How to Enable a 128Bit WEP With a Belkin WiFi Adapter

You can enable a 128-bit WEP on your Belkin WiFi adapter.

From keeping people from accessing your wireless network to keeping hackers from stealing your personal information, WiFi adapter security protocols--WEP and WAP--provide an extra level of protection to your computer's firewall. A 128-bit WEP protocol uses an encryption key, generated by you, to protect your computer and any devices connected to your wireless network. If a hacker or someone is trying to use your Belkin WiFi adapter's wireless signal, they will be prompted with a message to enter your encryption key. The key is a 26-key hexadecimal code and is difficult, almost impossible, to crack.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Open Belkin Wireless Networking Utility by clicking on the program's name on the "All Programs" menu.

2. Click on the "My Connections" tab.

3. Click on the wireless network entry under the heading "Nickname." Click "Edit" to change the entry's settings.

4. Select "WEP" from the "Data Encryption" sub-menu.

5. Think of a 26 character hexadecimal encryption key. The key should be in the following format: C3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7. Write the key on a piece of paper.

6. Enter the key into the box next to the wording "Encryption key:.."

7. Click "Save" to close the open dialog box and execute the 128-bit encryption key.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the Belkin WiFi adapter's encryption key in a safe place--you will need it whenever prompted for the security key.

References

• Belkin.com: N Wireless USB Adapter

Resources

• VOIP-SOL.com: 10 Ways To Boost Your WiFi Signal