WEP network, you must know the key. The key is a string of characters that you create. When using WEP, you must determine the level of encryption. The type of encryption determines the key length. 128-bit encryption requires a longer key than 64-bit encryption. Keys are defined by entering in a string in HEX (hexadecimal - using characters 0-9, A-F) or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange - alphanumeric characters) format. ASCII format is provided so you can enter a string that is easier to remember. The ASCII string is converted to HEX for use over the network. Four keys can be defined so that you can change keys easily. A default key is selected for use on the network.

Example:

64-bit hexadecimal keys are exactly 10 characters in length. (12345678FA is a valid string of 10 characters for 64-bit encryption.)

128-bit hexadecimal keys are exactly 26 characters in length. (456FBCDF123400122225271730 is a valid string of 26 characters for 128-bit encryption.)

64-bit ASCII keys are up to 5 characters in length (DMODE is a valid string of 5 characters for 64-bit encryption.)

128-bit ASCII keys are up to 13 characters in length (2002HALOSWIN1 is a valid string of 13 characters for 128-bit encryption.)

Note that, if you enter fewer characters in the WEP key than required, the remainder of the key is automatically padded with zeros.

WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise

Both of these options select some variant of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) -- security standards published by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WPA Mode further refines the variant that the router should employ.

WPA Mode: WPA is the older standard; select this option if the clients that will be used with the router only support the older standard. WPA2 is the newer implementation of the stronger IEEE 802.11i security standard. With the "WPA or WPA2" option, the router tries WPA2 first, but falls back to WPA if the client only supports WPA. The strongest cipher that the client supports will be used. With the "WPA2 Only" option, the router associates only with clients that also support WPA2 security. If the clients support the AES cipher, it will be used across the wireless network to ensure best security.

Group Key Update Interval: The amount of time before the group key used for broadcast and multicast data is changed.

WPA-Personal

This option uses Wi-Fi Protected Access with a Pre-Shared Key (PSK).

Pre-Shared Key: The key is entered as a pass-phrase of up to 63 alphanumeric characters in ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) format at both ends of the wireless connection. It cannot be shorter than eight characters, although for proper security it needs to be of ample length and should not be a commonly known phrase. This phrase is used to generate session keys that are unique for each wireless client.

Example:

Wireless Networking technology enables ubiquitous communication WPA-Enterprise

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SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N manual Example, WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise
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SMCWBR14-N specifications

The SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N is a wireless router that has established itself as a reliable choice for both home and small office environments. This device is renowned for its balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular option among budget-conscious consumers looking for stable connectivity.

One of the primary features of the SMCWBR14-N is its compliance with the IEEE 802.11n wireless standard. This technology allows it to deliver significantly higher data rates than older standards like 802.11g, making it ideal for tasks such as streaming video, online gaming, and large file transfers. It operates on both the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which provides extensive coverage range, and it can reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps. This dual-band functionality ensures that multiple devices can connect simultaneously without significant interference.

The router comes equipped with four 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, enabling wired connections for devices such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, and smart TVs. The data transfer rates over wired connections are stable, ensuring low latency and reliable performance, which is essential for users engaged in intensive online activities.

A notable feature of the SMCWBR14-N is its built-in firewall and various security options. This includes Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) encryption, which significantly enhances the security of the wireless network. The router also supports MAC address filtering, which allows users to define which devices can connect to the network, adding an additional layer of security.

Configuration and management of the SMCWBR14-N are user-friendly, thanks to its web-based interface. Users can easily access the settings via any web browser, allowing for quick adjustments and monitoring of the network. The router supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, enabling users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications, thus ensuring a smooth operation for real-time activities like VoIP calls and video conferencing.

Furthermore, the SMCWBR14-N supports various advanced features such as DHCP server functionality and dynamic DNS, making it suitable for users who desire a more hands-on approach to their networking setup.

In summary, the SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N wireless router is an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses seeking a robust and versatile networking solution. Its blend of high-speed wireless connectivity, comprehensive security options, and easy management makes it a compelling option for navigating the demands of modern internet usage.
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