NETGEAR WG311 manual Key Size, WEP Configuration Options

Page 54

Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311

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

Image 54
Contents NETGEAR, Inc Technical Support FCC Information to User Export Restrictions Page Page Contents Appendix C Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Glossary Contents About the Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Key Features and Related Netgear ProductsRoad Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ What’s in the Box?Road Map for How to Get There From Here Netgear 54 Mbps Exchange files Use printers What You Will Need Before You Begin Verify System RequirementsTwo Basic Operating Modes Observe Location and Range GuidelinesWG311 Default Wireless Configuration Settings Basic Installation Instructions For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311Install the WG311 software Install the Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311 Configure your WG311 Verify wireless connectivity to your network Open the WG311 utility by clicking on the iconFor Windows 2000 & 98/Me Users Installing a WG311 Task bar Configure your WG311 and save ProfileVerify wireless connectivity to your network WG311 Wireless Connection Indicators Interpreting System Tray Icon ColorsBasic Troubleshooting Tips About About page shows the following informationBasic Setup Basic Setup Understanding the Configuration Options Using Configuration ProfilesNetworks Networks page displays the following fieldsConnect to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode ProfileRun the WG311 Configuration Utility Configure the wireless Network settings Save your settings in a ProfileConnecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode How to Configure an Ad-Hoc Mode ProfileConfigure the PC network settings How to Start a Computer-to-Computer Ad-Hoc Network Enabling Wireless Security Features Ad-Hoc SettingConfiguration How to Configure WEP Encryption Security Configure the Security settingsSave your settings in a Profile Statistics Statistics tabAdvanced Settings Advanced SettingsConfiguration Appendix a Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Wireless Networking Overview Infrastructure ModeAuthentication and WEP Ad-Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer WorkgroupNetwork Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Authentication Open System AuthenticationPoint This process is illustrated in below Authentication Shared Key Steps WEP Configuration Options Key SizeWireless Channels Radio frequency channels used are listed in Table Configuring Windows 98 and Me for TCP/IP Networking Install or Verify Windows Networking ComponentsPreparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Choose Settings, and then Control Panel Locate your Network Neighborhood iconPrimary Network Logon is set to Windows logon Selecting the 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 Dhcp Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows Verify that Obtain an IP addressRight click on Local Area Connection and select Properties Obtain an IP address automatically is selected Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or Preparing Your PCs for Network Access Glossary List of Glossary TermsDSL Internet service provider Ssid Wins Glossary Numerics Bssid Essid