com
Sun Jan 10 11:21:27 EST 2016


Well said, Jan.

Duane, you will want to look for a 3rd party "Comcast-certified" modem
(Arris is a popular brand). Also purchase the N-wireless router that has a
guest network option (most do). When replacing yours, it will have a sheet
inside to walk you through the activation process. It takes 5 minutes if it
proceeds automatically or about 30 minutes if you have to talk to a Comcast
rep. Get the info for sending theirs back, and also check your next bill to
make sure you're no longer being billed for it.


--
*Zach Fried*
*Local Prosperity Partners, LLC*
*Technology* <http://localprosper.com/services/mac-pc-support-repair/>* • *
*Design* <http://localprosper.com/services/design/>* • **Skills*
<http://localprosper.com/services/skills-training/>* • **Strategy*
<http://localprosper.com/why/>

PO Box 1232
Amherst, MA 01004

zach at localprosper.com
Office: (413) 461-0617


On Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 9:15 AM, Jan Werner <jwerner at jwdp.com> wrote:

>
>
>
> Don't use the Comcast box as a router!
>
> Most third part wireless routers will give you far better coverage than
> a combined modem/router and many of them allow you to set up one or more
> guest networks that are isolated from your main network.
>
> You are probably paying a fee to Comcast to lease their modem/router box
> which you could amortize in a year or two by buying your own cable modem
> (You can find lists of those that Comcast supports on their website) and
> your own router.
>
> Furthermore, Comcast's own routers are designed to let them be used as
> open access WiFI hotspots - if you ever wondered about how Comcast and
> Time Warner can offer thousands of free WiFi access points nationwide,
> that's how. So if you are worried about security, you should not use ae
> Comcast provided router in the first place.
>
> Here's a link to an article you might find useful.
>
>
> http://blog.chron.com/techblog/2014/06/want-to-use-your-own-modemrouter-with-comcast-heres-how/
>
> If you Google, you will find plenty of other information online, and
> there was a recent discussion of wireless routers here as well.
>
> Jan Werner
> ______________
>
>
> Duane Dale wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Dear H-Techers:
> >
> > In advance, forgive me if these are naive questions or have been
> > addressed previously.
> >
> > Consider this scenario:
> > * A homeowner has a "mother-in-law apartment" which is rented to tenants.
> >     Imagine that these parties don't know each other well.
> > * The chosen internet option is Comcast.
> > * A Comcast-provided cable modem-wireless router is the default option.
> > * Because it's nominally a single-family house, Comcast says it's
> > prohibited from providing two separate accounts.
> > * Comcast says it could (for an additional fee, of course) install two
> > separate cable modem-routers on the same account.
> >
> > The security question:
> > * If the two parties share one WiFi account, is there a security risk?
> >    (Assume, of course, that banking and other sensitive use is with
> > https sites.)
> > * If there is a security risk, how does it compare to risks at an
> airport?
> >      ... in an apartment building (without shared WiFi access)?
> >       ...drive-by "listening" to WiFi activity.
> > * Would the second Comcast WiFi "box" reduce security risks?
> > * Would hard-wiring a third-party wireless router into a single Comcast
> > box provide a separate log-in? ...and would that reduce security risks?
> >
> > The coverage question:
> > If the house is large enough to have coverage issues (or has
> > out-buildings where coverage is weak)...
> > * Is there a WiFi Extender device that anyone would recommend?
> > * Would hard-wiring a third-party wireless router into the Comcast box
> > -- with a long Cat5 cable to take that second box into the weaker zone
> > -- help?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Duane Dale
> >
> >
> >
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