What does WEP security do?

Question

So I made a passcode, and in each of the "Key 1" through "Key 4" sections, it generated a 10 digit code.

I went to my wireless computer, and typed in the passcode, and it filled in one of the 10 digit Key codes on its own.

What is that Key for if it's automatically filled in when somebody types in the passcode?

Also, when connecting to the router, after setting up WEP, it still said "security: disabled" on the Profile screen. How do I enable it, or do I need to?

Answer 1

WEP= Wireless Encryption Protocol

If your security is disabled, then WEP is not applied.

They key codes generated in WEP are really huge like 23 numbers, just use key 1 and get it all into the text box at your computer(to see it all on the router you may need to click in the key code box and use your RH arrow key)

If your router and computer wireless device use WPA use it instead there are reasons:
1. The passphrase is generated by you and easier to record/remember(use at least 10 characters)
2. WPA is infinitely harder to crack the passphrase than the WEP Keycode

Are you on your wireless network? Lots of people don't name them and accidently use the neighbors(illeagal if caught)

Please change your login /pwd for the router as leaving it at default will only allow intruders into your home network. It is serious.

What router do you have? Enabling security should be covered in the pamphlet or the PDF document on the CD.

Good luck and stay secure!

Answer 2

The passcode that you enter is used to generate the key, which is what is REALLY used to encrypt the data. The algorithm used to generate the key based on the passcode is pretty much standard. The passcode is just an easier way to remember it.

As for the "Security disabled" message, it could be your router being smart and letting you know that WEP, despite being encryption, is incredibly easy to crack. You'd be better off using WPA encryption.

Answer 3

security disabled could mean anything unfortunately and you dont want to use WEP it is extremely easily compromised depending on how new you router is it might support the far stronger WPA to find out call the manufacturer they will tell you how to set that up as for the security disabled you might want to type 162.168.0.1 into your url/address bar this will take you "inside" your router from there u should be able to configure things for better security for instance disabling SSID broadcasting

Answer 4

Short for Wired Equivalent Privacy, a security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN.

Answer 5

You need to call the manufacturer, they can walk you through the whole process for setting up the security on your router....
There are so many different ways this could be done, because they are all so different....but on mine, once I make changes, on the left side, there is a button that flashes, I have to press that button to accept the changes, and it also restarts my router so the security settings will take affect.....

Answer 6

wep means, Wired Equivalent Privacy which means security for wired networks.
it is much better if u used wpa code if u hav a wireless router