Belkin F5D9050, User Manual

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20
Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
21
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 D4 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.