How to Enable a Linksys WEP Key

All Linksys wireless routers are capable of using the Wired Equivalent Privacy wireless encryption standard. WEP uses a 64- or 128-bit hexadecimal encryption key to secure the network. WEP is an older standard that is no longer considered secure and is deprecated. Most new wireless networks use the more secure WPAv2 wireless encryption standard. However, some older computers and devices are not compatible with WPAv2 and must use WEP for security. You can enable WEP on a Linksys wireless router by configuring a WEP key.

Instructions

1. Open a Web browser.

2. Type "192.168.1.1" without quotes into the address bar.

3. Press "Enter."

4. Leave the user name blank. Type "admin" without quotes into the "Password" field, then press "Enter."

5. Click "Wireless," then click "Security."

6. Click "WEP" under "Security Mode."

7. Type 10 hexadecimal digits in the "Key 1" field. This is the WEP key that will be used by all wireless clients connecting to the Linksys wireless router. Hexadecimal digits are the numbers 0 through 9, and the letters A through F.

8. Click "Save Settings" to save and apply the settings. All wireless clients currently connected to the router must disconnect, then reconnect using the newly configured WEP key.