How to Get the WEP Wireless Key

Every different wireless router has a different default address, admin name and password.

When you attempt to connect to a wireless network, the network requests that you submit the correct Wired Equivalent Privacy key before you're allowed access. A WEP key is used to prevent unwanted users from accessing a wireless network and leeching. Unfortunately, if you don't know your own WEP key and you haven't written it down, you'll be unable to access your own wireless network. The solution to this problem is to hook directly into your router and log on as the administrator in order to find your WEP key.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect your computer to your wireless router by using the ethernet cable.

2. Open your Web browser (usually Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari); then type in your router's default IP address (check the list in Resources if you don't have your router's operation manual). Press "Enter." If you've typed in the right IP address, the administration page will appear.

3. Log in using the username and password you've set up. If you haven't set one up, it's likely you can log in by leaving the username blank and typing "admin" as your password. If that doesn't work, check the guide in the resource section for a list of default usernames and passwords.

4. Select the "Wireless" tab at the top of your administrator screen by clicking on it. Select "Wireless Security."

5. Write down the listed WEP key. If more than one appears, write down the first one.

Resources

• Tech Spot: A List of Common Default Router IP Addresses