Belkin F5D9050 user manual Bit Encryption, Encryption Keys

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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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 Adapter’s configuration screen.

WPA

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.

WPA (with radius server) works best in a business environment, in which a radius server automatically distributes the network key to clients.

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Contents USB Network Adapter Page Table of Contents Page Advantages of a Wireless Network IntroductionBenefits of a Home Network Placement of your Wireless Router or Access Point IntroductionCordless Phone Placement Avoid Obstacles and InterferenceChoose the Quietest Channel for your Wireless Network Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOLProduct Features OverviewProduct Specifications OverviewApplications and Advantages Package Contents System RequirementsInstalling and Setting up the Adapter Step InstallSection Installing and Setting up the Adapter Step Insert Insert the Adapter into your ComputerInstallation is now complete. Click Finish to exit Step Configure Use the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility Installation is now complete Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility Accessing the Belkin WNU from the Windows System TrayLost Wireless Connection Network StatusAvailable Networks Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility Network Status and Solution TipsConnection Failure Setting Wireless Network Profiles Securing your Wi-FiNetworkWireless Equivalent Privacy WEP is a less secure, but Bit WEP WPABit Encryption Encryption KeysC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key Configuring your Adapter to use Security Changing the Wireless Security SettingsWEP Setup Bit WEP EncryptionC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key WPA-PSK no server Wireless Networking Utility Options Wireless Networking Utility HelpAdvanced Diagnostic Tools Troubleshooting Can’t connect to the Internet wirelesslyTroubleshooting Name of your wireless network appears in Available NetworksPower LED does not come on Adapter is not working Link LED is solid but I cannot connect to the Internet Signal strength is poor Data transfer is sometimes slowTroubleshooting Troubleshooting Wireless Comparison Chart SpeedTroubleshooting Information Federal Communications Commission NoticeModifications Canada-Industry Canada ICEurope-European Union Notice What will we do to correct problems? What is not covered by this warranty?How to get service InformationHow state law relates to the warranty Belkin Tech Support Belkin B.VBelkin Corporation