Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Online Security (WPA)

basketkase543

basketkase543

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I just got a wi-fi connection in my apartment and I've been hearing that the DS doesn't support WPA encryption. Was this only the case when the system came out or does it now support WPA? If it doesn't support, how do you guys keep your networks secure while playing online? And please don't mention the wireless usb adapter--i'm not about to fork over $35 for a wireless adapter that only works on my ds.
 
I believe it will work with WEP. (Which as you probably already know isn't as strong.)

It doesn't work with all routers either AFAIK. Didn't work with either of the two I have, although I didn't try terribly hard as I wasn't really keen on rolling back from WPA.
 
Yep, your choices are limited with the DS. Either use the USB adapter or weaken your network's security.

Or you could do what I do and use your neighbor's completely unsecured access point. But that option isn't for everyone.
 
Man, this is what I was afraid of. Why hasn't Nintendo updated the DS' firmware like Sony so often does? CAN Nintendo even do it or are we pretty much stuck?
 
[quote name='uberzone']MAC filtering FTW.[/QUOTE]

The problem is though, that the MAC address can be found because of the weak WEP encryption, so MAC filtering is pretty much useless.
 
I use WEP encryption at 152 bit.
I use MAC filtering so only those MAC addresses can access my router.
I don't broadcast my SSID.

Is it perfect? No. But it's good enough for me.
 
[quote name='quercus']I use WEP encryption at 152 bit.
I use MAC filtering so only those MAC addresses can access my router.
I don't broadcast my SSID.

Is it perfect? No. But it's good enough for me.[/QUOTE]

Exactly, its not like we're running super computers with highly confidential security documents being stored in our porn machines.

I don't understand why everyone is so security paranoid about their crappy home networks. Listen, if anyone is going to break into your 'teh awesome' home network they're going to do it regardless of what security you have in place. The reality is all you need is enough security to prohibit freeloaders from using your network and in that regards, WEP and MAC filtering is more than enough.

So everyone calm down, stop being so paranoid and enjoying your gaming. :)
 
[quote name='uberzone']Exactly, its not like we're running super computers with highly confidential security documents being stored in our porn machines.

I don't understand why everyone is so security paranoid about their crappy home networks. Listen, if anyone is going to break into your 'teh awesome' home network they're going to do it regardless of what security you have in place. The reality is all you need is enough security to prohibit freeloaders from using your network and in that regards, WEP and MAC filtering is more than enough.

So everyone calm down, stop being so paranoid and enjoying your gaming. :)[/QUOTE]


Heh heh, I wish I could be as optimistic as you :D

Speaking as somebody who has had their vital information jacked before, you can never be too careful--especially when it comes to transmitting your data wirelessly.
 
[quote name='basketkase543']Heh heh, I wish I could be as optimistic as you :D

Speaking as somebody who has had their vital information jacked before, you can never be too careful--especially when it comes to transmitting your data wirelessly.[/QUOTE]

yep, I'm with you. because my condo complex is so crowded and very close to a mall, you can never be sure who's around or what they may try to do. which is why I broke down and got the usb adapter, rather than compromising my wpa2 network.

I'd advise anyone else paranoid about wireless security to do the same.
 
At least the Wii supports it.

What I have, is two router configuration files on my HD. When I'm not playing WI-FI on the DS regularly, I load up the WPA-PSK file. But when I am, I load the WEP file. I have a WEP/WPA profile set for everything, laptop, PSP, etc.

It's a pain in the ass, but that's basically what you have to do. I've been really lazy about it lately though, so It's usually always on WEP. :bomb:
 
[quote name='monkeypox']yep, I'm with you. because my condo complex is so crowded and very close to a mall, you can never be sure who's around or what they may try to do. which is why I broke down and got the usb adapter, rather than compromising my wpa2 network.

I'd advise anyone else paranoid about wireless security to do the same.[/QUOTE]

I might just spring for the usb adapter if there's anyway to use it on non-ds hardware. Anybody know if the adapter has been hacked and if people have gotten it to work on PCs yet?
 
I was able to use a hack to get the usb thingy to work with any device (pda, xbox etc). There are instructions on the net but I failed to bookmark them. Doing the hack was the only way to get the thing to work for me at all. My router is not one supported by this.

On a different note I learned I could change the wireless settings on my router on the fly so I no longer need the usb thing. I just turn off the wireless when not using it.

Also note the usb thingy is a waste of money. You can get a wireless router that is nintendo approved with a certified direct connect to the DS for less than the usb thingy.
 
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