What password (WEP, WAP, WAP2) to choose for Airport Base Station?

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Level 1

6 points

What password (WEP, WAP, WAP2) to choose for Airport Base Station?

Hi,
I just got an Airport Base Station and now I connect to the Internet wireless with my iMac.
However, I am getting confused how to password protect this wirelss connection so that my neighbors don't use it.
Can someone please explain in basic language, as i am not a computer-geek, how I should do this and what kind of password I should use. WEP, WAP, WAP2 - that's way to confusing for me.

Also I want to get an Apple TV later this month. I heard that the kind of security setting is important for the ATV to function without problems.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.6), at work PC

Posted on Jan 17, 2008 10:28 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

John Sutherland

Level 2

250 points

Jan 17, 2008 11:44 AM in response to Dimitrios

WPA2 is the most secure encryption you can use currently with your AP Express and Mac. I would recommend this. Make sure you choose a secure password both for your Airport Base Station and for the wireless security.

For older devices WEP is sometimes only supported, although unless you have any of these then forget about it. It can be cracked very easily.

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Answer 2

Jan 17, 2008 11:46 AM in response to Dimitrios

To set it up, if you don't know this already then run the Airport Utility from Applications/Utilities. It will go through steps to set up your wireless network which will involve setting up passwords etc.

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Jan 17, 2008 11:52 AM in response to Dimitrios

WPA2 - Absolute strongest when used with a non-dictionary password (don't use a word from the dictionary as your password). Unfortunately some older equipment may not be compatible with WPA2.

WPA - Nearly as strong as WPA2 when used with a non-dictionary password. Unfortunately some older equipment may not be compatible with WPA.

128 bit WEP - Relatively weak and only recommended if you are using equipment which is not compatible with WPA2 or WPA.

40/64 bit WEP - Extremely weak and only recommended if none of the others is compatible with your equipment.

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