Configuring WEP encryption can be confusing, especially when using multiple WLAN products from different vendors. This article will offer some simple suggestions to aid your WEP configuration. A short description of the methods of WEP Encryption will help to avoid some of this confusion. Note: your airPointPro Outdoor will support both 64- bit and 128 –bit WEP.
There are two levels of WEP Encryption – 64 and 128 bit. You may also have heard the number 40-bit used in conjunction with WEP Encryption. 40- bit WEP and 64-bit WEP are two different names for the same encryption method. This level of WEP encryption has been called 40-bit because it uses a 40- bit secret key along with a 24- bit Initialization Vector (40 + 24 = 64). Because there has been no official standardization of these terms, wireless vendors may use either name.
Some simple troubleshooting tips for WEP configuration…
There are two levels of WEP Encryption – 64 and 128 bit. You may also have heard the number 40-bit used in conjunction with WEP Encryption. 40- bit WEP and 64-bit WEP are two different names for the same encryption method. This level of WEP encryption has been called 40-bit because it uses a 40- bit secret key along with a 24- bit Initialization Vector (40 + 24 = 64). Because there has been no official standardization of these terms, wireless vendors may use either name.
Some simple troubleshooting tips for WEP configuration…
- If possible, before attempting to configure WEP, disable encryption and make sure yourwireless network is functioning.
- 128-bit WEP will NOT communicate with 64-bit WEP . 128- bit WEP also uses a 24-bitInitialization Vector (IV), however, it uses a 104-bit secret key. Therefore, make sure that all ofyour wireless devices are using the same encryption level. All smartBridges wireless devices will support 64-bit as well 128-bit WEP, as outlined in the 802.11b standard.
- Always use a Hexadecimal key for WEP. Other vendors may use an ASCII based key.Encryption using these two different keys may not communicate with each other. One must be converted.