Wireless Encryption Protocol

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Up until the early 2000s, Wireless Encryption Protocol/Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) was the primary security mechanism used to safeguard wireless computer networks. In recent years, Wifi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) has replaced WEP as the standard for all wireless network security. This section gives an overview of both WEP and WPA security options.

WEP

WEP is a security technology that was originally designed to afford wireless networks the same level of protection as wired networks. The advantage of using WEP is that it provides a widely supported security system for your network. The disadvantage of WEP is that it is not fully secure. WEP does a good job of keeping most people out, but experienced hackers can exploit its weaknesses and access WEP-enabled networks, especially those with high utilization.

Although WEP is not the latest security technology for wireless networks, it is still widely used. Despite it's flaws, WEP is better than nothing. If you have a device that supports WEP, you should enable the security system as a minimum level of security.

To activate WEP on your computer, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your router through a patch cable.
  2. Input the default IP address of your router into the address bar of your router. You can find the default IP address in the manual of your router. If you can’t find the default IP address, try inputting either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. These addresses are typically used for routers.
  3. Select the WEP encryption method from the security setting options for your router. Although the security settings can be in different places depending on your router, they are typically located under the security tab.
  4. Choose a password that others can input to gain access to your network.

WPA/WPA2

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA & WPA2) was created in response to the weaknesses found in WEP. For example, WPA allows for more password complexity, which leads to a more secure network. We recommend using a WPA2 security system.

To activate WPA2, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your router through a patch cable.
  2. Input the default IP address of your router into the address bar of your router. You can find the default IP address in the manual of your router. If you can’t find the default IP address, try inputting either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. These addresses are typically used for routers.
  3. Select the WPA/WPA2 encryption method from the security setting options for your router. Although the security settings can be in different places depending on your router, they are typically located under the security tab.
  4. Choose a password that others can input to gain access to your network.