How to Determine a WEP Key
A wired equivalent privacy, or WEP, key is a special passcode that is used by a computer to connect to a wireless network that has been secured with WEP encryption. This passcode is required to connect to the network and use the Internet or local network resources. If you have lost your WEP key or can't remember what it is, don't panic. By logging in to your wireless router and looking at the settings, you can quickly find out what your WEP key is and get back on your wireless network.
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Things You'll Need
- Physical connection to the wireless router
- Username and password for your wireless router
Instructions
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Connect a network cable from your computer to the wireless router. This will allow you to use the router without having to know the wireless key. Once connected, wait for your computer to acquire an Internet Protocol address before continuing.
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2
Open a Web browser on your computer and navigate to the IP address of your wireless router. This address is usually something like "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1." Once you enter the IP address and press the "Enter" key, you will be required to enter a username and password to access the router.
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Enter your username and password and navigate to the wireless section of the router's control panel. Click on the "Wireless Security" sub-section.
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Look for the text field that is labeled "Key1." The series of numbers and letters that are in the text field next to this label is the WEP key for your wireless network. Write down this WEP key and close down your browser. Use this WEP key in the computer or tool that requires it to access the wireless network. Be careful handing it out, though, as anyone who knows the key will be able to access your wireless network as long as they are within range of it.
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Tips & Warnings
These instructions have been given for a Linksys wireless router because it is a popular brand, but the general process can be followed for any type of router, regardless of manufacturer. The Resources section of this article has a list of router manuals to assist in finding the exact place where the WEP key is stored on your particular router.
