Using 27" iMac as a wireless router

Question

So my old wireless router (Netgear) has been going bad for a while and I finally chucked it. I read how to set up the iMac as a router and have done this to support two Mac laptops and a Touch. It works quite well and I just figured out how to get my printer onto the network tonight. My concern is how this will affect the overall life span of the iMac?

Answer 1

Yea just get a new Wireless N router, they are really fast. Apple's routers are pretty good and setup is easy, however if you want something different, more control, more tough looking then choose any other router that suits you.
The router also a USB port to connect to the printer, so your not tying up a port on the computer.
Just make sure whatever router you choose, that you have researched for any security issues first, how to apply firmware updates. I would watch out for Wireless G routers on sale, they are slower and the vendor might not be issuing patches as they don't see it as worthwhile or it's unable to be patched.
Here's my instructions for setting up a router for those who don't know how much trouble Apple save thoses using their own routers. Some router companies provide easier software that's only available on Windows, also the software tends to not implelemt enough security features. But most all routers are accessible through a web browser hooked directly via Ethernet cable, to the router's single IN port.
Keep in mind only WPA2 with AES is the only wifi encryption that hasn't been cracked.
You do these things after you have checked to see and applied, any firmware updates for your router.
A flawed router is a insecure one and can be remotely hacked. Check your router makers website for firmware updates. (Apple Airports firmware update via Software Update in Admin User)
You hook your computer directly to the modem to find any router software updates and download them so you can apply it to your router later. Also get the instructions as well.
To set up the router, use a Ethernet cable from your computer to your router where the "in" port is located. (obviously you can't be hooked up to the modem and be exposed online while configuring the routers security!)
Now fire up the computer and open a secure web browser like Firefox and enter
http://192.168.1.1
in the address bar (where http://www.yahoo.com would go)
Not not all routers use that IP for access, so you have to double check what yours is for your particular brand of router. Note: Your accessing the routers web page at http://192.168.1.1, not a site on the internet.
Set the following:
1: WPA2 with AES Personal, create a network name otherwsie called a SSID.
2: Admin password: 24 or more random characters, letters and numbers. Write it down on paper.
3: Guest access password: 24 or more random characters, letters and numbers. But not the same as Admin password. Write it down on paper.
4: Disable Ping and Remote access if the option exists (unless your going to remote admin the router over the internet, unlikely)
5: You can leave MAC address filtering alone. You can leave "hidden" or "invisible" alone, both are no protection against hackers.
That should be it. Disconnect and plug the Ethernet cable into your activated and powered up modem.
If you don't know if you got a internet connection (new installs you have to call the ISP) just hook up the Ethernet cable from your computer to the modem and see if you can get on the Internet. If so then your ok.
Hook up the Ethernet cable from the router in the "in" port to the modem. Power up the router and wait a bit.
Now go into your computer in the lower right (upper right for Mac's) and click on the network icon and you should be seeing the name of your network. Select it and log into it only using the Guest name and password, not the Admin name and password.
Using a Guest name and password protects the router from being tampered with. You only use the Admin password to make changes to the router. Don't use it as a internet connection as your operating system remembers the password and can be compromised.
If your computer gets compromised, they can't alter the router settings or DNS to send you (and others) to malicious sites if they don't have the router Admin password.
Enjoy!