How to Find My Network Key for a Wireless Router

You can find your router's network key.

With the wave of households that are expanding their networks from wired to wireless, the need for security has increased. Customers have found themselves suddenly stepping into the unknown territory of home networking. From an iPod touch to gaming devices to the need for additional computers to meet the demands of a growing family, the necessity for home networking is increasing in almost every household. Customers concerned about their networks can rest assured that most wireless devices have security to protect their network.

Instructions

1. Click the “Wireless” tab on your Linksys router. Either make a note of your “Wireless Network Name (SSID)” or change it to something unique. Change wireless channel to 1, 6, or 11. Click “Save Settings.” Click the “Wireless Security” tab. Select “WEP” in the Security Mode drop-down. Select 1 as the Default Transmit Key. Select “64 bits” in the "WEP Encryption” drop-down. Enter a security passphrase, then click “Generate.” Copy the characters that appear in the “Key 1” field. This is the wireless security key. Click “Save Settings.”

2. Click the “Wireless Settings" tab on your Netgear router. In the “Security Options” menu, select “WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).” Select “Automatic” in the “Authentication Type” drop-down menu. Select “64 bit” in the “Encryption Strength” drop-down menu. Enter a 10-digit number in the field beside “Key 1.” Click “Apply.”

3. Click the wireless tab on your D-Link router. Next to “WEP,” click “Enabled.” Select “64 bit” in the drop-down beside “WEP Encryption.” Select ASCII in the “WEP Mode” drop-down. This will allow you to use numbers and letters for your WEP encryption key. Click “Key 1” and enter 10 letters or numbers that can be used as the security key. Finally, click “Apply.”

4. Click the “Wireless” tab on your Belkin router. Select “64 bit WEP” in the “Security Mode” drop-down menu. Enter a 10-digit number in the field beside “Key 1” or enter a passphrase in the field beside “passphrase.” Click “Apply.”

References

• Belkin: Protecting Your Network with WEP security
• Netgear: Securing Your Network
• D-Link: Support