Wireless: Security - TRENDnet TEW-691GR Manual

4.2.3 Wireless: Security

Security Mode
Unless one of these encryption modes is selected, wireless transmissions to and from your
wireless network can be easily intercepted and interpreted by unauthorized users.
WEP
A method of encrypting data for wireless communication intended to provide the same level of
privacy as a wired network. WEP is not as secure as WPA encryption. To gain access to a
WEP network, you must know the key. The key is a string of characters that you create. When
using WEP, you must determine the level of encryption. The type of encryption determines the
key length. 128-bit encryption requires a longer key than 64-bit encryption. Keys are defined by
entering in a string in HEX (hexadecimal - using characters 0-9, A-F) or ASCII (American
Standard Code for Information Interchange - alphanumeric characters) format. ASCII format is
provided so you can enter a string that is easier to remember. The ASCII string is converted to
HEX for use over the network. Four keys can be defined so that you can change keys easily. A
default key is selected for use on the network.
Key Length
64-bit
128-bit
WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise
Both of these options select some variant of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) -- security
standards published by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WPA Mode further refines the variant that the
router should employ.
Hex
10 characters
26 characters
ASCII
5 characters
13 characters
25