Problem with WEP and Linksys BEFW11S4 V.2

Question

Problem with WEP and Linksys BEFW11S4 V.2

I just took home my MBP C2D and am trying to connect to my home network with the Linksys BEFW11S4 V.2. The MBP recognizes the name of the network. When I try to connect it asks me for the WEP password which I enter. I then get an error message. If I disable the WEP password on the router it connects without a problem. I know the password is correct (my TIVO connects without a problem). Any suggestions? Is the MBP compatible with this router? Firmware version = 1.40.2. Thanks.

MacBook Pro 2.33 Ghz Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Oct 30, 2006 8:28 PM

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Answer 1

jdestes

Level 1

0 points

Nov 2, 2006 2:54 PM in response to Steven Zweibel

I am having a similar problem, TIVO does not support WPA encryption and I cannot get my macbook to connect using the WEP encryption. Are there any other ways to connect using the WEP encryption?

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Answer 2

Nov 3, 2006 11:04 AM in response to jdestes

I have removed all encryption for now and the router is working with my TIVO and my MBP. I don't feel comfortable leaving this as is so will probably be buying a Wireless-G router and setting up WAP with that and my TIVO.

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Answer 3

jdestes

Level 1

0 points

Nov 3, 2006 11:04 AM in response to Steven Zweibel

The problem is that TIVO does not support WPA encryption and all their site says is that it is coming soon.

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Answer 4

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Nov 3, 2006 11:41 AM in response to jdestes

Try preceding the WEP key with a $ (dollar sign).

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Answer 5

Nov 3, 2006 11:59 AM in response to Ricktoronto

Should the $ sign be in the Linksys password setup screen or when I type it into the MBP when it asks me for the password (or both)?

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Answer 6

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Nov 3, 2006 12:54 PM in response to Steven Zweibel

The mac. You set the usual F6 B2 A0 FF type number per usual for the WEP key in the router. When the mac pops up its request type in the $, no spaces and the WEP key. I used to have to do that. Before WPA that is.

You know WEP can be compromised in under 5 minutes now using freeware? Terribly insecure , almost worthless at this point.

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Answer 7

Nov 3, 2006 2:54 PM in response to Ricktoronto

I do know that. I am looking into buying a Wireless-G Router with WAP (although I see on this forum that people are having trouble with these as well!). Any suggestions on make and model of a good router?

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Answer 8

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Nov 4, 2006 1:09 PM in response to Steven Zweibel

I have 2 Linksys 54G's bog-standard routers, and one WAP, all connected to a Linksys wired router, and the routers are configured as WAP's as well (MUCH cheaper than WAP's if you know how to do it) , and they have always worked with WPA for Mac and Windows, and visitor's computers etc. 802.11g is a standard, so when people start minging about connectivity problems it is not likely the routers.

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Answer 9

CBE

Level 1

39 points

Nov 4, 2006 6:25 PM in response to Ricktoronto

Try changing your WEP encryption from 64bit to 128bit. Then, when your MBP pops up asking for the password, change it from "password" to "128bit WEP Key" in the drop down menu and put in your key. I had to do that with my old network, and then everything worked fine.

Hope this helps. 🙂

~CBE

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