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64-bit WEP was first introduced with 64-bit encryption, which includes a key
length of 40 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (64 bits total).
Some hardware manufacturers refer to 64-bit as 40-bit encryption. Shortly after
the technology was introduced, researchers found that 64-bit encryption was too
easy to decode.
128-Bit Encryption
As a result of 64-bit WEP's potential security weaknesses, a more secure
method of 128-bit encryption was developed. 128-bit encryption includes a key
length of 104 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (128 bits total).
Some hardware manufacturers refer to 128-bit as 104-bit encryption. Most of the
new wireless equipment in the market today supports both 64-bit WEP and 128-
bit WEP encryption, but you might have older equipment that only supports 64-bit
WEP. All Belkin wireless products will support both 64-bit WEP and 128-bit
encryption.
Encryption Keys
After selecting either the 64-bit WEP or 128-bit encryption mode, it is critical that
you generate an encryption key. If the encryption key is not consistent throughout
the entire wireless network, your wireless networking devices will be unable to
communicate with one another. You can enter your key by typing in the hex key.
A hex (hexadecimal) key is a combination of numbers and letters from A–F and
0–9. For 64-bit WEP, you need to enter 10 hex keys. For 128-bit WEP, you need
to enter 26 hex keys.
For instance:
AF 0F 4B C3 D4 = 64-bit WEP key
C3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key
Write down the hex WEP key from your wireless router (or access point) and
enter it manually into the hex WEP key table in your Card's configuration screen.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
WPA is a new Wi-Fi standard that improves upon the security features of WEP.
To use WPA security, the drivers and software of your wireless equipment must
be upgraded to support it. These updates will be found on your wireless vendor's
website. There are three types of WPA security: WPA-PSK (no server),WPA
(with radius server), and WPA2.
WPA-PSK (no server) uses what is known as a pre-shared key as the network
key. A network key is a password that is between eight and 63 characters long. It
can be a combination of letters, numbers, or characters. Each client uses the
same network key to access the network. Typically, this is the mode that will be
used in a home environment.
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