Wi-Fi question: Do I need to enable WEP if I'm not connecting a computer?

Factual Questions
1

I’m a total novice at wireless networks (never had one before), but I had a couple things converge this week: first, a co-worker who was moving away gave me a wireless router that she no longer needed, and second, my son saved up his pennies and bought a Nintendo DS and he is itching to try the Wi-Fi features.

Additionally, we have had a Tivo hooked up via phone line that I am planning to add to our soon-to-be-set-up home network.

So basically we will have a wireless network that doesn’t actually have any wireless computers on it. Given this, is there any reason that I would need to worry about security? The DS is compatible with WEP, but I don’t know if it is a hassle to have to remember a WEP key every time my son wants to play Animal Crossing.

Or am I a fool for even asking whether or not to set up security in this age of wanton computer lawlessness?

2

There are two reasons to set up security on a wireless network.
The first is so that people won’t steal stuff off your computer. This is not an issue for you.
The second is so that people won’t steal your connection to the Internet. Think of that connection as having a certain amount of carrying capacity–called “bandwidth.” If you don’t secure the network with a secret code, anyone near enough to your wireless router to see the signal can use your connection to the Internet. It’s possible that they could use so much bandwidth it would be a problem for you.

In theory it’s also possible that someone abusing the Internet in some way using your wireless router could get you in trouble with the service which provides your Internet connection. This is because the router’s address number is connected to you as the person who pays the bill.

It is not, however likely. I wouldn’t personally bother if it’s too much of a nuisance.

3

Set it.
Set it to something easy to remember, but hard to guess.
For example
a1b2c3…
or aabbcc…112233…
or aa11bb22cc33…
So as far as the kid having to type it in each time, there are plenty of 26 digit codes that are very easy to remember yet unlikely that anyone is going to guess

4

Won’t the DS have the ability to remember your network key? I definitely suggest setting up at least WEP.

5

The DS remembers the code. You only have to set it once.

6

Sweet! Thanks for the info.

7

Write it down, paper don’t forget (But you might)

8

Absolutely, postively, go with the highest level of security the devices and router have in common.

Chief Pedant covered some of the main points, but the big one is that some one can be running a filesharing server via your router. The RIAA and MPAA sue only the person who pays the bill for the IP address. The fact that you don’t have a computer, etc. doesn’t matter to them in the least. Similarly, people have been arrested when child porn passes thru their network.

Another thing to do is to also restrict access to the router based on MAC addresses. But since those can be forged and WEP cracked, you still need to monitor the router for unwanted traffic.