WEP 40/128 bit hex vs. WEP password when using a Linksys Router

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WEP 40/128 bit hex vs. WEP password when using a Linksys Router

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone might have a tip or two on this.

I have a cable modem connected to a Linksys WRT54G V.6 Wireless router. The router is connected to my G5 via an ethernet cable, but I want to be able to connect wirelessly from my Macbook as well.

When I have security disabled on the router there's no problem. When I enable either 128 or 64 bit hex encryption I can also connect provided that I have 40/128bit hex selected as the security in my airport settings.

What I'm trying to figure out is if there's a way to get the router to use WEP Password so I don't have to deal with long hex codes to join my network. Since I know this is a fairly common router (in fact I even know someone who I'm pretty sure did configure it this way, but sadly can’t remember how) I thought someone might have experience with this.

Any insight would be great. Thanks in advance,
Avi

PowerMac G5, DualCore 2.3 GHZ, Mac OS X (10.4.5), Lynksys WRT54G router

Posted on Oct 14, 2006 12:52 PM

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Answer 1

iFelix

Level 8

35,167 points

Oct 14, 2006 12:55 PM in response to AviG

One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.

In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys.

The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.

One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).

Though sometimes not even that works and the HEX key must be used regardless.

AirPort: Joining an encrypted wireless network
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424

Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058

iFelix

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Answer 2

AviG Author

Level 1

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Oct 14, 2006 1:36 PM in response to iFelix

Hey Felix,

So should I assume that if my Linksys router doesn't give me an option of using WEP Password for security that I'll always have to use the hex keys?

It will generate a hex key based on passphrase, but when I then try and use that passphrase to connect it doesn't seem to work.

It will also let me just choose my hex key manually which is how I've been getting around the issue, but I wasn't sure if that was my only option or not.

--Avi

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Answer 3

iFelix

Level 8

35,167 points

Oct 14, 2006 1:48 PM in response to AviG

It will generate a hex key based on passphrase, but
when I then try and use that passphrase to connect it
doesn't seem to work.

If using 128bit WEP a 13 character passphrase should work, but sometimes even that doesn't.

It will also let me just choose my hex key manually
which is how I've been getting around the issue, but
I wasn't sure if that was my only option or not.

If it works, stick with it.

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