Wireless Networking, a quickie.
 

I am re-configuring my home wireless network & actually I am slightly confused. I've read the help files already. Ok basically, I need to know... when I access my wireless router and see the set up screen, it shows me the MAC address (LAN IP Address).

Device IP Address: 192.168.xxx.xxx
Subnet Mask: 255.255.xxx.xxx

The help files says:

Can I safely change these to whatever I want? Thoughts?

Double Post:
Anybody? I really need help with this asap.

Well, for one, why would you want to change the defaults and, two, what do you want to change them to?

Leave them alone. There's no point in changing them. Especially the first one, as it changes the login IP of your router.

I live in an urban area and we have quite a few networks around here. The defaults are 192.168.1.1 and 255.255.255.0 // I think it would add a little more security if they were not the defaults, wouldn't it?

I was thinking like 192.168.135.01 amd 255.255.255.55

@ Sir VG: Thats the point. I live in an urban area. I don't want someone with the same router hitting my access point. Thus, is why I am asking.

If someone were smart enough to be able to find out how to break into your network, they'd be able to tell exactly what IP to look for. When you scan an area where wireless is in use, you look at both the transmissions and where they are going. So if someone sees you log into the wireless router, they're going to look at not only your password, but where you are sending your password, essentially.

Just activate WEP and you'll be fine.

Changing your local ip will not strengthen your security per se. Especially if its a wireless setup.
I'm thinking you only want certain PCs and laptops to access your network; And the easiest way of doing that is to permit certain PCs into your network via mac address. How do you access those options depends on your router (brand name and model number would help.) Oh yeah and at least use WEP security.

@ Kairyu:

Network Everyone (www.networkeverywhere.com) // MN: NWR11B

Well it seems your router doesn't have that kind of option. Only station MAC filtering which allows you to prevent certain wireless users to not access your router functions =/.

I suppose a alternate way of fixing your security is to turn off your SSID broadcast and change the SSID of your router to something besides "wireless." This will essentially prevent anyone from logging onto your wireless network. Just be sure to configure all your wireless devices/PCs on WEP security before closing the broadcast.

If you need further help on this, just contact me via msn as usual :).