Monitor Network Traffic

Question

WRT54G hardwired to desktop, wireless for laptop.
Is there a way to pull up a log of all wireless activity on the router? Was wondering about drive by internet users, neighbors, etc. accessing it. I've been told there is, but I can't find it!
Thanks

Answer 1

If you are having "drive by" internet users, and neighbors accessing your system it is because you have not secured your wireless network.  When you operate an unsecured wireless Internet access point, you should not be surprised when others use it.
Don't waste your time trying to track down the culprit -- it is nearly impossible and of no benefit.  Instead, simply go ahead and secure your wireless system.  This will keep others off your network.
To implement wireless router security, do the following:
First of all, you must use a computer that is wired to the router.
Pick a unique SSID.  Don't use "linksys".
Next, encrypt your wireless system using the highest level of encryption that all of your wireless devices will support.  Common encryption methods are:
WEP - poor  (see note below)
WPA - good
WPA2 - best
WPA and WPA2 sometimes come in versions of "personal" and "enterprise".   Most home users should use "personal".  Also, if you have a choice between AES and TKIP, and your wireless equipment is capable of both, choose AES.  With any encryption method, you will need to supply a password.
The wireless devices (computers, printers, etc.) that you have will need to be set up with the SSID, encryption method, and password that matches what you entered in the router. 
For additional security, on many routers, you can limit wireless access to just the MAC addresses of the wireless devices that you own.  If possible, you should definitely use this feature.
And don't forget to give your router a new login password.
Picking Passwords:  When you pick your login password and encryption key (or password or passphrase) you should use a random combination of capital letters, small letters, and numbers.  A login password, should be 12 characters or more.  WPA and WPA2 passwords should be at least 32 characters.
Note below:  Recently the FBI demonstrated that WEP can be broken in under 5 minutes using standard, internet available, cracking tools.  This suggests that virtually all wireless users should upgrade their wireless equipment to WPA or better.
Hope this helps.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 02-17-200712:39 AM