Conjunction Junxion, What’s Your Function?
We are asked (very often) by our clients about protecting junxion boxes from unauthorized use. In other words, how to keep everyone on set from checking Facebook while you’re trying use your email.
As usual, I will not get too technical (nor do I have the ability to). Just a simple overview for “the rest of us”. So without further ado, here are the four most common security mechanisms employed by our wireless internet routers:
The simplest and fastest mechanism to use is to turn off SSID Broadcasting. When you turn your box on, it continually broadcasts its identification. Every device within range will “see” that broadcast, and most will automatically connect to it if there is no other signal available. By turning off the broadcast, none of the devices know that there is an internet signal available. Producers instruct those allowed to use the junxion box to type the SSID number into their computers, and have the machines look for the box. The downside here is that the devices may not see the signal, but people will definitely notice others working on their computers. Some may (read: will) ask around until they find out the SSID. The ID will then spread like a Jr. High rumor. If you only need a few hours of exclusivity, or you’re working with a small crew, this might be a good option, as I can easily be done remotely.
The second option is called “MAC Filtering”. Every computer has what is called a “MAC Address” (No, it has nothing to do with your beloved Macintosh). Using this address, one can indicate a list of computers that are allowed to access the internet through the junxion box. Conversely, you can also indicate computers that are forbidden to use the box. This is a fairly good security method for small networks of just a few computers. But due to the requirement of manually entering each MAC Address, maintaining this function can be a pain for larger groups. For the one who is responsible for this, the probability of him or her accomplishing other tasks in a timely manner is small. It’s not really what you want to pay your crew for.
“WEP Encryption” can be an effective mechanism to keep unwanted machines off your network. WEP, which stands for, “Wired Equivalent Privacy”, is not really the “equivalent” of a hard wired network of computers. In order to use the internet signal from the junxion box, one must have a password, or “key” to do so. The problem is that time and time again it has been proven that given (sometimes less than) a day, even a fairly competent hacker could easily see sensitive information being passed on the network, like emails, usernames and passwords, sensitive or private documents, etc. This method will prevent unauthorized access, but might not protect sensitive information from nearby folks who really want to see it.
And so we arrive at “WPA”. This is the most effective security function available in our junxion boxes. As our supplier states, “It’s wonderful security”. WPA essentially works the same as WEP, except that WPA uses an additional function that addresses the WEP vulnerability previously discussed.
If you would like us to password protect your device, please feel free to ask us when ordering, and we’d be happy to make sure that you have the right security for your set’s internet access.
