How to connect to an Open WEP network with no password

Question

How to connect to an Open WEP network with no password

I am trying to connect my 8 GB iTouch to my work wireless network. This network is an Open WEP network which will automatically assign a password upon connection (Windows setup). It does not appear that the iTouch can account for an Open network. Every time I select the SSID and WEP, it asks for a password, which I should not need. My laptop runs on Windows and can successfully connect to the Open WEP network without having to specifiy a password. Any suggestions?

My home network uses the WEP with a password and works fine with my iTouch, so I know the capability works.

Windows XP

Posted on Jan 14, 2009 10:01 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Jan 14, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Phoenixphire851

Phoenixphire851, Welcome to the discussion area!

Every time I select the SSID and WEP, it asks for a password...

Of course it will. If you select WEP it expects a password. If the network at work doesn't have a password don't select WEP or WPA.

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Answer 2

Jan 14, 2009 12:28 PM in response to Duane

I understand WEP usually designates that a password need to be entered. Though, when your WiFi is based off of a Windows-based system, you can check the box that says "the key is provided for me automatically" when you select an "Open" Network Authorization, and a "WEP" Data Encryption.

My beef with the iTouch is that it allows the WEP encryption, but it does not (to my knowledge) account for the "Open" Network Authorization and possibly the automatically assigned key/password. This type of WiFi is pretty standard when you are using a company WiFi that expects several employees to use it. One of my co-workers set up his Blackberry to use the same SSID I am trying to use and its WiFi setting allowed for these features, so I know its possible for some devices. I just wonder if anyone knows how to make the iTouch able to use this type of WiFi.

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Jan 14, 2009 12:43 PM in response to Phoenixphire851

I had never heard of "Open WEP" before. I just did some research and it appears that you still need to enter the WEP password on your iPod touch (or any client that wants to connect).

The difference between "Shared WEP" and "Open WEP":

During the "Shared WEP" connection setup, the base station sends some clear text to the client. The client encrypts this with the WEP key and sends it back. The base station decrypts the text and allows the connection.

In "Open WEP" the base station allows the client to join the network. Then the client uses WEP to encrypt all traffic to/from the base station.

So in both cases, the client (the iPod touch in this case) needs the WEP password.

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Answer 4

Jan 14, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Duane

No... by "Open WEP," surely he means an access point with no password. It should work.

Does it work with other devices? That is to ask, can you connect your computer wirelessly to the same WAP?

I just tried with an open access point at work (in this case I can only access a web page and login using my credentials... then I can get around). It works fine. So, first make sure it does not require a password. Download the free App WiFinder and see if it thinks it is open.

-fred

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Answer 5

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Jan 14, 2009 2:12 PM in response to Frederick Avolio

An open network (no password) is different from "Open WEP". I initially thought that he mean open network but he stated that it was "Open WEP".

At work we have an open network that everyone is free to join but then they can't access anything. After you use a web browser and access a special page and log in you can then connect freely through the network to the internet.

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Answer 6

Jan 14, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Duane

Oops. Sorry, Duane. I stand corrected.

-fred

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Answer 7

Jan 14, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Frederick Avolio

I have downloaded some other WiFi detecting software that will hopefully work tomorrow.

As to the general discussion on the Open WEP:

There is a password that gets automatically assigned once a user finds the hidden network and attempts to connect. Unfortunately, as I was saying, the iTouch settings require you to know the password beforehand. Lets see what the new WiFi apps have to say about it tomorrow...

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Answer 8

Jan 14, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Phoenixphire851

*Disregard my previous reply. This one is better *

I have downloaded some other WiFi detecting software that will hopefully work tomorrow.

As to the general discussion on the Open WEP:

There is a password that gets automatically assigned once a user finds the hidden network and attempts to connect. Unfortunately, as I was saying, the iTouch settings require you to know the password beforehand, so I cannot access the network and then go to a special webpage to get onto the rest of the internet.

Also, this is not an access point. Other co-workers use PDA devices (Blackberries and such) which use the same Open Network Authorization and WEP Data Encryption that do not require the user to input a password. Lets see what the new WiFi apps have to say about it tomorrow...

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Answer 9

Jan 15, 2009 6:51 AM in response to Phoenixphire851

Still didn't work. I downloaded WiFinder and it can find the network, but it won't allow me to connect to it. The app gives the MAC address, channel, strength, noise, Authentication (WEP), and says that it is hidden.

I think its just a limitation of the iTouch. Windows-based systems will allow you to have the password automatically assigned if you are able to find the hidden network, but that doesn't appear to be possible with this device. I don't really know what else there is to do now.

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