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Using the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon
Using the Wireless Networking Utility from Verizon
128-Bit Encryption
As a result of 64-bit WEP’s potential security weaknesses, a more
secure method of 128-bit encryption was developed. 128-bit encryption
includes a key length of 104 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated
data (128 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 128-bit as
104-bit encryption. Most of the new wireless equipment in the market
today supports both 64-bit WEP and 128-bit WEP encryption, but you
might have older equipment that only supports 64-bit WEP. All
wireless products from Verizon will support both 64-bit WEP and 128-
bit encryption.
Encryption Keys
After selecting either the 64-bit WEP or 128-bit encryption mode, it is
critical that you generate an encryption key. If the encryption key is
not consistent throughout the entire wireless network, your wireless
networking devices will be unable to communicate with one another.
You can enter your key by typing in the hex key. A hex (hexadecimal)
key is a combination of numbers and letters from A–F and 0–9. For
64-bit WEP, you need to enter 10 hex keys. For 128-bit WEP, you
need to enter 26 hex keys.
For instance:
AF
0F
4B
C3
D4
= 64-bit WEP key
C3
03
0F
AF
0F
4B
B2
C3
D4
4B
C3
D4
E7
= 128-bit WEP key
Write down the hex WEP key from your wireless router and enter it
manually into the hex WEP key table in your Card’s configuration
screen.
WPA
WPA
is a new Wi-Fi standard that improves upon the security features
of WEP. To use WPA security, the drivers and software of your wireless
equipment must be upgraded to support it. These updates will be found
on your wireless vendor’s website. There are three types of WPA security:
WPA-PSK (no server), WPA (with radius server), and WPA2.
WPA-PSK (no server)
uses what is known as a pre-shared key as the
network key. A network key is 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.