security wep setup

joseph21_2

After setting a code for the WEP option for my broadband supply. i find that my pc works via a cable to the router but not if you try to use a usb suppied connection.

i have tried my laptop which has it's own wireless connection but get only some form of connection but not enough to connect to the web.. this now has been going on for some three weeks and long telephone calls.


any help would be greatful

Conor_3

You need to enter the correct WEP key when you connect to the wireless network. If it's a Netgear router, you need to input the long strong of numbers and letters that appear under Key 1 and not the passphrase you entered as it just uses that to generate a random string.

albertross_2

wpa-psk/tkip is easier, and far more secure.

cundall

albertross wrote: »

wpa-psk/tkip is easier, and far more secure.

More secure yes but easier ? its the same... (both use a pass phrase of some form)

totalsolutions

Depending on the router you may not have to, you said "after setting a code for the WEP " its on the back for example on a BT homehub. Where did you get the wep code, did you invent one?? Enter the code into the wireless config page.

espresso

Forget WEP, use WPA-PSK. Easier and much more secure when used with a long random passphrase from here. Save to a file and use copy & paste.

cundall

espresso wrote: »

Forget WEP, use WPA-PSK. Easier and much more secure when used with a long random passphrase from here. Save to a file and use copy & paste.

again as my post above... why is it easier... ? Yes its more secure but you still have a pass phrase to enter (yes you can always copy and paste)

TonyLisaP

cundall wrote: »

again as my post above... why is it easier... ? Yes its more secure but you still have a pass phrase to enter (yes you can always copy and paste)

Because you can just use a passphrase instead of a long string of characters. What is easier to remember?
WPA - this is my router
WEP - adisajandkanduhaknsafhjakljsfiohwlknaflnmalfmla

espresso

cundall wrote:

again as my post above... why is it easier... ? Yes its more secure but you still have a pass phrase to enter (yes you can always copy and paste)

As pointed out in post #2 by Conor, on some routers the passphrase is entered into the router and then several keys are generated. It is the selected key that needs to be entered into any connecting devices, not the passphrase! So for those incapable of RTFM, it can be less confusing or easier to set-up.

TonyLisaP wrote:

Because you can just use a passphrase instead of a long string of characters. What is easier to remember?
WPA - this is my router
WEP - adisajandkanduhaknsafhjakljsfiohwlknaflnmalfmla

This makes no difference, as a WEP key is limited to 10 Hex characters (64 bit) or 20 Hex characters (128 bit) e.g. not 47 characters as per your example.

Anyway, there is no valid reason to be using WEP encryption now, as it is simply not secure and has been superseded by WPA/WPA2!

TonyLisaP

espresso

This was an example of what is easier to remember not an exact diagnostic.

espresso

TonyLisaP wrote: »

espresso

This was an example of what is easier to remember not an exact diagnostic.

Well you could use this is my router as your WEP passphrase if you wanted to but a random string of characters is obviously much more secure!