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Using the MyEssentials Wireless Networking Utility
64-Bit WEP
64-bit WEP was first introduced with 64-bit encryption, which includes
a key length of 40 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data
(64 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 64-bit as 40-bit
encryption. Shortly after the technology was introduced, researchers
found that 64-bit encryption was too easy to decode.
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 MyEssentials 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 must enter 10 hex keys.
For 128-bit WEP, you must 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 Card’s
configuration screen.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
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.
