We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking
ahead, wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the future,
which, again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I kill two
birds with one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless hub for both
current DS and future netbook? Will the DS even talk to a wireless hub?
Any advice appreciated.
--
Graeme, Scotland

"Graeme" wrote in message
...

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four PCs
via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would like to
access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems that
Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and software.
I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but understand that
the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to the outside world
via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking ahead,
wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the future, which,
again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I kill two birds with
one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless hub for both current DS and
future netbook? Will the DS even talk to a wireless hub? Any advice
appreciated.
--
Graeme, Scotland

You could get a 4 port wireless router and swap it for your current router.
Or get a wireless access point to plug into your current router although
that would mean losing 1 of your 4 ports. Either way the DS and future
netbook would work.

"brass monkey" wrote in message
...

"Graeme" wrote in message
...

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four PCs
via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would like to
access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems that
Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking ahead,
wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the future, which,
again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I kill two birds with
one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless hub for both current DS and
future netbook? Will the DS even talk to a wireless hub? Any advice
appreciated.
--
Graeme, Scotland

You could get a 4 port wireless router and swap it for your current
router. Or get a wireless access point to plug into your current router
although that would mean losing 1 of your 4 ports. Either way the DS and
future netbook would work.

I should add -
I don't know what the USB connector and cable is all about. You can buy an
'ezflash' 3 in 1 device (required to run the opera web browser). That and a
ROM emulator = job done. Google NDS homebrew.

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking
ahead, wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the future,
which, again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I kill two
birds with one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless hub for both
current DS and future netbook? Will the DS even talk to a wireless hub?
Any advice appreciated.

Got a feeling that the DS lite only does WEP encryption which you
shouldn't use because it has been compromised (you can crack WEP
encryption in a few minutes).

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new netbook
and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

In message , Dave Osborne
writes
Graeme wrote:
Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking
ahead, wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the
future, which, again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I
kill two birds with one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless hub
for both current DS and future netbook? Will the DS even talk to a
wireless hub? Any advice appreciated.

Makes more sense.

Got a feeling that the DS lite only does WEP encryption

Yup, think that correct.

which you shouldn't use because it has been compromised (you can crack
WEP encryption in a few minutes).


Wellllll, I think it depends on how likely it is that someone will
bother to crack your encryption and the consequences of doing so.

For us the risk of the former for starters is pretty small anyway.

We happen to have two wireless routers (one was given to us to use by
the ISP). One is set to use WEP, though mostly wireless is disabled. We
jsut turn it on if daughter wants to try a bit of wireless gaming
(which isn't often anyway)
--
Chris French

In message , chris French
writes
In message , Dave Osborne
writes
Graeme wrote:
Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking
ahead, wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the
future, which, again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I
kill two birds with one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless
hub for both current DS and future netbook? Will the DS even talk
to a wireless hub? Any advice appreciated.

Makes more sense.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Reading here and Googling, I
believe I can therefore buy a wireless hub to daisy chain from the
current router, and connect the DS from that.

We happen to have two wireless routers (one was given to us to use by
the ISP). One is set to use WEP, though mostly wireless is disabled. We
jsut turn it on if daughter wants to try a bit of wireless gaming
(which isn't often anyway)

Should I read this to mean that the wireless hub is therefore WEP for
all or no devices? In other words, if the hub is set to allow access to
the DS, any other wireless device, such as a future netbook, will have
to use WEP, with consequent security implications?
--
Graeme

Graeme gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying:

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Reading here and Googling, I
believe I can therefore buy a wireless hub to daisy chain from the
current router, and connect the DS from that.

Other way round. Put a wireless access point & DS first, then a (non-
ADSL) firewall/router inside for the wired machines.

Should I read this to mean that the wireless hub is therefore WEP for
all or no devices?

Some allow both, others allow neither.

In other words, if the hub is set to allow access to
the DS, any other wireless device, such as a future netbook, will have
to use WEP, with consequent security implications?

The problem isn't any specific connection. It's that as long as you've
got WEP turned on inside your firewall, you've got the potential for
intruder access inside your firewall.

Graeme wrote:
In message , chris French
writes
In message , Dave Osborne
writes
Graeme wrote:
Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking
ahead, wife talks vaguely about a netbook, at some point in the
future, which, again, will require wireless connectivity. Could I
kill two birds with one stone? Should I be looking at a wireless
hub for both current DS and future netbook? Will the DS even talk
to a wireless hub? Any advice appreciated.

Makes more sense.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Reading here and Googling, I
believe I can therefore buy a wireless hub to daisy chain from the
current router, and connect the DS from that.

You could (well a wireless access point - not a hub as such)

We happen to have two wireless routers (one was given to us to use by
the ISP). One is set to use WEP, though mostly wireless is disabled.
We jsut turn it on if daughter wants to try a bit of wireless gaming
(which isn't often anyway)

Should I read this to mean that the wireless hub is therefore WEP for
all or no devices? In other words, if the hub is set to allow access to
the DS, any other wireless device, such as a future netbook, will have
to use WEP, with consequent security implications?

Yes, this is generally the case. Some wireless kit may allow you to mix
encryption standards on the same WLAN, but most don't.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new netbook
and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

In message , "dennis@home"
writes


"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new
netbook and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

How much insulation, dennis ?

--
geoff

In message , "dennis@home"
writes


"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new
netbook and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

No it doesn't as long as you use a secure enough passphrase.

Those examples on the web that I have seen of cracking WPA have all
relied on a week passphrase that is easy to guess/crack
--
Chris French

chris French wrote:
In message , "dennis@home"
writes


"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new
netbook and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

No it doesn't as long as you use a secure enough passphrase.

Those examples on the web that I have seen of cracking WPA have all
relied on a week passphrase that is easy to guess/crack

No point in arguing with dennis. He is always at his rightest when he is
completely wrong.

In message , chris French
writes
In message , "dennis@home"
writes


"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new
netbook and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

No it doesn't as long as you use a secure enough passphrase.

Those examples on the web that I have seen of cracking WPA have all
relied on a week passphrase that is easy to guess/crack

Ssh ...

it's dennis - humour him

--
geoff

"chris French" wrote in message
...
In message , "dennis@home"
writes


"Dave Osborne" wrote in message
...

You should use WPA2 encryption on your wireless network. Any new netbook
and or wireless router you buy will support WPA2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.

It only takes a short time to crack WPA2 too.

No it doesn't as long as you use a secure enough passphrase.

Those examples on the web that I have seen of cracking WPA have all relied
on a week passphrase that is easy to guess/crack

That solves one of the known security problems, or at least makes it more
difficult and may mean it takes a few days rather than hours.
If you use that Russian software and a couple of hundred Nvidia gpus you can
go through thousands of passwords a second.

Then there ids the other packet injection problem where you may be able to
inject arp packets and redirect the user to a bad site, This is the worst as
it shows that the encryption can be decrypted, it may only be a short time
before the key can be recovered.

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

I think that is how the DS lite cable works, but it seems like a poor
way of doing it. The DS Lite does have a native WiFI capability, so all
you need to use it is a WiFi access point or WiFi equipped router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking

Not really

You will probably need to buy the browser for the DS Lite (separate from
the cable anyway I understand), but then use an off the shelf router or
access point.




--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:44:25 +0100, John Rumm
wrote:

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

I think that is how the DS lite cable works, but it seems like a poor
way of doing it. The DS Lite does have a native WiFI capability, so all
you need to use it is a WiFi access point or WiFi equipped router.

Question really is, is this the best way to go about it. Thinking

Not really

You will probably need to buy the browser for the DS Lite (separate from
the cable anyway I understand), but then use an off the shelf router or
access point.

And / or get the new DSi and download the new Opera browser for free
(that supports WPA (apparently)). ;-)

If Opera on the DSi is anything like Opera on the DS Lite I wouldn't
bother (been there). If the connectivity is for playing network games
it might be ok (as long as they are the games for the DSi that I
believe also allow use of WPA. Older games will still use WEP).

T i m

On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:44:25 UTC, John Rumm
wrote:

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.

I think that is how the DS lite cable works, but it seems like a poor
way of doing it. The DS Lite does have a native WiFI capability, so all
you need to use it is a WiFi access point or WiFi equipped router.

I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

--
The information contained in this post is copyright the
poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by
http://www.diybanter.com

Bob Eager posted
I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

Sure, because if he used it then everybody else would have to use WEP
too. But in the OP's case, everybody else on the LAN is using an
Ethernet link.

--
Les
Criticising the government is not illegal, but often on investigation turns out
to be linked to serious offences.

Big Les Wade gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

Sure, because if he used it then everybody else would have to use WEP
too. But in the OP's case, everybody else on the LAN is using an
Ethernet link.

Doesn't matter. The network protection is only as strong as the weakest
link.

If the access point is accepting WEP, then an attacker can easily get
inside the firewall, exposing those wired machines, not just the WEP-
connected devices. Assuming, of course, you're not actually worried about
misuse of the connection.

On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:35:05 UTC, Big Les Wade wrote:

Bob Eager posted
I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

Sure, because if he used it then everybody else would have to use WEP
too. But in the OP's case, everybody else on the LAN is using an
Ethernet link.

So anyone who can break the WEP gets access to the entire network...

--
The information contained in this post is copyright the
poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by
http://www.diybanter.com

Bob Eager posted
On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:35:05 UTC, Big Les Wade wrote:

Bob Eager posted
I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

Sure, because if he used it then everybody else would have to use WEP
too. But in the OP's case, everybody else on the LAN is using an
Ethernet link.

So anyone who can break the WEP gets access to the entire network...

On my router, you can isolate the wireless LAN from the Ethernet LAN
("Disable traffic between LAN group 1 and LAN group 2"). The router only
cost £40 so I assume it's not a specially rare feature. I don't know
how well it works, though, I've never used it.

That said, Adrian's point is still correct, that if somebody breaks the
WEP, they can freeload the Internet connection, which is bad enough to
want to rule it out.

--
Les
Criticising the government is not illegal, but often on investigation turns out
to be linked to serious offences.

In article ,
Bob Eager wrote:
I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP
for security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

Sure, because if he used it then everybody else would have to use WEP
too. But in the OP's case, everybody else on the LAN is using an
Ethernet link.

So anyone who can break the WEP gets access to the entire network...

In most cases wouldn't the computers on the domestic local network have
their own firewall, etc?

--
*Horn broken. - Watch for finger.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Bob Eager wrote:
On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:44:25 UTC, John Rumm
wrote:

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.
I think that is how the DS lite cable works, but it seems like a poor
way of doing it. The DS Lite does have a native WiFI capability, so all
you need to use it is a WiFi access point or WiFi equipped router.

I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

The simplest way round these problems is to have a second WiFi zone with
WEP enabled, but restrict its access such that it can't see the wired
LAN. So the only risk you then expose, is that someone could potentially
piggyback you internet connection - unwanted users would still have no
access to your network resources or shared folders etc. (you can
minimise that risk by winding the RF power down on that WLAN).

The main WiFi zone can have WPA2 and bridging to the LAN enabled as usual.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

In message , John Rumm
writes

The simplest way round these problems is to have a second WiFi zone
with WEP enabled, but restrict its access such that it can't see the
wired LAN. So the only risk you then expose, is that someone could
potentially piggyback you internet connection - unwanted users would
still have no access to your network resources or shared folders etc.
(you can minimise that risk by winding the RF power down on that WLAN).

This is getting more complicated by the minute. Could I avoid the
potential security problems by just buying a USB Wireless Adapter, which
allows the DS to connect via a PC, or does that cause more problems than
it solves?

eBay item 180345359145

URL:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WiFi-Link-USB-...or-PS3-PSP-DS-
Wii-Xlink_W0QQitemZ180345359145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_V ideoGames_VideoGame
Accessories_VideoGameAccessories_JN?hash=item18034 5359145&_trksid=p3286.c
0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|24 0%3A1318

Thanks!
--
Graeme, Scotland

Graeme wrote:

This is getting more complicated by the minute. Could I avoid the
potential security problems by just buying a USB Wireless Adapter, which
allows the DS to connect via a PC, or does that cause more problems than
it solves?

It solves none of the security issues, but does add a few. Kind of why I
suggested this was a non optimal way forward ;-)

eBay item 180345359145

Is basically an ordinary WiFi USB dongle type affair. By running some
access point software (or if you are brave) trying the windows internet
connection sharing facility, it will create an access point for you.

Note however, any firewalling between network connections will now have
to be done in software running on the PC, and the PC will have to be on
at all times the wireless is in use etc. You also now have a weakly
encrypted connection straight to your PC.

In your case, I think I would swap the router for a wireless version.
Turn on the wireless with WEP enabled. Don't allow it to bridge the
wired and wireless sides, and modulate the power down to just enough for
the application in hand. That will let the DS see the internet, but not
your computers. WEP will keep off the casual surfers. Anyone determined
enough to crack it could potentially get free internet access, but not
much else. Later if you add a netbook or other computer type device that
wants full wireless access, add a standalone wireless access point.
Configure that with strong security and bridging etc.



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:42:37 UTC, John Rumm
wrote:

Bob Eager wrote:
On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:44:25 UTC, John Rumm
wrote:

Graeme wrote:

We have a broadband connection via Demon Internet, hard wired to four
PCs via a four port broadband router. All works well, but son would
like to access the outside world using his Nintendo DS Lite. It seems
that Nintendo sell the gubbins, comprising a USB connector, cable and
software. I know absolutely nothing about wireless connectivity, but
understand that the USB device plugs into a PC, and the DS then talks to
the outside world via the host PC, which is plugged into the router.
I think that is how the DS lite cable works, but it seems like a poor
way of doing it. The DS Lite does have a native WiFI capability, so all
you need to use it is a WiFi access point or WiFi equipped router.

I know that the DS (not sure about the DS lite) only implements WEP for
security. That's why my son's DS is banned from the network...

The simplest way round these problems is to have a second WiFi zone with
WEP enabled, but restrict its access such that it can't see the wired
LAN. So the only risk you then expose, is that someone could potentially
piggyback you internet connection - unwanted users would still have no
access to your network resources or shared folders etc. (you can
minimise that risk by winding the RF power down on that WLAN).

Oh, I know. But I'm not going to that much trouble and expense. We
already have two Wiis and a PSP on it!

--
The information contained in this post is copyright the
poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by
http://www.diybanter.com

Bob Eager wrote:

Oh, I know. But I'm not going to that much trouble and expense. We
already have two Wiis and a PSP on it!

I have got my Wii on my WPA protected WLAN...



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/