So, you have 802.11x in your castle/home/condo/apartment/dorm room/cubicle/cardboard box and you want to secure it better? One of the best options (that's compatible with Windows without installing any additional software) is to use WPA2.
So, you have a RADIUS server and a wireless Access Point (almost any will do)? Why not use WPA2-Enterprise and require users to login with a username/password to access your wireless! If you're running pfsense, you can install the FreeRADIUS server for that, so you don't need another computer running all the time (you still do if you want to be cool, but that's for another post).
I'm still trying to set it up using my pfSense box, and a Fon running DD-WRT. Having some problems with it, not exactly sure what the problem is (don't think the authentication is getting to the radius server, but I'm not sure).
Once I get it working, I'll post a mini how-to, as well as all the options you can use.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Test your AC/Heat
So, the heat/AC in our apartment is no working right now. Luckily it's still cool at night, so we've made our own AC using a fan in front of the screen door.
Anyway - I tried to test it out today, and figured the first thing I should do (other than the basic "check the breaker, play with the thermostat, etc" was to bypass the thermostat, and try to control the HVAC unit directly. After some quick googling (love that verb) and reading, I found some info (linked below). Basically, there are 4 wires in a normal system (non-heat-pump). The red wire provides 24 VAC. The Green wire controls the relay for the blower fan. Yellow wire is for the AC compressor. White wire is for the Heater.
Before you do any of this you need to turn off the breaker to the HVAC unit. Be safe, and don't blame me if you get hurt. To bypass the thermostat, simply connect the red wire to the green wire (I used some rolled up tin foil). This should turn on the fan, and you'll feel air coming out of the registers. For heat and AC, simply tie the red wire to the yellow or white wire. Again, don't do this with the power on. And I wouldn't leave the system connected like this, it will cause your AC/Heat to run 24/7, without turning off at any temp. Although it could be useful if I ever get a Crestron system in my home. Connect it to the relays on the Crestron processor, (relatively) poor man's HVAC automation!
My source, and lots good HVAC info:
http://highperformancehvac.com/thermostat-wiring-colors.html
Anyway - I tried to test it out today, and figured the first thing I should do (other than the basic "check the breaker, play with the thermostat, etc" was to bypass the thermostat, and try to control the HVAC unit directly. After some quick googling (love that verb) and reading, I found some info (linked below). Basically, there are 4 wires in a normal system (non-heat-pump). The red wire provides 24 VAC. The Green wire controls the relay for the blower fan. Yellow wire is for the AC compressor. White wire is for the Heater.
Before you do any of this you need to turn off the breaker to the HVAC unit. Be safe, and don't blame me if you get hurt. To bypass the thermostat, simply connect the red wire to the green wire (I used some rolled up tin foil). This should turn on the fan, and you'll feel air coming out of the registers. For heat and AC, simply tie the red wire to the yellow or white wire. Again, don't do this with the power on. And I wouldn't leave the system connected like this, it will cause your AC/Heat to run 24/7, without turning off at any temp. Although it could be useful if I ever get a Crestron system in my home. Connect it to the relays on the Crestron processor, (relatively) poor man's HVAC automation!
My source, and lots good HVAC info:
http://highperformancehvac.com/thermostat-wiring-colors.html
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