Verizon VZ4050 user manual Wi-Fi Protected Access WPA

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Using the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon

Wi-Fi Protected Access (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) is a system where a radius server distributes the network key to the clients automatically. This is typically found in a business environment.

WPA2 requires Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption of data, which offers much greater security than WPA. WPA uses both Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and (AES) for encryption.

Most Wi-Fi products ship with security turned off. So once you have your network working, you need to activate WEP or WPA and make sure all your wireless devices are sharing the same network key.

The following diagram shows the effect of not having the correct network key throughout your network.

 

Network key=

 

MyPassword

 

Wireless G

 

Desktop Card

Network key=

Network key=

MyPassword

MyPassword

Wireless G Router

 

 

Wireless G

 

Notebook Card

 

Network key=

 

WRONG Pass-

 

Wireless G

 

Desktop Card

The Card cannot access the network because it uses a different network key than the one configured on the wireless router.

IMPORTANT: You must now set all wireless network cards/adapters to match these settings.

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Contents Wireless G USB Network Adapter Table of Contents Benefits of a Home Network IntroductionIntroduction Placement of your Wireless Router or Access PointAvoid Obstacles and Interference Cordless Phone PlacementSecure Connections, VPNs, and AOL Choose the Quietest Channel for your Wireless NetworkOverview Product FeaturesApplications and Advantages Product SpecificationsSystem Requirements Package ContentsInstall Installing and Setting up the AdapterSection Configure Use the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon Installing and Setting up the AdapterInstallation is now complete Accessing the WNU from the Windows System Tray Using the Wireless Networking Utility from VerizonLost Wireless Connection Network StatusAvailable Networks Connection Failure Network Status and Solution TipsSecuring your Wi-FiNetwork Setting Wireless Network ProfilesUsing the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon Wired Equivalent Privacy WEP is a less secure, but more Wireless Protected Access WPA is the new standardWired Equivalent Privacy WEP Bit WEP Encryption KeysC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key Wi-Fi Protected Access WPA Changing the Wireless Security Settings Bit WEP Encryption WEP SetupC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key Using the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon WPA-PSK no server Wireless Networking Utility Options WNU Help Advanced Diagnostic ToolsUsing the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon Can’t connect to the Internet wirelessly TroubleshootingName of your wireless network appears in Available Networks Power LED does not come on Adapter is not working Installation CD-ROM does not start WNUData transfer is sometimes slow Link LED is solid but I cannot connect to the InternetSignal strength is poor Troubleshooting Manufactured by Belkin Wi-FiInteroperability Certificate Federal Communications Commission Notice Manufactured by Belkin FCC StatementModifications Manufactured by BelkinCanada-Industry Canada IC Europe-European Union NoticeBelkin Corporation Limited Five-Year Product Warranty Wireless G USB Network Adapter