What Is a Linksys WEP Code?

Linksys is a manufacturer of computer networking hardware, including wireless routers. Consumers can use a wireless router to connect devices such as computers or video game consoles to a local network. Wired equivalent privacy provides security to the network.

Function

The person who sets up the wireless network can established a Wired Equivalent Privacy key. This key is similar to a password and, without it, others cannot connect to the network. The intent of this protocol was to provide security to wireless networks, similar to the security of a wired computer network.

Benefits

Network administrators can share the WEP key with authorized users to allow them to connect to the network to share resources such as the Internet. This prevents the slowing of connection speed that can occur when many users are on the same Internet connection. In addition, administrators can control the Internet usage to prevent reaching any limits on the Internet service.

Considerations

One specific weakness of WEP keys occurs because the users rely on the same WEP keys to connect to the network without frequently changing the key. This makes it easier for attackers to employ various techniques to connect to the network.

Alternatives

Network owners or administrators can employ another security protocol, Wifi Protected Access, to prevent unauthorized users to connect to the network. WPA offers more security than WEP and does not rely directly on the master keys. Instead, WPA creates temporary keys for the users.

References

• Wireless Networking: WEP and WAP Encryption
• Online Computer Tips:WEP vs. WPA Wireless Security - Networking Computer Tips
• PC Today: Goodbye WEP, Hello WPA
• Open Xtra:WPA vs WEP: How your Choice Affects your Wireless Network Security Read more: http://www.openxtra.co.uk/articles/wpa-vs-wep#ixzz0xObhk6gc