How to Secure a Wireless Router Using WEP
A wireless router adds convenience to your home network, enabling you to use your laptop outside on the deck to check emails without having to run an ethernet cable back to your router. You must secure your wireless network, however, so that unauthorized persons aren't able to use it. Setting the router to use Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) will accomplish this task.
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Things You'll Need
- Wireless router and documentation
- Computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable
Instructions
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1
Open a browser window. In the address bar, type the address of your router's access page. This address varies by router brand; common addresses are 192.168.1.1 for Linksys routers; 192.168.2.1 for Belkin routers; and 192.168.0.1 for Netgear routers. Consult your router's documentation for the correct address.
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Enter your username and password on the screen that appears. If you have never accessed the page, these will be the default user and password indicated in your router's documentation. Common defaults are "admin/admin," "admin/blank" and "blank/blank."
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3
Click on the tab or area marked "Security" on the main router page. You will then see settings and menus related to network security. Select "WEP" for your security type, and choose a password for the network.
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4
Select "Apply Changes," then log out of the router access page.
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5
Reboot the router by unplugging the power cord for 30 seconds and then reconnecting the power. Note that this is different than a reset, which would make the router revert to the factory-default settings.
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Reboot the computer. Many computers need to be rebooted if a network setting (such as passwords, security type etc.) changes.
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Type in the WEP password when prompted. When the computer attempts to connect to the wireless network, it should inform you that a network password is required.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a password that is difficult to guess. Combinations of upper- and lower-case letters and numbers make the best passwords.
After securing your network, change the default username/password for your router.
If you can't locate your router's documentation, visit the manufacturer's website, where all of the information you need (IP address, login info etc.) is usually available.
