1918
Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
1918
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 D 4 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.