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Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface
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The WEP passphrase is NOT the same as a WEP key. Your router uses
this passphrase to generate your WEP keys, but different hardware
manufacturers might have different methods on generating the keys. If you
have multiple vendors’ equipments in your network, the easiest thing to do
is to use the hex WEP key from your router (or access point) and enter it
manually into the hex WEP key table in your router’s configuration screen.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
WPA is a new Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve upon the
security features of WEP. To use WPA security, the drivers and software
of your wireless equipment must be upgraded to support WPA. These
updates will be found on the wireless vendor’s website. There are two
types of WPA security: WPA-PSK (no server) and WPA (with radius server).
WPA-PSK (no server) uses what is known as a pre-shared key as the
network key. A network key is basically a password that is between eight
and 63 characters long. It can be a combination of letters, numbers, or
characters. Each client uses the same network key to access the network.
Typically, this is the mode that will be used in a home environment.
WPA (with radius server) is a system where a radius server distributes
the network key to the clients automatically. This is typically found in a
business environment. (For a list of Belkin wireless products that support
WPA, please visit our website at www.belkin.com/networking.)