Linux smart homes for dummies - part 4 ppsx

Encryption type (default is Disabled; you should really enable this):

This is currently a secure type of encryption, but it does require more

work on your PC to properly set it up. And for my favorite subject,

encryption type, I recommend using at least the minimum of WPA-PSK.

Earlier, I recommend Disabled, but that was just for the initial setup.

After you have your setup working, I recommend you change this to

Enabled. The extra work is worth the extra peace of mind it gives you.

Passkey or shared key: Your choices are WPA Pre-Shared key, WPA

RADIUS, RADIUS, and WEP. RADIUS is a server that you’ll need to install.

(It’s one of the available packages.) I don’t cover that in this book, so

don’t use the RADIUS settings. When you select your key, make sure it’s

a decent key that can’t be easily guessed. Mine is . . . I’m not telling! If

you’ve disabled the encryption type, you can leave this blank.

If you’re using a JavaScript-blocking application (such as NoScript in Firefox),

make sure that you enable it for this site (http://192.168.1.1/). Without

it, you won’t be able to do much with OpenWrt’s Web interface because it

relies on Javascript.

Upgrading Your WAP to OpenWrt

These instructions assume you’re using the original Linksys firmware for

your WAP. If you’re using another third-party firmware, the instructions will

be different, and I recommend you visit the third party’s Web site for upgrade

instructions. If you already have your WAP configured, make sure you copy

the important information such as IP addresses, masks, DNS, hostname,

ESSID, channel number, encryption type, and key. You can use the worksheet

to write down your existing information. You need to reset the WAP to its fac￾tory defaults; otherwise, very odd problems can occur.

Now that you’ve written down the important information and reset the WAP

to factory defaults, it’s time to start the upgrade — but first, read the follow￾ing points that can save you trouble while you perform the upgrade.

It’s very important that the upgrade process not be interrupted while it’s

going on. So here are a few rules to follow:

Don’t use the wireless connection to perform your upgrade. If you’re

knocked off the wireless connection while in the middle of the upgrade,

you can brick (render useless) your WRT54GL. There are recovery meth￾ods, but they’re difficult to perform.

Don’t let your cables (the power or Ethernet) hang out. Dangling

cables can trip someone. Make sure that the cables can’t entangle even

your own feet. One kick, and it’s a brick!

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Don’t upgrade during inclement weather. If a thunderstorm or other

weather event might knock out the power, I advise you not to do the

upgrade until the weather is better.

Don’t wander off. During the upgrade of my WRT54GL, Firefox popped

up a message saying that the script was taking too long and asked

whether I would like to continue or cancel. I clicked continue several

times until my router finally rebooted. When your router finally finishes

the upgrade, it will reboot on its own. (The power link light will start

blinking, and other lights will follow.) I don’t know whether the script

continues on its own or whether the script simply stops and waits for

your reply. (I wasn’t going to take a chance; I’m not as thick . . . as a

brick.)

After you make sure you aren’t committing any of the preceding list of don’ts,

here is what you do to perform the upgrade:

1. Open a terminal session on your computer.

2. Type su - and press Enter (enter the password for root).

3. If you aren’t using the 192.168.1.0 network, type ifconfig eth0:1

192.168.1.19 and press Enter.

If you are using the 192.168.1.0 network, you can skip this step.

This step is really important if you aren’t using the 192.168.1.0 network.

This step enables you to get to the WRT54GL when it’s reset to its fac￾tory setting. This is because the WRT54GL is on the 192.168.1.0 network.

Its address will be 192.168.1.1 when it’s done.

4. Connect your WRT54GL to your local LAN and use port 1. (Refer to

Figure 4-1.)

Do not connect your Internet connection at this time. You do that later.

5. Open your browser to your WRT54GL’s IP address.

If it’s a WRT54GL that you’ve had for a while, use your existing address.

If it’s a brand new WRT54GL, use the URL http://192.168.1.1/.

You’ll be greeted by the Linksys Setup page. (See Figure 4-2.)

6. Reset the config to its factory defaults by starting at the main Web

page. Click the Administration link.

7. Click the Factory Defaults link.

8. Click OK.

9. It might be necessary to re-enter the URL http://192.168.1.1/ into

your browser if a timeout error appears in your browser.

10. Click the Administration link.

11. Click the Firmware Upgrade link. (See Figure 4-3.)

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Figure 4-3:

Firmware

upgrade.

Figure 4-2:

The Linksys

Setup page.

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