what is WPA or WEP Security?

Kimberley

I'm getting a BT wireless home hub on Monday and would like to know what is this security and where do i get it?

WPA - (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - More secure encryption of a 64 bit key.

WEP - (Wireless Equivalent Privacy)

:beer:

rogerramjet

Basically its built into your router/modem (or hub). You will need to set it up on your router/modem, WPA is a stronger encryption than WEP, however; WEP is suffice for most people, it will depend on your wireless enabled computers, etc on what one to use. I use WEP atm because my router/modem wouldn't work on WPA with my Dell laptop.

Your equipment should come with all the details you need to set it up, however; if you have difficulties try this link for more info

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

skiddy2k

i use WPA-PSK
here's a description of what my router says about them:

• WEP - WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), if used, encrypts data before transmission. This provides greater security and privacy. All Wireless Stations need to use the same settings (WEP Key size and WEP key).
• WPA-PSK - This version of WPA uses a PSK (Pre-shared Key) for authentication, so you don't need a Radius Server. All Wireless stations need to use the same PSK (Pre-shared Key). Data transmissions are encrypted using a 256 Bit key derived from the PSK. This key changes regularly, providing greater protection. WPA is more secure than WEP, and should be used if possible.
• WPA-802.1x - This version of WPA requires the use of a Radius server for authentication. Each user (Wireless Client) must have a "user" login on the Radius Server, and this device must have a "client" login on the Radius server. Data transmissions are encrypted using a key which is automatically generated.

Kimberley

I've ordered a Wireless Hub from BT and went to their FAQ about security, is this the same?

Is wireless broadband secure?
Yes. You'll be given your own personal access code. Only people who know the code can connect to the Internet using your modem router connection.

Browntoa

thats the wep key , it's on a pink sticker underneath

you can also WPA

from the hub user guide , quote :-

To connect wirelessly using WPA

• Follow Steps 1-4 (as shown on page 8) using your new pass phrase instead of your 26 digit WEP Key

Kimberley

Browntoa wrote:

thats the wep key , it's on a pink sticker underneath

you can also WPA

from the hub user guide , quote :-

To connect wirelessly using WPA

• Follow Steps 1-4 (as shown on page 8) using your new pass phrase instead of your 26 digit WEP Key

Thanks, so i can use both? Great, ta everyone. :beer:

Quinny_2

Bought my eldest daughter a laptop on Thursday from Tesco,(Acer) for her birthday,and also bought a Philips router,and after setting it up,and seeing there was a locked out one nearby our house,decided it was the way to go.

So gave Philips CS a ring,and the guy was brilliant,and we set it up using WPA,so that we had a common password on the home pc,and the laptop,and everything is working fine.

Even sat in the garden last night on her laptop,when she was out,and enjoyed the freedom so much,that I'm thinking of getting rid of the home pc,and buying a laptop for myself.

Ken.

sheppy124

Kimberley wrote:

I'm getting a BT wireless home hub on Monday and would like to know what is this security and where do i get it?

WPA - (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - More secure encryption of a 64 bit key.

WEP - (Wireless Equivalent Privacy)

:beer:

Also I would reccomend, using mac security as well, in most router settings you can make it so it will only allow certain mac addresses to connect. Your laptop with a wirless card inside/or wireless adapter/pci wireless card in a pc has a mac code in the hardware. Also not broadcasting its network ID (ssid), which can normally be found in settings, as most routers will automatically broadcast you network id.

So with either wpa or wep, and assigning mac address access and not broadcasting your network id, should make your home network secure enough.

Guy_Wise

Use wpa with strong key, mac filtering and hiding ssid won't really protect you from the wardrivers