Linksys eases Wi-Fi security pain

SecureEasySetup applies WPA settings to router and client

Linksys has unveiled its first networking products featuring SecureEasySetup technology that allows users to set up a secure wireless network at the push of a button.

The technology applies Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) settings to the router and client computer that encrypts data traffic between the access point and client. It also configures the network's Service Set Identifier (SSID), the name broadcast to identify the network.

Users currently have to manually enter a security key to configure WPA encryption and name their SSID.

Many users struggle with configuring wireless access points and neglect to activate security settings. This can allow hackers to intercept wireless data communications and use the network to access the internet without the owner's permission.

"Installation of a wireless network with security features has traditionally been a complicated and time-consuming task," said Malachy Moynihan, vice president of engineering and product marketing at Linksys.

"We hope that technology such as SecureEasySetup is adopted as a standard used by all Wi-Fi equipment manufacturers so that any networked device can be added simply to a home network."

SecureEasySetup is developed by a consortium of network and IT vendors and has been submitted to the IEEE for inclusion in the official Wi-Fi standards.

A spokeswoman for Linksys told vnunet.com that she expects the IEEE to make a decision within 12 months.

As an open standard, SecureEasySetup is available to device manufacturers without any royalty payments. In addition to Linksys, the technology is backed by HP, Broadcom and Buffalo.

The technology requires special software on the client computer, which is available for Windows 2000 and XP.

Users of a select number of existing Linksys Wi-Fi devices can add SecureEasySetup through a firmware update. A list of eligible devices is listed below.

Microsoft unveiled Windows Smart Network Key, last year which is part of Windows Connect Now. The  technology offers a functionality similar to SecureEasySetup using a USB memory key to transfer the security setting between devices.

Wireless routers and other devices must have a USB host port to insert the key, and Microsoft requires that device manufactures obtain a licence to use the technology.

All systems that run Windows XP SP2 support Coonect Now, and it will also be part of Windows Vista, formerly known under its codename of Longhorn.

D-Link and Belkin are among the device manufacturers that offer Windows Connect Now compatible devices.

Eligible Linksys Wi-Fi devices:

• Wireless-G Broadband Router - WRT54G
• Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster - WRT54GS
• Wireless-G Notebook Adapter - WPC54G (except V2)
• Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster - WPC54GS
• Wireless-G PCI Adapter - WMP54G
• Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster - WMP54GS
• Wireless-G USB Network Adapter - WUSB54G
• Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster - WUSB54GS