Open Auth − Shared Key The Open Auth − Shared Key choice for Authentication will produce the screen shown above for
the user’s configuration. The Open Auth choice is for general use and utilizes basic WEP
encryption. The Shared Key choice is used between cooperating devices that share a common
encryption key. WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol or Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption can
be enabled for security and privacy. WEP encrypts the data portion of each frame transmitted
from the wireless adapter using one of the predefined keys. Decryption of the data contained in
each packet can only be done if the both the receiver and transmitter have the correct shared key.
WEP – Click the Enabled radio button to employ WEP encryption on the router.
Auth Method – Select Open Auth, Shared Auth, or Auto.
Encryption Type – Use the pull-down menu to select the type of Key to be used for encryption.
The user may choose HEX (Hexadecimal) or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange). Both will require the user to enter a key in the following field.
Key field drop-down menu - Use the drop down menu to select the type of WEP encryption.
Select 64 Bit to enable 64 bit Hexadecimal encryption, 128 Bit to enable 128 bit Hexadecimal
encryption, 152 Bit to enable 152 bit Hexadecimal encryption.
Key – The user may enter up to four keys to be used for encryption. Only the key selected using
the corresponding radio button will be used for encryption.
12