I’ll keep my response basic and simple; choosing not to get into too much technical detail.
If you find you cannot connect to your wireless network (typically after introducing a new computer or other authorized computers into your network) because you do not know or have forgotten your Passphrase or Key, read on.
The simplest way to resolve this is to place your wireless device’s installation CD into a computer that has a direct cable connection to your wireless device. Install the software paying close attention to what type of encryption the software will install. If you use a Linksys device, you may wind up installing WPA encryption by default and the wireless device will more than likely choose a Passphrase for you. If you choose this method write the Passphrase down and keep it handy for future reference. An alternative is to set your encryption for WEP (64-bit) and enter a 10-digit number (such as a telephone number with area code) into the KEY 1 field. Regardless, if you use WEP be sure and enter the KEY 1 number under KEY and the WAP Passphrase under Passphrase. The two are not interchangeable.
This should resolve your issue, but if you want to learn more about this please read on.
A Passphrase or Key (I’ll simply call these access codes) refers to a means of securing your wireless network to prevent others within your geographical area from “dropping in” to use your connection or to break into your computer or network. Besides being a security and privacy risk, unauthorized connections can drag down your Internet and use up critical bandwidth.
There are three methods you can use to secure your wireless network from unauthorized use.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the original, wireless privacy method that incorporates various levels of encryption. With WEP you can establish a level of network privacy that best suits you needs. The typical level of protection under WEP that I’ve seen is 64-bit encryption which translates to a 10-digit binary access code or KEY (the higher the encryption the slower your throughput). In larger installations, you can increase the encryption level to 128-bit and allow wireless network access by logical areas and sub-nets through the use of KEY numbers. But for home use I typically find that 64-bit WEP encryption through KEY 1 is a fairly safe level to use. Yes, there are crackers out there ready and willing to break into a wireless network, but these folks are more likely interested in the big payoff (companies).
A newer level of wireless security created to resolve issues with WEP encryption is WAP (Wi-Fi Protected Access). WAP/WAP2 was created to resolve critical security deficiencies in WEP with a renewed focus on protection as opposed to WEP Privacy.
Encryption for WAP is far more secure than WEP and should be a definite requirement for any medium to large businesses. WAP utilizes in-depth encryption algorithms to encrypt and decrypt wireless data when sending or receiving. Typically you can choose a pre-defined Passphrase (Pre-Shared Key or PSK) or a system generated Passphrase for each user. Regardless of which of these you choose write this Passphrase down and keep it secured and handy for future reference. WAP2 provides the strongest of the three encryption methods incorporating more algorithms than WAP thereby guaranteeing the ultimate in secured protection for your network.
If you find you cannot connect to your wireless network (typically after introducing a new computer or other authorized computers into your network) because you do not know or have forgotten your Passphrase or Key, read on.
The simplest way to resolve this is to place your wireless device’s installation CD into a computer that has a direct cable connection to your wireless device. Install the software paying close attention to what type of encryption the software will install. If you use a Linksys device, you may wind up installing WPA encryption by default and the wireless device will more than likely choose a Passphrase for you. If you choose this method write the Passphrase down and keep it handy for future reference. An alternative is to set your encryption for WEP (64-bit) and enter a 10-digit number (such as a telephone number with area code) into the KEY 1 field. Regardless, if you use WEP be sure and enter the KEY 1 number under KEY and the WAP Passphrase under Passphrase. The two are not interchangeable.
This should resolve your issue, but if you want to learn more about this please read on.
A Passphrase or Key (I’ll simply call these access codes) refers to a means of securing your wireless network to prevent others within your geographical area from “dropping in” to use your connection or to break into your computer or network. Besides being a security and privacy risk, unauthorized connections can drag down your Internet and use up critical bandwidth.
There are three methods you can use to secure your wireless network from unauthorized use.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the original, wireless privacy method that incorporates various levels of encryption. With WEP you can establish a level of network privacy that best suits you needs. The typical level of protection under WEP that I’ve seen is 64-bit encryption which translates to a 10-digit binary access code or KEY (the higher the encryption the slower your throughput). In larger installations, you can increase the encryption level to 128-bit and allow wireless network access by logical areas and sub-nets through the use of KEY numbers. But for home use I typically find that 64-bit WEP encryption through KEY 1 is a fairly safe level to use. Yes, there are crackers out there ready and willing to break into a wireless network, but these folks are more likely interested in the big payoff (companies).
A newer level of wireless security created to resolve issues with WEP encryption is WAP (Wi-Fi Protected Access). WAP/WAP2 was created to resolve critical security deficiencies in WEP with a renewed focus on protection as opposed to WEP Privacy.
Encryption for WAP is far more secure than WEP and should be a definite requirement for any medium to large businesses. WAP utilizes in-depth encryption algorithms to encrypt and decrypt wireless data when sending or receiving. Typically you can choose a pre-defined Passphrase (Pre-Shared Key or PSK) or a system generated Passphrase for each user. Regardless of which of these you choose write this Passphrase down and keep it secured and handy for future reference. WAP2 provides the strongest of the three encryption methods incorporating more algorithms than WAP thereby guaranteeing the ultimate in secured protection for your network.
ITC Computer Services of Arizona
Office/Fax: 602-375-7934
Mobile: 602-684-7501
Web Site: www.itcaz.com
Email: mike@itcaz.com
Can anyone recommend the top Network Management system for a small IT service company like mine? Does anyone use Kaseya.com or GFI.com? How do they compare to these guys I found recently: N-able N-central it management
ReplyDelete? What is your best take in cost vs performance among those three? I need a good advice please... Thanks in advance!