Setting Up a MAC Filter

This instructable shows you how to setup a secure wireless network using a MAC address filter. I have never had any security problems, and it appears as an unsecured wireless network, which means you can bump off an inconsiderate roommate or neighbor who are leaching off of your wireless without getting nasty looks. ::wink::wink::

NOTE: My router is a Linksys, so if you have a different brand, some of the settings will be in different places.

IMPORTANT: One time as I was doing this, I accidentally locked my own computer out of the router. If this happens, don't panic. All you need to do is connect your computer directly to the router using a cable and change the settings. The MAC security lock will only keep computers off of the wireless function, so you won't permanently lock yourself out.

First, have all the computers you want to access the wireless feature turned on and connected to the network. You can add others later on, but I like to do them all at once

Next, access your router's settings. The standard Linksys address is 192.168.1.1. If you don't have a Linksys router and don't know the address, you can probably find it online.

Go to the WIRELESS tab, and access the WIRELESS MAC FILTER panel. Select ENABLE and then PERMIT ONLY. Don't save settings yet. Click the EDIT MAC FILTER LIST button.

This MAC ADDRESS FILTER LIST window will come up. As you can see, mine already has some MAC addresses in it, your's will be blank. Click the WIRELESS CLIENT MAC LIST button.

A window should appear with a list that shows each computer's name, IP address, and MAC address. Click on the radio buttons of the computers you want to access the wireless network, then hit the UPDATE FILTER LIST button.

You will see the MAC ADDRESS FILTER LIST window has been updated with the MAC addresses of the computers you want to access the wireless network. Hit the SAVE SETTINGS button.

Double check that the radio buttons are set to ENABLE and PERMIT ONLY and then hit the other SAVE SETTINGS button.

Every wireless network adapter has a MAC Address imprinted after it is produced. The router reads the MAC address when a wireless device tries to access it. If the MAC address doesn't match what's on the list, no connection is possible.

This security isn't perfect. MAC Addresses are burned into the wireless client's hardware, but some allow for soft-changes to impersonate other addresses. I've seen websites that claim MAC filters are easy to get around with the right equipment and know-how. I've never had a problem, but if security is really important to you, you can combine this with other security measures.

The benefit of NOT adding other security is that your wireless connection appears as unsecured, which is nice if you want to boot a leech in a clandestine manner. As long as the leech isn't familiar with MAC address hacking, you'll probably be fine.

For more info check out Wikipedia, it has a good article on MAC Addresses. Also check this out to see the weaknesses of MAC filters.