Belkin F5D7132 User Manual - Page 29

Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface 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. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) 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.) Sharing the Same Network Keys Most Wi-Fi products ship with security turned off. So once you have your network working, you need to activate WEP or WPA and make sure your wireless networking devices are sharing the same network key. 26