How to Figure Out Your WEP for Your Wireless Internet

Wired internet connections can only be used when physically connected to the router, but wireless networks are open to anyone within range. Adding security to your network will help keep unauthorized computers from stealing your internet connection. WEP is one form of security that offers both 64-bit and 128-bit encryption. All computers need to enter in the WEP key to be allowed access on the network. If you need to find out what WEP key you assigned, use the router admin panel.

Instructions

1. Connect your computer to your router using an Ethernet cable.

2. Open your preferred internet web browser and type in the default router IP address. Every router manufacturer has a specific IP address, so check the support website for the specific address. For instance, Netgear uses either “http://192.168.0.1” or http://192.168.1.1 as the default IP address.

3. Enter the username and password in the blanks. If you have never changed this setting, it will be the manufacturer default username and password (Netgear uses “admin” as the username and “password” as the password).

4. Navigate to your wireless security settings. This might be found under "Wireless Security," "Security" or "Security Options." Each router has a different menu list, but all should have a security setting area.

5. Look for the passphrase or key listed next to the “WEP” security option. This is the WEP needed to access the network wirelessly.

References

• Netgear: Securing Your Wireless Network
• Netgear: What is WEP Encryption for Wireless Networks?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish