Network security: WEP vs. WPA

Question

Just purchased a new Dell laptop and desktop (Inspiron 530/Centrino Duo/2GB).  Also  got a new Linksys router to try and fix this problem.  Was able to implement the more secure WPA wireless security for the laptop, but WPA will not work on the desktop.  The only solution Dell tech. support came up with was to downgrade to WEP, which by all accounts online is not very secure.  Is there some reason that the desktop/wireless card for the desktop will not support WPA, but  the laptop will?  Has anyone been successful  in implementing WPA?  Thank you.

dallascowboyswo · Answer

What OS's are you using?

Inspiron E1505
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB/2.00GHz/667MHz)
15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz Crucial Memory
256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400
120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-RW Philips Drive
Dell Wireless 1500 802.11N Mini Card
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0 + EDR)
Windows XP Pro SP2
Bios A17
pur. Sept. 7 2006
WRT350N Linksys Router v1 firmware v1.03.2
ZoneAlarm Pro v 7.0.362.000
Kaspersky AntiVirus v 7.0.0.125

Rebel9 · Answer

What kind of wireless adapter is in the desktop? If it is an older model, that might be the problem, but if it's a newer model, WPA should not be a problem. Is the desktop adapter also a Linksys? Sometimes mixing brands can cause problems.

georogers · Answer

Using Vista, home premium on both.  Thanks.

georogers · Answer

The desktop adapter (made by broadcom) is brand new (came with the desktop), which is why I couldn't understand why it wouldn't configure to work.  Tonight I tried yet again and changed the channel  that the router is broadcasting on, and amazingly everything seems to now work (keeping my fingers crossed).  Spent an hour and half with Dell tech support and most of the afternoon myself researching WPA issues.  We had tried all of the same settings before (with the exception of changing the router channel) and couldn't get it to work.  Thanks for the responses.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Network security: WEP vs. WPA

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