MN740 & WPA (Chris - any thoughts)

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

Gang,

It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support WPA-PSK (at the moment it
only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard). My network consists of the
MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home computer (XP Pro SP2) is wired
directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for my work laptop. I am forced
to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because of the limitations of the
MN740. I am in the process of putting a new computer on my network that will
be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but again, I'll have to settle for
WEP.

I think the issue that has me a little animated regarding this subject is
the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It has all the advantages of
the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like the MN740 (I guess maybe
they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks into the XBOX dashboard,
which is the only advantage the MN740 had over the competitors.

When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one on the market to support
802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the standard did exist. I
thought for sure (and everyone else did on this newsgroup) they would
release a firmware update to support WPA. I know that MS has stopped
manufacturing their line of wireless products EXCEPT the MN740. If they had
stopped making and selling this I could understand them not being interested
in adding this feature, but they are still selling it.

I'm not sure if there are technical limitations in distributing a firmware
release to support the WPA standard to a piece of hardware that extends the
XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to patch the dashboard to
support the new option and that could be problematic because not everyone
that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX Live. This would force MS
offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard - obviously complicating
matters.

I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS basher - in fact I owe my
livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use their tools almost
exclusively, but I really would like to understand this issue better.

Thanks reading my rant ;-)

Jim

New DGL-3420 info...
Picture: ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/prod [...] L-3420.jpg
Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

Slight correction here. The MN-740 does run the Atheros chip, like the new
D-Link
DGL-3420. However, I still would not look for a software update enabling
WPA from the Microsoft folks.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
newsJkTlUA%23EHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> Jim, I agree in your venting on the lack of WPA support on the MN-740.
> That device came from the Xbox side of the hardware house at Microsoft,
> and not the now-defunct networking hardware team which created the regular
> computer routers/base stations and adapters which were dropped by
> Microsoft last spring.
>
> That said, putting WPA on the MN-740 - as I understand it - would require
> a different hardware configuration or chip, not just the Xbox Dashboard
> setup as you suggest. So I seriously doubt any "update" for the MN-740
> software will be forthcoming in the hardware area.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
> news:eoY6gS$9EHA.3640@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> Gang,
>>
>> It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support WPA-PSK (at the moment it
>> only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard). My network consists of the
>> MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home computer (XP Pro SP2) is
>> wired
>> directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for my work laptop. I am
>> forced
>> to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because of the limitations of the
>> MN740. I am in the process of putting a new computer on my network that
>> will
>> be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but again, I'll have to settle
>> for
>> WEP.
>>
>> I think the issue that has me a little animated regarding this subject is
>> the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It has all the advantages
>> of
>> the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like the MN740 (I guess maybe
>> they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks into the XBOX dashboard,
>> which is the only advantage the MN740 had over the competitors.
>>
>> When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one on the market to support
>> 802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the standard did exist. I
>> thought for sure (and everyone else did on this newsgroup) they would
>> release a firmware update to support WPA. I know that MS has stopped
>> manufacturing their line of wireless products EXCEPT the MN740. If they
>> had
>> stopped making and selling this I could understand them not being
>> interested
>> in adding this feature, but they are still selling it.
>>
>> I'm not sure if there are technical limitations in distributing a
>> firmware
>> release to support the WPA standard to a piece of hardware that extends
>> the
>> XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to patch the dashboard to
>> support the new option and that could be problematic because not everyone
>> that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX Live. This would force MS
>> offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard - obviously complicating
>> matters.
>>
>> I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS basher - in fact I owe my
>> livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use their tools almost
>> exclusively, but I really would like to understand this issue better.
>>
>> Thanks reading my rant ;-)
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> New DGL-3420 info...
>> Picture: ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/prod [...] L-3420.jpg
>> Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

I agree, but there isn't anything as a user like you I can do except
complain via the Microsoft Wish program:
http://register.microsoft.com/mswish/suggestion.asp

However, since you've mentioned adding another router to your system you CAN
segment the Xbox device off on its own portion of your LAN so it is isolated
from the "important" stuff.

Check out Microsoft MVP Barb Bowman's article regarding this subject on the
Expert Zone:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] egnet.mspx
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Joseph Wallis" <inteller@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news43XkhL%23EHA.2788@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> And that is very sad. I mean why would you degrade all of the security in
> your house for an Xbox? My current Xbox wireless setup is running the
> prorietary 256 dlink encryption with no degredation in performance. I
> don't see how WPA 256bit could be that worse.
>
> I'm soon switching to an MN-700, and it chaps my hide that MS doesn't
> include WPA support for the 740, otherwise I'd be buying another product
> from them. For now I'm going to find another vendor for the WPA bridge to
> the Xbox, and that is unacceptable.
>
>
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> newsCYQAHB%23EHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> Slight correction here. The MN-740 does run the Atheros chip, like the
>> new D-Link
>> DGL-3420. However, I still would not look for a software update enabling
>> WPA from the Microsoft folks.
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> newsJkTlUA%23EHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>> Jim, I agree in your venting on the lack of WPA support on the MN-740.
>>> That device came from the Xbox side of the hardware house at Microsoft,
>>> and not the now-defunct networking hardware team which created the
>>> regular computer routers/base stations and adapters which were dropped
>>> by Microsoft last spring.
>>>
>>> That said, putting WPA on the MN-740 - as I understand it - would
>>> require a different hardware configuration or chip, not just the Xbox
>>> Dashboard setup as you suggest. So I seriously doubt any "update" for
>>> the MN-740 software will be forthcoming in the hardware area.
>>> --
>>> Chris H.
>>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>> Associate Expert
>>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>>
>>>
>>> "Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eoY6gS$9EHA.3640@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>>> Gang,
>>>>
>>>> It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support WPA-PSK (at the moment
>>>> it
>>>> only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard). My network consists of
>>>> the
>>>> MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home computer (XP Pro SP2) is
>>>> wired
>>>> directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for my work laptop. I am
>>>> forced
>>>> to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because of the limitations of
>>>> the
>>>> MN740. I am in the process of putting a new computer on my network that
>>>> will
>>>> be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but again, I'll have to settle
>>>> for
>>>> WEP.
>>>>
>>>> I think the issue that has me a little animated regarding this subject
>>>> is
>>>> the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It has all the advantages
>>>> of
>>>> the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like the MN740 (I guess
>>>> maybe
>>>> they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks into the XBOX dashboard,
>>>> which is the only advantage the MN740 had over the competitors.
>>>>
>>>> When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one on the market to
>>>> support
>>>> 802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the standard did exist. I
>>>> thought for sure (and everyone else did on this newsgroup) they would
>>>> release a firmware update to support WPA. I know that MS has stopped
>>>> manufacturing their line of wireless products EXCEPT the MN740. If they
>>>> had
>>>> stopped making and selling this I could understand them not being
>>>> interested
>>>> in adding this feature, but they are still selling it.
>>>>
>>>> I'm not sure if there are technical limitations in distributing a
>>>> firmware
>>>> release to support the WPA standard to a piece of hardware that extends
>>>> the
>>>> XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to patch the dashboard to
>>>> support the new option and that could be problematic because not
>>>> everyone
>>>> that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX Live. This would force MS
>>>> offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard - obviously complicating
>>>> matters.
>>>>
>>>> I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS basher - in fact I owe my
>>>> livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use their tools almost
>>>> exclusively, but I really would like to understand this issue better.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks reading my rant ;-)
>>>>
>>>> Jim
>>>>
>>>> New DGL-3420 info...
>>>> Picture: ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/prod [...] L-3420.jpg
>>>> Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

Remember, this newsgroup is peer support. The MVPs you see posting here do
so voluntarily, on their own time. When the Broadband Networking products
first came out, there were Microsoft hardware folks here nearly on a daily
basis, but that division was dropped at Microsoft. The MN-740 comes of the
Xbox side of the house, was never actively supported here officially, and I
believe one needs to be a Master Chief to have access to those folks. 8-)
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
news:u0KRAuN%23EHA.3596@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> I'm glad to see that others feel the same way. Thanks for the input...
> maybe
> I'll enter something in the suggestion box. What are the odds that anyone
> looks at that and, if they do, that anyone will care. I know... very
> pessimistic, but I guess one never knows until you try ;-)
>
> This news group is always filled with the "it doesn't work" stories, and
> rightly so. But this one is more like "It works good, but would be great
> if
> only MS would extend their recent security focus to their wireless
> products". MS should know that this leaves the home network very
> vulnerable
> and is as important as blocking spyware and viruses, which they seem very
> focused on given XP SP2, their accusation of Giant for AntiSpyware, their
> upcoming beta for an AntiVirus, etc.
>
> I just would like to see a company step up to the plate and say, "hey - we
> know there is a significant (in this case security) gap in what this
> product
> provides and we'd like to fix it".
>
> Again, this topic is just cathartic in nature. It feels good to express
> the
> frustration and have others agree.
>
> Jim
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:uaOyWJM%23EHA.2568@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> I agree, but there isn't anything as a user like you I can do except
>> complain via the Microsoft Wish program:
>> http://register.microsoft.com/mswish/suggestion.asp
>>
>> However, since you've mentioned adding another router to your system you
> CAN
>> segment the Xbox device off on its own portion of your LAN so it is
> isolated
>> from the "important" stuff.
>>
>> Check out Microsoft MVP Barb Bowman's article regarding this subject on
> the
>> Expert Zone:
>>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp [...] egnet.mspx
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Joseph Wallis" <inteller@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news43XkhL%23EHA.2788@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> > And that is very sad. I mean why would you degrade all of the security
> in
>> > your house for an Xbox? My current Xbox wireless setup is running the
>> > prorietary 256 dlink encryption with no degredation in performance. I
>> > don't see how WPA 256bit could be that worse.
>> >
>> > I'm soon switching to an MN-700, and it chaps my hide that MS doesn't
>> > include WPA support for the 740, otherwise I'd be buying another
>> > product
>> > from them. For now I'm going to find another vendor for the WPA bridge
> to
>> > the Xbox, and that is unacceptable.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> > newsCYQAHB%23EHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> >> Slight correction here. The MN-740 does run the Atheros chip, like
>> >> the
>> >> new D-Link
>> >> DGL-3420. However, I still would not look for a software update
> enabling
>> >> WPA from the Microsoft folks.
>> >> --
>> >> Chris H.
>> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> >> Associate Expert
>> >> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> >> newsJkTlUA%23EHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> >>> Jim, I agree in your venting on the lack of WPA support on the
>> >>> MN-740.
>> >>> That device came from the Xbox side of the hardware house at
> Microsoft,
>> >>> and not the now-defunct networking hardware team which created the
>> >>> regular computer routers/base stations and adapters which were
>> >>> dropped
>> >>> by Microsoft last spring.
>> >>>
>> >>> That said, putting WPA on the MN-740 - as I understand it - would
>> >>> require a different hardware configuration or chip, not just the Xbox
>> >>> Dashboard setup as you suggest. So I seriously doubt any "update"
>> >>> for
>> >>> the MN-740 software will be forthcoming in the hardware area.
>> >>> --
>> >>> Chris H.
>> >>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> >>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> >>> Associate Expert
>> >>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> "Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
>> >>> news:eoY6gS$9EHA.3640@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> >>>> Gang,
>> >>>>
>> >>>> It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support WPA-PSK (at the
> moment
>> >>>> it
>> >>>> only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard). My network consists
>> >>>> of
>> >>>> the
>> >>>> MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home computer (XP Pro SP2) is
>> >>>> wired
>> >>>> directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for my work laptop. I
>> >>>> am
>> >>>> forced
>> >>>> to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because of the limitations
>> >>>> of
>> >>>> the
>> >>>> MN740. I am in the process of putting a new computer on my network
> that
>> >>>> will
>> >>>> be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but again, I'll have to
> settle
>> >>>> for
>> >>>> WEP.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> I think the issue that has me a little animated regarding this
> subject
>> >>>> is
>> >>>> the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It has all the
> advantages
>> >>>> of
>> >>>> the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like the MN740 (I guess
>> >>>> maybe
>> >>>> they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks into the XBOX
> dashboard,
>> >>>> which is the only advantage the MN740 had over the competitors.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one on the market to
>> >>>> support
>> >>>> 802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the standard did exist.
>> >>>> I
>> >>>> thought for sure (and everyone else did on this newsgroup) they
>> >>>> would
>> >>>> release a firmware update to support WPA. I know that MS has stopped
>> >>>> manufacturing their line of wireless products EXCEPT the MN740. If
> they
>> >>>> had
>> >>>> stopped making and selling this I could understand them not being
>> >>>> interested
>> >>>> in adding this feature, but they are still selling it.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> I'm not sure if there are technical limitations in distributing a
>> >>>> firmware
>> >>>> release to support the WPA standard to a piece of hardware that
> extends
>> >>>> the
>> >>>> XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to patch the dashboard
>> >>>> to
>> >>>> support the new option and that could be problematic because not
>> >>>> everyone
>> >>>> that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX Live. This would force
> MS
>> >>>> offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard - obviously
> complicating
>> >>>> matters.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS basher - in fact I owe my
>> >>>> livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use their tools almost
>> >>>> exclusively, but I really would like to understand this issue
>> >>>> better.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Thanks reading my rant ;-)
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Jim
>> >>>>
>> >>>> New DGL-3420 info...
>> >>>> Picture: ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/prod [...] L-3420.jpg
>> >>>> Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

I agree, Tim. We all want the best security on our LANs, and it is more
necessary is some residential areas than others. However, there is a way to
get around it as I posted previously, to segment your LAN to isolate the
Xbox, and provide higher security for your computers. What can anyone do
accessing your Xbox? 8-)
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Tim" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:07b001c4f9d9$2656d1e0$3501280a@phx.gbl...
> Well, for me it is justthe fact i flatout feel denied. I
> love the product as it works well. And what chaps my
> hide about it is this little quote that can be found on
> the product information page for the mn-740:
>
> "Upgradeable for future security features."
> found here under High Security:
> http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ [...] rking/prod
> uctdetails.aspx?pid=015#
>
> to me, that says they had plans to do it, and for the
> better part left us high and dry....and more importantly,
> unsecure....
>
>
> Tim
>>-----Original Message-----
>>I'm glad to see that others feel the same way. Thanks
> for the input... maybe
>>I'll enter something in the suggestion box. What are the
> odds that anyone
>>looks at that and, if they do, that anyone will care. I
> know... very
>>pessimistic, but I guess one never knows until you try ;-
> )
>>
>>This news group is always filled with the "it doesn't
> work" stories, and
>>rightly so. But this one is more like "It works good,
> but would be great if
>>only MS would extend their recent security focus to
> their wireless
>>products". MS should know that this leaves the home
> network very vulnerable
>>and is as important as blocking spyware and viruses,
> which they seem very
>>focused on given XP SP2, their accusation of Giant for
> AntiSpyware, their
>>upcoming beta for an AntiVirus, etc.
>>
>>I just would like to see a company step up to the plate
> and say, "hey - we
>>know there is a significant (in this case security) gap
> in what this product
>>provides and we'd like to fix it".
>>
>>Again, this topic is just cathartic in nature. It feels
> good to express the
>>frustration and have others agree.
>>
>>Jim
>>
>>"Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:uaOyWJM%23EHA.2568@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>>> I agree, but there isn't anything as a user like you I
> can do except
>>> complain via the Microsoft Wish program:
>>> http://register.microsoft.com/mswish/suggestion.asp
>>>
>>> However, since you've mentioned adding another router
> to your system you
>>CAN
>>> segment the Xbox device off on its own portion of your
> LAN so it is
>>isolated
>>> from the "important" stuff.
>>>
>>> Check out Microsoft MVP Barb Bowman's article
> regarding this subject on
>>the
>>> Expert Zone:
>>>
>>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/exper
> t/bowman_segnet.mspx
>>> --
>>> Chris H.
>>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>> Associate Expert
>>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>>
>>>
>>> "Joseph Wallis" <inteller@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news43XkhL%23EHA.2788@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>> > And that is very sad. I mean why would you degrade
> all of the security
>>in
>>> > your house for an Xbox? My current Xbox wireless
> setup is running the
>>> > prorietary 256 dlink encryption with no degredation
> in performance. I
>>> > don't see how WPA 256bit could be that worse.
>>> >
>>> > I'm soon switching to an MN-700, and it chaps my
> hide that MS doesn't
>>> > include WPA support for the 740, otherwise I'd be
> buying another product
>>> > from them. For now I'm going to find another vendor
> for the WPA bridge
>>to
>>> > the Xbox, and that is unacceptable.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> > newsCYQAHB%23EHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>> >> Slight correction here. The MN-740 does run the
> Atheros chip, like the
>>> >> new D-Link
>>> >> DGL-3420. However, I still would not look for a
> software update
>>enabling
>>> >> WPA from the Microsoft folks.
>>> >> --
>>> >> Chris H.
>>> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>> >> Associate Expert
>>> >> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> >> newsJkTlUA%23EHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>> >>> Jim, I agree in your venting on the lack of WPA
> support on the MN-740.
>>> >>> That device came from the Xbox side of the
> hardware house at
>>Microsoft,
>>> >>> and not the now-defunct networking hardware team
> which created the
>>> >>> regular computer routers/base stations and
> adapters which were dropped
>>> >>> by Microsoft last spring.
>>> >>>
>>> >>> That said, putting WPA on the MN-740 - as I
> understand it - would
>>> >>> require a different hardware configuration or
> chip, not just the Xbox
>>> >>> Dashboard setup as you suggest. So I seriously
> doubt any "update" for
>>> >>> the MN-740 software will be forthcoming in the
> hardware area.
>>> >>> --
>>> >>> Chris H.
>>> >>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>> >>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>> >>> Associate Expert
>>> >>> Expert Zone -
> www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>> "Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
>>> >>> news:eoY6gS$9EHA.3640@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>> >>>> Gang,
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support
> WPA-PSK (at the
>>moment
>>> >>>> it
>>> >>>> only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard). My
> network consists of
>>> >>>> the
>>> >>>> MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home
> computer (XP Pro SP2) is
>>> >>>> wired
>>> >>>> directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for
> my work laptop. I am
>>> >>>> forced
>>> >>>> to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because
> of the limitations of
>>> >>>> the
>>> >>>> MN740. I am in the process of putting a new
> computer on my network
>>that
>>> >>>> will
>>> >>>> be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but
> again, I'll have to
>>settle
>>> >>>> for
>>> >>>> WEP.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> I think the issue that has me a little animated
> regarding this
>>subject
>>> >>>> is
>>> >>>> the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It
> has all the
>>advantages
>>> >>>> of
>>> >>>> the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like
> the MN740 (I guess
>>> >>>> maybe
>>> >>>> they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks
> into the XBOX
>>dashboard,
>>> >>>> which is the only advantage the MN740 had over
> the competitors.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one
> on the market to
>>> >>>> support
>>> >>>> 802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the
> standard did exist. I
>>> >>>> thought for sure (and everyone else did on this
> newsgroup) they would
>>> >>>> release a firmware update to support WPA. I know
> that MS has stopped
>>> >>>> manufacturing their line of wireless products
> EXCEPT the MN740. If
>>they
>>> >>>> had
>>> >>>> stopped making and selling this I could
> understand them not being
>>> >>>> interested
>>> >>>> in adding this feature, but they are still
> selling it.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> I'm not sure if there are technical limitations
> in distributing a
>>> >>>> firmware
>>> >>>> release to support the WPA standard to a piece of
> hardware that
>>extends
>>> >>>> the
>>> >>>> XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to
> patch the dashboard to
>>> >>>> support the new option and that could be
> problematic because not
>>> >>>> everyone
>>> >>>> that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX
> Live. This would force
>>MS
>>> >>>> offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard -
> obviously
>>complicating
>>> >>>> matters.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS basher -
> in fact I owe my
>>> >>>> livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use
> their tools almost
>>> >>>> exclusively, but I really would like to
> understand this issue better.
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> Thanks reading my rant ;-)
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> Jim
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>> New DGL-3420 info...
>>> >>>> Picture:
> ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/products/DGL-3420/DGL-
> 3420.jpg
>>> >>>> Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>>
>>> >>
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> >
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>.
>>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.broadbandnet.hardware (More info?)

There isn't much they can do to the Xbox, but the fact
that it is passing the WEP key gives hackers a window
into your network. By dropping having to drop down to
WEP for the Xbox, you are exposing your entire network.
Having to segment off the network is an expensive and
unnecessary kludge thanks to Microsoft dropping the ball.

Everyone write in the wish list link provided and demand
WPA. It takes several voices and this isn't rocket
science to implement.



>-----Original Message-----
>I agree, Tim. We all want the best security on our
LANs, and it is more
>necessary is some residential areas than others.
However, there is a way to
>get around it as I posted previously, to segment your
LAN to isolate the
>Xbox, and provide higher security for your computers.
What can anyone do
>accessing your Xbox? 8-)
>--
>Chris H.
>Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>Associate Expert
>Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
>"Tim" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message
>news:07b001c4f9d9$2656d1e0$3501280a@phx.gbl...
>> Well, for me it is justthe fact i flatout feel
denied. I
>> love the product as it works well. And what chaps my
>> hide about it is this little quote that can be found on
>> the product information page for the mn-740:
>>
>> "Upgradeable for future security features."
>> found here under High Security:
>>
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ [...] rking/prod
>> uctdetails.aspx?pid=015#
>>
>> to me, that says they had plans to do it, and for the
>> better part left us high and dry....and more
importantly,
>> unsecure....
>>
>>
>> Tim
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>I'm glad to see that others feel the same way. Thanks
>> for the input... maybe
>>>I'll enter something in the suggestion box. What are
the
>> odds that anyone
>>>looks at that and, if they do, that anyone will care. I
>> know... very
>>>pessimistic, but I guess one never knows until you
try ;-
>> )
>>>
>>>This news group is always filled with the "it doesn't
>> work" stories, and
>>>rightly so. But this one is more like "It works good,
>> but would be great if
>>>only MS would extend their recent security focus to
>> their wireless
>>>products". MS should know that this leaves the home
>> network very vulnerable
>>>and is as important as blocking spyware and viruses,
>> which they seem very
>>>focused on given XP SP2, their accusation of Giant for
>> AntiSpyware, their
>>>upcoming beta for an AntiVirus, etc.
>>>
>>>I just would like to see a company step up to the plate
>> and say, "hey - we
>>>know there is a significant (in this case security) gap
>> in what this product
>>>provides and we'd like to fix it".
>>>
>>>Again, this topic is just cathartic in nature. It feels
>> good to express the
>>>frustration and have others agree.
>>>
>>>Jim
>>>
>>>"Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>news:uaOyWJM%23EHA.2568@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>>>> I agree, but there isn't anything as a user like you
I
>> can do except
>>>> complain via the Microsoft Wish program:
>>>> http://register.microsoft.com/mswish/suggestion.asp
>>>>
>>>> However, since you've mentioned adding another router
>> to your system you
>>>CAN
>>>> segment the Xbox device off on its own portion of
your
>> LAN so it is
>>>isolated
>>>> from the "important" stuff.
>>>>
>>>> Check out Microsoft MVP Barb Bowman's article
>> regarding this subject on
>>>the
>>>> Expert Zone:
>>>>
>>>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/exp
er
>> t/bowman_segnet.mspx
>>>> --
>>>> Chris H.
>>>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>>> Associate Expert
>>>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Joseph Wallis" <inteller@hotmail.com> wrote in
message
>>>> news43XkhL%23EHA.2788@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>>> > And that is very sad. I mean why would you degrade
>> all of the security
>>>in
>>>> > your house for an Xbox? My current Xbox wireless
>> setup is running the
>>>> > prorietary 256 dlink encryption with no degredation
>> in performance. I
>>>> > don't see how WPA 256bit could be that worse.
>>>> >
>>>> > I'm soon switching to an MN-700, and it chaps my
>> hide that MS doesn't
>>>> > include WPA support for the 740, otherwise I'd be
>> buying another product
>>>> > from them. For now I'm going to find another
vendor
>> for the WPA bridge
>>>to
>>>> > the Xbox, and that is unacceptable.
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>> > newsCYQAHB%23EHA.3840@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>>> >> Slight correction here. The MN-740 does run the
>> Atheros chip, like the
>>>> >> new D-Link
>>>> >> DGL-3420. However, I still would not look for a
>> software update
>>>enabling
>>>> >> WPA from the Microsoft folks.
>>>> >> --
>>>> >> Chris H.
>>>> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>>> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>>> >> Associate Expert
>>>> >> Expert Zone -
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> "Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in
message
>>>> >> newsJkTlUA%23EHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>>> >>> Jim, I agree in your venting on the lack of WPA
>> support on the MN-740.
>>>> >>> That device came from the Xbox side of the
>> hardware house at
>>>Microsoft,
>>>> >>> and not the now-defunct networking hardware team
>> which created the
>>>> >>> regular computer routers/base stations and
>> adapters which were dropped
>>>> >>> by Microsoft last spring.
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> That said, putting WPA on the MN-740 - as I
>> understand it - would
>>>> >>> require a different hardware configuration or
>> chip, not just the Xbox
>>>> >>> Dashboard setup as you suggest. So I seriously
>> doubt any "update" for
>>>> >>> the MN-740 software will be forthcoming in the
>> hardware area.
>>>> >>> --
>>>> >>> Chris H.
>>>> >>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>>>> >>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>>>> >>> Associate Expert
>>>> >>> Expert Zone -
>> www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> "Jim" <gallagjh@apci.com> wrote in message
>>>> >>> news:eoY6gS$9EHA.3640@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>>> >>>> Gang,
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> It seems a shame that the MN740 doesn't support
>> WPA-PSK (at the
>>>moment
>>>> >>>> it
>>>> >>>> only supports the weaker 64/128 WEP standard).
My
>> network consists of
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> MN820 wireless G kit and the MN740. My home
>> computer (XP Pro SP2) is
>>>> >>>> wired
>>>> >>>> directly to the MN700 and I use the PCM card for
>> my work laptop. I am
>>>> >>>> forced
>>>> >>>> to use the flimsy WEP for my encryption because
>> of the limitations of
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> MN740. I am in the process of putting a new
>> computer on my network
>>>that
>>>> >>>> will
>>>> >>>> be connected via a PCI Wireless G card, but
>> again, I'll have to
>>>settle
>>>> >>>> for
>>>> >>>> WEP.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> I think the issue that has me a little animated
>> regarding this
>>>subject
>>>> >>>> is
>>>> >>>> the new DLink game adapter (see links below). It
>> has all the
>>>advantages
>>>> >>>> of
>>>> >>>> the MN740 + WPA-PSK... and it looks exactly like
>> the MN740 (I guess
>>>> >>>> maybe
>>>> >>>> they make it for Microsoft). It even has hooks
>> into the XBOX
>>>dashboard,
>>>> >>>> which is the only advantage the MN740 had over
>> the competitors.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> When MS released the MN740 it was the newest one
>> on the market to
>>>> >>>> support
>>>> >>>> 802.11G, but didn't support WPA even though the
>> standard did exist. I
>>>> >>>> thought for sure (and everyone else did on this
>> newsgroup) they would
>>>> >>>> release a firmware update to support WPA. I know
>> that MS has stopped
>>>> >>>> manufacturing their line of wireless products
>> EXCEPT the MN740. If
>>>they
>>>> >>>> had
>>>> >>>> stopped making and selling this I could
>> understand them not being
>>>> >>>> interested
>>>> >>>> in adding this feature, but they are still
>> selling it.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> I'm not sure if there are technical limitations
>> in distributing a
>>>> >>>> firmware
>>>> >>>> release to support the WPA standard to a piece
of
>> hardware that
>>>extends
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> XBOX functionality. I guess they would have to
>> patch the dashboard to
>>>> >>>> support the new option and that could be
>> problematic because not
>>>> >>>> everyone
>>>> >>>> that has the MN740 uses it to connect to XBOX
>> Live. This would force
>>>MS
>>>> >>>> offer some sort of CD to update the dashboard -
>> obviously
>>>complicating
>>>> >>>> matters.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> I guess I needed to vent ;-) I'm not a MS
basher -
>> in fact I owe my
>>>> >>>> livelihood to MS as I am a programmer and use
>> their tools almost
>>>> >>>> exclusively, but I really would like to
>> understand this issue better.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> Thanks reading my rant ;-)
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> Jim
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> New DGL-3420 info...
>>>> >>>> Picture:
>> ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/images/products/DGL-3420/DGL-
>> 3420.jpg
>>>> >>>> Specs: http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>.
>>>
>
>
>.
>