Securing Ethernet Ports

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Sinn

103 posts

Master Geek

#10968 22-Dec-2006 12:07

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know if it's possible to disable ethernet ports on a wireless router? The idea is to only allow secured wireless access and prevent people just pluggin their laptops directly into the ethernet ports.

Either on the Nokia MW1122 or a LinkSys WRT54G

Cheers,

grant_k

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#56162 22-Dec-2006 12:14

You could always disable the DHCP server. That would stop non-savvy people who just plug their laptops in and expect an internet connection. Smarter people would figure out what range the local subnet used and configure a Static IP address accordingly, but it would probably be enough of a barrier for most people.

I used to own a Nokia M1122 and don't recall seeing any way to disable the wired ethernet ports.

I also own various other routers (currently 3Com & Zyxel) and don't recall seeing such an option there either.

The usual assumption is that wired hubs, switches, routers etc are installed in a secure place, whereas wireless is available to all comers so the security functions are concentrated in that area.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Grant.

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sbiddle

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#56167 22-Dec-2006 12:43

It could easily be done on a WRT54g running 3rd party firmware such as Sveasoft. This gives you full control over each connector on the back so it would be a simpple matter of creating a firewall rule to prohibit access.

nathan

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#56168 22-Dec-2006 12:55

Sinn: Hi Guys,

Does anyone know if it's possible to disable ethernet ports on a wireless router? The idea is to only allow secured wireless access and prevent people just pluggin their laptops directly into the ethernet ports.

Either on the Nokia MW1122 or a LinkSys WRT54G

Cheers,

Its easy: Fill up the ports with epoxy resin or hot glue from a glue gun.

grant_k

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#56169 22-Dec-2006 12:58

nathan: Its easy: Fill up the ports with epoxy resin or hot glue from a glue gun.

LOL ... I think Sinn was intending that the ports could be used again later if required!

Sinn

103 posts

Master Geek

#56174 22-Dec-2006 14:11

Hi,

The custom firmware might be the way to go. I had hoped that there might be some obscure way in the normal firmwares to be able to do this but I guess not.

I've heard that there are ethernet plugs which can be used to lock in to prevent physical access but I'm not entirely sure where to get those. Hot glue might be the last option =o) I suppose if you're careful you can peel it off in the event you want to be able to access the ports again.

Thanks guys. Have a great christmas and new years.

grant_k

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#56179 22-Dec-2006 14:37

Sinn: Hot glue might be the last option =o) I suppose if you're careful you can peel it off in the event you want to be able to access the ports again.

Aaaaaaaaahhh, GOOD LUCK with that... I very much doubt it!

The hot-melt glue will embed itself inside the connector which has a bigger diameter inside than the entrance so you will completely wreck it by trying to remove the glue.

A firmware upgrade as Steve has suggested sounds by far the best idea.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too

.

Cheers,
Grant.

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#56196 22-Dec-2006 17:24

Grant17:
nathan: Its easy: Fill up the ports with epoxy resin or hot glue from a glue gun.

LOL ... I think Sinn was intending that the ports could be used again later if required!

Why settle for messy glue - with the ethernet killer you can kill the port in question quickly, painlessly and without any mess.

There are more of them too!

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antoniosk

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#56224 23-Dec-2006 09:52

Sinn: Hi Guys,

Does anyone know if it's possible to disable ethernet ports on a wireless router? The idea is to only allow secured wireless access and prevent people just pluggin their laptops directly into the ethernet ports.

Either on the Nokia MW1122 or a LinkSys WRT54G

Cheers,

On higher end business grade equipment it's possible. I have an Alcatel Speedtouch 620 here, and the web interface allows you to disable each port.

Consumer kit = cheap as chips software....

________

Antoniosk