User Guide

Page 36 SonicWALL Internet Security Appliance Administrator’s Guide
Wireless>WEP Encryption
WEP (Wired Equivalent Protocol) can be used to protect data as it is transmitted over the
wireless network, but it provides no protection past the SonicWALL. It is designed to provide a
minimal level of protection for transmitted data, and is not recommended for network
deployments requiring a high degree of security.
WEP Encryption Settings
Open-system authentication is the only method required by 802.11b. In open-system
authentication, the SonicWALL allows the wireless client access without verifying its identity.
Shared-key authentication uses WEP and requires a shared key to be distributed to wireless
clients before authentication is allowed.
The SOHO TZW provides the option of using Open-system, Shared-key, or both when WEP is
used to encrypt data.
To configure WEP on the SonicWALL, log into the SonicWALL and click Wireless, then WEP
Encryption.
1. Select the authentication type from the Authentication Type list. Both (Open System &
Shared Key) is selected by default.
2. Select 64-bit or 128-bit from the WEP Key Mode. 128-bit is considered more secure than
64-bit. This value is applied to all keys. 64-bit keys are 5 characters long and 128-bit keys
are 13 characters in length.
WEP Encryption Keys
3. Select the key number, 1,2,3, or 4, from the Default Key menu.
4. Select the key type to be either Alphanumeric or Hexadecimal.