Wanadoo Livebox Question

I`m currently using a wireless connection on my Wanadoo Livebox and need to start using an ethernet connection instead. Just wanted to ask really what happens security wise if I do this? Will my connection be left open using the cabled method instead of wireless as I will no longer be using the WEP protection. Or am I missing something?

Jason.

You're missing something. :)

WEP is only for securing data transmitted wirelessly from the LiveBox to your PC, and vice versa. As an ethernet connection is a direct, cable connection, no such security issues arise.

So what stops people from tapping into my connection from outside? Using an ethernet cable would make no difference then to my internet security?

Jason.

Yeah, you'll be fully secure using the ethernet connection - more secure than using the wireless connection, in fact. You're also safe from people accessing your LiveBox because they'd need your unique MAC number to do that.

yeah they'd have to come in and splice into your network cable lol.

OK, thanks for clearing that up for me guys :) One more thing, I`m thinking of connecting to my comp using the ethernet cable and connecting to another via the wireless adaptor in another room. I assume this will work but will we both need to have Orange accounts or is it ok if I am the only one with one as my other family member is already with another ISP and doesn`t want to change.

I`ve just got this response from Orange which has confused me even more,

"If your using a Ethernet lead you wont need to use the WEP key, so the safest thing to do would be the turn it back on. Although, the livebox has a range of about a 100 feet. So only people within a 1oo feet of the livebox could use the signal."

Also, where can this MAC number be found as I cannot locate it.

Jason.

I doubt you can use the LiveBox to connect to another ISP.

The MAC number is located on the LiveBox itself - on a sticker, I think.

Ah yes, I found the MAC number on the base of the Livebox.

About the ISP thing, I am obviously a member of Orange and have my email etc... setup with them but surely if someone else in my house wants to connect via my Livebox they don`t need to register a seperate account do they?

Are you guys using several computers? Are you all on the same account?

Jason.

Oh, I thought you wanted someone else to connect via your LiveBox to another ISP.

Yeah, you can have 2 PC's connected using a single account. That's what I have. Remember that the other person connected via your account will be using up your monthly bandwidth allowance, though!

Thanks, thats what I wanted to know. Any other thoughts about that response I got from Orange?

BTW big10p, did you get you MarioKart DS working online ok?

Jason.

I'm not sure what that response from Orange is on about, regarding the WEP key, TBH. The other part just seems to say that the LiveBox has a range of 100ft, and anyone in that range can potentially connect to it. However, as I said before, you need the MAC number to connect so you should be safe from unauthorized access. :)

I haven't gotten around to trying yet, TBH. Also, for some reason, I can never get on the Nintendo Wi-fi site which is supposed to have info about how to connect using a LiveBox, I believe.

Yes there is info there but I wouldn`t bother as it just states the obvious and didn`t help me at all.

If you do get around to trying it and need help then just email me.

Jason.

Will do. Cheers. :)