When it comes to securing Networks, the best defense is in layers. The more layers an intruder needs to penetrate, the less chance of a successful break-in. One layer that a home user can add to their Linksys home wireless network is MAC filtering.
To enable your Linksys router with MAC filtering, first make a backup of the Router configuration by connecting to the Router administration interface and select Administration \ Config Management from the menu and saving it to a location on your Computer.
NOTE: menus and screen shots may be different from your Linksys Wireless Router depending on the model you have.
After you have made a backup, startup all Computers on you wireless network.
Next, select Wireless \ Wireless MAC Filter from the menu. Then select the Enable radio button next to Wireless MAC Filter: and select Permit only PC's listed to access the wireless network radio button next to Permit Only.
Click Save Settings button (bottom).
Then, click on the Edit MAC Filter List button at the bottom of the Wireless MAC Filter screen. When the MAC Address Filter List window pops open, click on the Wireless Client MAC List button.
Another window will open displaying all active Computers on your wireless network. Click on the Enable MAC Filter check box (right column) for all Computers on your network, then click on Update Filter List button to save the settings.
The MAC address will now be updated in the MAC Address Filter List. Scroll to the bottom and click on Save Settings button., then click Continue and close the window.
Any new Computers that are added to your wireless network will need to have their MAC address enabled using the same procedure above, before it can access your network.
While MAC filtering by itself is not a strong defense to keep a skilled intruder out of your home Network, it is a good security measure that should be part of your overall security layer strategy.
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