[Ham-Computers] RE: "Plug & Play" Routers?

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Define "Plug & Play" (seriously).

Most SOHO routers are 90% Plug-n-Play - the only configuration *required* is
to configure the "WAN" side to work with your ISP.  With cable broadband,
even this step may not be required as routers are typically configured for
DHCP out of the box.  For most DSL users, the "WAN" side typically needs to
be configured for PPPoE to allow the router to "connect" to the ISP.  This
may not be necessary if the ISP's DSL modem is already handling the PPPoE,
or, your ISP doesn't require PPPoE.

90% of routers with Wireless (WiFi) are also 90% Plug-n-Play, but I would
*HIGHLY* recommend that the wireless side not be left in the default
out-of-the-box state.  The wireless access point (AP) side of the router is
usually configured with no security to make for easy setup.  However, this
also allows anyone within range of your AP to connect without restriction
and 1) be on your local network (*MAJOR* security/hacking risk), and, 2) use
*your* broadband access for free.

Universal Plug-n-Play (UPnP) was designed for automatic configuration
between a PC that supports UPnP and a router that also has UPnP.
Unfortunately, it also poses a major security risk as that any application
on your computer can open any port it wants on the router without user
interaction.  Again, it was designed for easy configuration of home
networking, but "easy" usually comes with "major security risk".  It is
recommended to disable UPnP in Windows XP (which enabled by default except
in SP2) and disable UPnP on the router (if it supports it).

If you mean PnP as in easy to set up, Buffalo Technologies (a SOHO router
company) was one of the first companies to offer one-button automatic setup
of "secure" wireless connections.  You push a button on the router, it
searches for Buffalo branded wireless NIC's in the area, and configures a
secured WEP connection for you on both the router and the PC.  Linksys and
Netgear just started offering the same type of 1-button setup on their
newest routers.  I believe they now also support WPA connections (*MUCH*
more secure than WEP) via this 1-button setup.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O

p.s.  I'm not familiar with Insight (or recognize it in the context of the
message).  Details?


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 2:30 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] "Plug & Play" Routers?

I just installed Insight, and was wondering if there's such a thing as a
plug & play wireless router.
 
Paul W5PDA/4