Arch Linux

EdgarButan

Member

Registered: 2010-02-09

Posts: 42

This network configuration safe?

My main notebook is connected to the internet via cable, my netbook usually is not connected at all.
I would like to connect my netbook to my main notebook via WLAN in order to use its internet connection from time to time.
The problem is: my notebook's wireless interface does not support the interface mode "Access point" making it impossible to use WPA.
The only way to accomplish a connection seems to be using an ad-hoc network with WEP encription which is working already but of course is unsafe.

Would it be better (i.e. sufficiently safe) to use SSH in addition to WEP? Does this make any sense?
I am a bit confused right now and unable to judge the security of this setup (I'm not an expert anyway).

Thanks for your help,
EdgarButan

lifeafter2am

Member

From: 127.0.0.1

Registered: 2009-06-10

Posts: 1,332

Re: This network configuration safe?

You could limit Internet access to only computer who receive a VPN address and connect via a VPN.

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EdgarButan

Member

Registered: 2010-02-09

Posts: 42

Re: This network configuration safe?

That is true, but I would prefer SSH for two reasons:
1. It's (much) easier to set up.
2. I would like to use X11Forwarding from time to time, for example to control music that is played on my main machine with an application on my netbook.

lifeafter2am

Member

From: 127.0.0.1

Registered: 2009-06-10

Posts: 1,332

Re: This network configuration safe?

Well, yes, but the solution I posed would also stop people from hacking your WEP and using your network.  Even if you set it up as AD-HOC its trivial to spoof your MAC address and take over as your netbook.  Basically all your doing is keeping people from seeing your data; if that is what you are after, then you are good to go. 

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#binarii @ irc.binarii.net
Matrix Server: https://matrix.binarii.net
-------------
Allan -> ArchBang is not supported because it is stupid.

Awebb

Member

Registered: 2010-05-06

Posts: 6,310

Re: This network configuration safe?

That would mean you'd need to leave the notebook on all the time. What stops you from buying a router?

EdgarButan

Member

Registered: 2010-02-09

Posts: 42

Re: This network configuration safe?

I just had the idea to use my netbook as an access point. It's got an Atheros chip, should work fine.

@lifeafter2am Thank you for your help.
@Awebb Nothing, but I'm not gonna use this setup that often and if, my notebook is turned on anyway.