Ok I just got a wireless router so my sister can log onto the internet from her laptop anywhere in the house.(or in the yard it seems).

Now their is no one really close and I have not tested the range yet. It may not extend much beyond our yard so I am not to worried about anyone else using it.

Is their a way I can make it so you need a password to sign on and use it?

I don't need to go nuts because to log on you probably have to be standing in my yard, yeah someone will notice that...

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I can only vaguely offer some input as I am not a computer guru...but yes there is a way that I believe is rather simple b/c even the most computer illiterate people in my neighborhood use such a feature...and there is also the option of using a network key to access your router/modem...if the computer attempting to access the router/modem doesn't have the network key it isn't able to connect to your network...using the network key should eliminate the need to type in a password everytime you/she attempts to access the network...best of luck with it..

on a side note...when my old dialup would decide to die I'd "borrow" a neighbor's wireless connection unbeknownest to him/her...so I just leave my network unsecured...come and steal my identity...

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2004 Chrysler Crossfire

Your setup instructions should contain the procedure for a secure password. You'll probably have to let her in on it too though. I don't think you can distingush between two computers on the same secure transmitter.

From your description of your needs, I would suggest enabling a feature called "MAC filtering" on your router...basically, every wireless card has a MAC adress...sort of like an unique ID...find out the MAC address of the wireless card/device on your laptop, and enter it into the wireless router...what this will do is everytime somebody attempts to connect to your wireless router, it will first check if that wireless client's MAC address is inside its database, if not, it will not let them connect...if the MAC address matches, then the client is allowed to access the router...it does not provide any encryption of any sort, but is just an easy way to control or limit the people who are able to access your router...I think this is the feature that would best suit your needs...your sister would not need to manually input a password/user everytime she turns on your laptop and signs on to your network...the router will just automatically check if her computer is in its MAC address database and let her on appropriately...it is elegant, simple, and fits your need...look in your manual for "MAC filtering"...every router has this feature and it is easy to setup...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

Hattie there should be instructions in the manual or perhaps a wizard depending on the model (what model is it?) to enable the security. Set it to at least 128 bit WEP security and nobody around me has been able to crack that 26 digit password.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

I couldn't find the instructions on how to enable the security features. I will read them again when I get a chance.

The only laptop that will use it is my sisters, although I would like to let my friend acess it if his internet goes down. I still don't know the range, he might even be able to get it in his house.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

As posted above you can do the mac address or enable wep security. Usually 64 or 128 bit. They use hex wich is 1-9 and A-F. I just set up a 802.11G Belkin and it would generate one for you on the router. You will then need to transfer that number to the PC trying to access the net work. When the PC detects the network, you ask to connect to it, it will then promt you for the key code. Just type it in (you will have to enter it twice) and then you are loged on. The lap top will hold the encyption key in memory so you will not have to enter it each time.

On most routers there is a tab / key ... for security. It usually goes by the name WEP encryption as I recall. Fairly simple process.

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2014 C250 21,XXX my new DD ** 2013 GLK 350 18,000 Wife's new DD**

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I third the MAC filtering.

You should be able to access your router through any web browser.

The first thing you want to do is change the default password.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

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wrap your house with thin strand copper mesh

FIXED

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

dont get this overcomplicated.
get the 64 bit encryption added to your wep. use any codes that you choose. u dont need more than that. it's crazy to go for more than what is required. every company uses this method. mac filtering is going too far.

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Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

Uhh...mac filtering is far easier than encryption.

Although using the terms 'wireless' and 'security' in the same sentence is a logical contradiction.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

i'm letting the person who asked the question know of what's the best method as well as industry standard.
wep and security are not a contradiction as the industry these days is using this technology. i'm not here to debate, just providing info to the person as it was asked.

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Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

I take it you've never looked into hacking a WAP? Not saying I can do that, yet...but I've read enough to understand a bit of how it's done. Were I doing anything the least bit sensitive, I'd stick to hardwired. MAC address filtering is the easiest to deal with, and will keep the average Joe out. Unless you live next to an aspiring hacker, MAC will be more than sufficient.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

Ok fine, use copper mesh certins or sheers...
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)