The ways in which we can connect to the Internet has not changed much; it’s either a wired or wireless connection. Wired connections are typically plug-and-play – just connect the Ethernet cable to the computer and the connection to the network or Internet is made. Wireless connectivity, however, has a few more obstructions. One of these obstructions is the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Key.
The WEP Key is a ten digit series of numbers which is a security feature built into the wireless router or gateway. The WEP Key prevents unauthorized wireless access to the network and, by extension, the Internet. All computers that attempt to gain access through this wireless gateway must enter the WEP Key before granted network or Internet access.
The WEP Key is usually found on the router itself, usually below the serial number of the router. Newly manufacturer wireless routers now secure the WEP Key in the router which will have to be accessed through the router’s administration panel.
Equipment Required
- Computer with Ethernet Port
- Wireless Router
Material Required
- Ethernet Cable
- Pen
- Paper
Instructions
- Power on the wireless router and wait ten minutes for the router to boot up properly.
- Using any computer with a functioning Ethernet port, connect the computer to Port One of the router.
- Navigate using the Start Menu to: Programs, then Accessories and click on “Command Prompt”
- At the prompt, type the following without quotation marks: “ipconfig”. Write down the”Default Gateway” as it will be used for the next step.
- Open any Internet browser, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, and then enter the “Default Gateway” as recorded from the previous step including “http://” at the start. The address should look similar to this (without the quotation marks): “http://192.168.1.1“. This address will display the router’s Administration Panel.
- Some wireless routers will require a password. The default password is usually stated in the instruction manual; if there are no instructions; contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. Common default username and passwords are:
- Username: admin
- Password: (no password)
- Username: admin
- Password: admin
- Upon successful login, navigate to the Wireless Setup page which should display the WEP Key. Write the
- Key down and store it in a safe, secure area which is readily accessible for future use.
Tips, Warnings and recommendations
- Always issue the WEP Key to users who are responsible for holding the key specific to their computer. Unauthorized issue of the key may allow other users to connect to the wireless network without the knowledge or permission of the owner.
- When logging into the Administration Panel, if the password is not any of the default options, nor supplied by the ISP and is not stated in the instruction manual, follow the router reset procedure as stated in the manual. This should allow the user to log into the Administration Panel of the router without a password. Ensure a password is set after this insecure login.
WEP is not very safe. It can be cracked using freebie resources quite easily. I think people should want to upgrade to WPA-Personal or WPA-II standards which offer better protection.
Raj’s recent post ..Are You Still Not Taking Advantage Of The World Of Blog Commenting?
Twitter: AlanOnSecurity
says:
Agreed with Raj. WEP key is no longer a popular type password for good security. Make the hackers pay to crack the wireless password. I encountered certain USB device that can do the password hacking.
Alan Tay’s recent post ..How Often Should You Scan Your Computer for Malware?
Cool tut, I’ve been looking for a good wireless router for ages. I’ll try this out
Marty @ Techie Saves’s recent post ..10+ Best Security & Anti-Virus Apps for Android
Thanks a lot for helping us with this because some people really have a problem with this and I am sure we all gained a good and reliable information from this. Wep key is not easy to find that is why we really need to be critical with the things that we will be doing about it.
Liane Markus’s recent post ..קורס ייעוץ שינה
That’s great that you explained everything so thoroughly. Now everyone who will read this post, will be able to find out WEP key, that can be if not very reliable, but at least very useful)
Jeanie@Facebook Templates’s recent post ..Free TV Channel Video Facebook Template
Hey Roger,
I wish I would have read this a few months ago when I was having problems with my internet connection. I use a WPA for my wireless connection now but I appreciate the detailed tutorial. I didn’t know you could reset my router and log into my Administration panel without a password. Thanks for sharing.
John@Beginner Guitar Lessons’s recent post ..Online Guitar Lessons For Beginners – Quick Tutorial on The Basics That Matter
This is so easy, thanks! I thought that it was going to be a little more complicated than That lol
ella’s recent post ..Meeting Minutes Examples
I thought this is a tutorial on how to hack WEP. lol!
I am sure with that because with the great information that you have shared, many people would gain good knowledge and understanding about this. We may have various feedbacks but still, we are satisfied with it.
Liane Markus’s recent post ..חנוכה
Most people do not have a clue on how to find their WEP key so its great that you have written this piece. Thanks and will send this onto people when I’m asked about it again!
Twitter: Janis167
says:
Thanks
This will become usefull 
Ivo’s recent post ..Droši žogi
I always call my internet service provider’s tech support to seek assistance with the internet connection and setting up my wireless router. This post will be come handy in times when I want to troubleshoot about the internet connection myself. Setting up your router with a WEP also enhances network security. This is really awesome. Thanks.
Twitter: adrhomes
says:
Its a good thing I ran across the post… I checked my wireless connection at my office and it was installed without a “WEP” key. I guess that means that anyone could have logged into our network (this was not good). I installed the new code and our network is now secure. Thanks for the info.
My router uses WPA-PSK and not WEP, I think for safe reasons, correct me if I wrong.
Twitter: harpreet4564
says:
Thanks to share a very informative information about wep key.
Stablon’s recent post ..Vigor Pro
Twitter: gravityinfo
says:
thnaks alot,,,i think it might become helpful for me.