How do I setup a username/password on my router to prevent others from using my network?

Well, title pretty much ask the question...How do I setup a username/password on my router to prevent others from using my network? I'm using a Linksys WRT54GL router. I really want to setup a network name/password so people using wireless adapters/laptops can't access my internet connection around my area. Someone help please ?|||Hi there,





Well, I would use the 'permit ONLY' option in linksys router. When in router web, click wireless tab at the top and follow by Wireless MAC Filter, check the box which state 'permit only'.





Remeber to key in your own mac address in the 'Edit mac filter list' or you yourself being shut out....





Just in case...you could get your mac address by going to cmd prompt and key in ipconfig/all and hit enter. Look for wireless physical address, key in that numbers or letters in your router setting.





By doing the above, only those mac address keyed in are able to connect to your network.





Cheers!|||To enable the wireless security settings of the router:





1) Log into your router and change the password for admin to something other than what it is now. Write it down. Label the bottom of the router with either a label maker or a piece of tape. Attach password tape to the bottom of the router Don't cover the vents with the tape or label. Change the SSID to something other than what it is now. Nothing screams leech my 'Net to a slug; like a router with an SSID of Linksys or D-Link or Netgear.





2) Go to the wireless settings tab and enable WPA or WPA2. This depends on the wireless devices you have on YOUR network. If all of your devices use WPA2, then enable WPA2 only. If you have a single device that can only use WPA then you have to use WPA on the router. Set the WPA or WPA2 password then write that on another label or tape and attach to bottom of your router. If someone steals your router it won't matter if they have the password or not because they could manually reset the router.





3) Set the same WPA or WPA2 passphrase you used in step 2, to each wireless device on your network.








Don't bother using WEP. It can be cracked in 5 minutes or less. If you have a wireless device that cannot use WPA or WPA2 replace it ASAP with a device that is WPA2 capable.