NETGEAR WG111 user manual Key Size, WEP Configuration Options

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User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG111

Key Size

The IEEE 802.11 standard supports two types of WEP encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit.

The 64-bit WEP data encryption method, allows for a five-character (40-bit) input. Additionally, 24 factory-set bits are added to the forty-bit input to generate a 64-bit encryption key. (The 24 factory-set bits are not user-configurable). This encryption key will be used to encrypt/decrypt all data transmitted via the wireless interface. Some vendors refer to the 64-bit WEP data encryption as 40-bit WEP data encryption since the user-configurable portion of the encryption key is 40 bits wide.

The 128-bit WEP data encryption method consists of 104 user-configurable bits. Similar to the forty-bit WEP data encryption method, the remaining 24 bits are factory set and not user configurable. Some vendors allow passphrases to be entered instead of the cryptic hexadecimal characters to ease encryption key entry.

128-bit encryption is stronger than 40-bit encryption, but 128-bit encryption may not be available outside of the United States due to U.S. export regulations.

When configured for 40-bit encryption, 802.11 products typically support up to four WEP Keys. Each 40-bit WEP Key is expressed as 5 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, “12 34 56 78 90” is a 40-bit WEP Key.

When configured for 128-bit encryption, 802.11b products typically support four WEP Keys but some manufacturers support only one 128-bit key. The 128-bit WEP Key is expressed as 13 sets of two hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). For example, “12 34 56 78 90 AB CD EF 12 34 56 78 90” is a 128-bit WEP Key.

Note: Typically, 802.11 access points can store up to four 128-bit WEP Keys but some 802.11 client adapters can only store one. Therefore, make sure that your 802.11 access and client adapters configurations match.

WEP Configuration Options

The WEP settings must match on all 802.11 devices that are within the same wireless network as identified by the SSID. In general, if your mobile clients will roam between access points, then all of the 802.11 access points and all of the 802.11 client adapters on the network must have the same WEP settings.

B-6

Wireless Networking Basics

202-10026-01

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Contents 202-10026-01 Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer Vcci StatementFCC Requirements for Operation in the United States FCC Guidelines for Human ExposureDeclaration Of Conformity Operation Using 2.4 GHz Channels in France Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG111Metropolitan Regions with Eased Restrictions in 2.4GHz Band 202-10026-01 Contents Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Glossary Index Contents Manual Specifications Chapter About This ManualAudience, Scope, Conventions Typographical conventionsHow to Use this Manual Html version of this manualHow to Print this Manual About This Manual About the WG111 Key FeaturesChapter Introduction Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ What’s in the Box?Road Map for How to Get There From Here If I Want To? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?Netgear 54 Mbps Exchange files Use printers Verifying System Requirements Chapter Basic SetupWhat You Need Before You Begin Two Basic Operating Modes Observing Location and Range GuidelinesWG111 Default Wireless Configuration Settings Basic Installation Instructions For Windows XP Users Installing a WG111 Install the WG111 driver and configuration utility softwareInstall the Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WG111 Configure your WG111 Verify wireless connectivity to your network For Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG111 Click Install Driver and UtilityFound New Hardware Wizard WG111 System Tray Icon Configure your WG111 and save ProfileVerify wireless connectivity to your network LED Descriptions WG111 Wireless Connection IndicatorsInterpreting the LED on the WG111 Troubleshooting Interpreting System Tray Icon ColorsRed YellowTroubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions Basic TipsBasic Setup Basic Setup Basic Setup Using Configuration Profiles Chapter ConfigurationUnderstanding the Configuration Options Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode ProfileRun the WG111 Configuration Utility Configure the wireless Network settingsConnecting to Another PC in Ad-hoc Mode How to Configure an Ad-hoc Mode ProfileConfigure the PC network settings Windows Run program dialog boxPing test results Enabling Wireless Security Features How to Start a Computer-to-Computer Ad-Hoc NetworkHow to Configure WEP Encryption Security Configure the Security settingsSave your settings in a Profile Advanced Settings StatisticsConfiguration Appendix a Technical Specifications USBTechnical Specifications Infrastructure Mode Appendix B Wireless Networking BasicsWireless Networking Overview Network Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Authentication and WEPAd Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Authentication Open System AuthenticationAuthentication Open System Steps Authentication Shared Key Steps Do Not Use WEPWEP Configuration Options Key SizeWireless Channels Radio frequency channels used are listed in Table 802.11b and g Radio Frequency ChannelsAppendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP NetworkingInstall or Verify Windows Networking Components Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP NetworkingPreparing Your PCs for Network Access Locate your Network Neighborhood icon Choose Settings, and then Control PanelEnabling Dhcp in Windows 98 and Me Primary Network Logon is set to Windows logon Selecting Windows’ Internet Access Method Verifying TCP/IP PropertiesConfiguring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XPTCP/IP details are presented on Support tab Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in WindowsVerify that Obtain an IP address Obtain an IP address automatically is selected Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Glossary DSL Internet service provider Ssid Wins Glossary Index Numerics