Enabling Wireless security on Linksys routers.....

Encrypting the network blocks any unauthorized computer from accessing the network and using its broadband connection. To enable WEP on the router,

1. Open your default browser and enter the following IP address into the address bar:
2. When prompted for a username and password type “admin” on password, unless you have previously changed the password of the router, and hit OK. This will bring you to the Setup page of the router.
3. Depending on the firmware of the router. Click on the WEP Key Settings button. Or you can click the Wireless tab and select Wireless Security. Or you can click the Security Tab and select Wireless.
4. From the WEP/Security Settings window, you may enable 64 or 128 bit WEP then enter your Password on the Passphrase field and click on Generate. Make sure to copy the characters on Key 1-4 on a piece of paper before you hit APPLY. You will be needing this once you enable WEP on the wireless PC’s. Also take note that if you enable 64 or 128 bit on the router, this should be the same WEP level that you will enable on the wireless cards.

To put in the network key in your wireless adapter follow the steps below:

WEP Encryption XP's Wireless Zero Configuration ( Advisable for XP PC's )

1. Go to start>Control Panel>Network Connections>Right click on the Wireless connection then click on Properties>Click on the Wireless Networks Tab
2. From the Wireless Network Connection properties window, under the Preferred network click on Add then type your SSID on the SSID field and check the box for Data Encryption then then unchecked “The Key is provided for me Automatically”
3. Type your WEP Keys on both the Network Key and Confirm Network Key field. (This set of characters should be identical to the WEP Keys Settings on the router. For 64-bit WEP you should have 10 characters, for 128-bit you should type in 26 characters.) Then hit OK and then OK again.
4. After hitting OK a pop-up should appear on the lower right hand side saying “Connected”. Try pointing your mouse arrow on the lower double monitor icon.
5. Restart your PC

WEP Encryption using the Linksys WLAN Utility ( 98/Me/2000 )

Make sure that the WLAN utility of the Linksys adapter is already is installed. If not, you may follow follow the procedures below for "Installing the Linksys WLAN Utility"

1. Click on Start then Programs, then click on anything that says something about the Linksys Wireless Adapter. On the menu, select either WLAN Utility or Wireless Configuration Utility
2. On the lower right-hand side of your screen, double click on the Linksys Icon. This will bring up the WLAN Configuration Utility.
3. Click on the Profiles Tab. Make sure that the SSID that is set to default is your routers SSID. Highlight Default then hit Edit.
4. Select Profile Wizard. Continue to click the Next button, until you get to the Security Settings Window.

OR select Expert Mode then Next. Then click on Security Settings
5. Set the same WEP level that you have enabled on the router. ( ex. 64 or 128 )
6. Type your WEP Keys. This set of characters should be identical to the WEP Keys Settings on the router. For 64-bit WEP you should have 10 characters, for 128-bit you should type in 26 characters.
7. Hit OK then Next. On Confirm New Settings click Yes. And then click “Activate New Settings Now”

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