User's Manual

4-16 Chapter 4: Configuration
WEP Encryption
When “Open System”, “Shared Key” or “Radius with 802.1x” authentication
methods are selected, traditional WEP encryption is applied.
When “WPA” or “WPA-PSK” authentication methods are selected, you still
can set WEP encryption for those clients that do not support WPA/WPA-PSK.
Please note that Key Index for WEP key is limited to 2 or 3 when both WPA and
WEP encryption are supported at the same time.
64/128-bit versus 40/104-bit
The following section explains low-level (64-bit) and high-level (128-bit) WEP
Encryption schemes:
64-bit WEP Encryption
64-bit WEP and 40-bit WEP are the same encryption methods and can
interoperate in a wireless network. This level of WEP encryption uses a 40-bit (10
Hex character) encryption scheme as a secret key, which is set by the user, and a
24-bit “Initialization Vector” scheme, which is not under user control.
Together these two schemes make a 64-bit (40 + 24) encryption scheme. Some
vendors refer to this level of WEP as 40-bit and others refer to this as 64-bit. ASUS
WLAN products use the term 64-bit when referring to this lower level of encryption.
128-bit WEP Encryption
104-bit WEP and 128-bit WEP are the same encryption method and can
interoperate on a wireless network. This level of WEP encryption uses a 104-bit
(26 Hex character) encryption scheme as a secret key which is set by the user,
and a 24-bit “Initialization Vector”, which is not under user control.
Together these two schemes make a 128-bit (104 + 24) encryption scheme. Some
vendors refer to this level of WEP as 104-bit and others refer to this as 128-bit.
ASUS WLAN products use the term 128-bit when referring to this higher level of
encryption.
Passphrase
Select “WEP-64bits” or “WEP-128bits” in the Encryption eld, and the Access
Point generates four WEP keys automatically. A combination of up to 64 letters,
numbers, or symbols is required. Alternatively, leave this eld blank and type in
four WEP keys manually.
WEP-64bit key: 10 hexadecimal digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F)
WEP-128bit key: 26 hexadecimal digits (0~9, a~f, and A~F)
The ASUS WLAN family of products uses the same algorithm to generate WEP
keys. It eliminates the need for users to remember passwords and maintains
compatibility between products. But, this method to generate WEP keys is not
as secure as manual assignment.