Purpose In this two-part lab, you will set up your own secure network then review the network security of others near your home or apartment. Understanding how to set up and configure a network, as well as detect weaknesses in a configuration, is important for any technology career. Lab Instructions Follow the lab instructions for setting up and configuring your wireless router, then testing your neighbor’s wireless network. • • • On our website, in section 8.6 for the Lab, follow the Part 1 instructions for configuring your network. Document your experience completing this setup and any challenges you had. Once complete, follow Part 2 to test your neighbor’s wireless setup and document your response to the questions. Your documented responses should be at least one page in length. The Lesson 8 lab has two parts to it. In Part 1, you will set up your own secure network. In Part 2, you will see how well others around you have done. If you do not have access to view the router on a network (private or otherwise shared) you will need to perform a little research on routers and describe the details on how they are setup (often noted on the manufacturer websites). Consider that when you would install your first router, you will research how to install, setup and configure it. Same approach with this assignment even if you don’t have access to a real router. One company, in particular, TP Link, provides a simulator that can also be of assistance if you do not have access to a router: www.tp-link.com Once started, you can experience different router setups. Choose from the Home>Routers>WiFi Routers list. When asked for a password, “x” will allow entry. Note • • Follow the Part 1 instructions for configuring a virtual network using your router or TPLink simulator. Document your experience completing this setup and any challenges you had. *No private information, please. Once complete, follow Part 2 to test your neighbor’s wireless setup and document your response to the questions. ❖ Answer each of these topics/steps with a written paragraph of 3-4 sentences ❖ Add an image (snip-it or screenshot) showing what you found Part 1: Setting Up Your Wireless Router Plug in your router per the manufacturer’s instructions, and configure the connection to your Internet device (if applicable). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Run the setup routine. Set your SSID. Change the wireless password to something that is challenging to guess. Change the administrator password to something that’s even harder to guess. Set security to WPA2 or WPA3.Connect your client computer to the network. Verify Internet access. Update the firmware; set the firmware to update automatically if you like. Part 2: Testing Your Neighbors In this part, you will check to see how well your neighbors have set up their wireless networks. 1. Open the list of available networks on your client computer (or mobile device). How many do you see available? If you live in a densely populated area, especially an apartment or condominium, you will probably have a really long list of available networks. 2. How many of those networks are unsecured? Don’t try to connect to neighbors’ unsecured networks. One big reason why is that it’s illegal. Another reason is that it could expose your computer to potential threats on that unsecured network.