WEP Key entry vs. hex entry

Question

I have a Latitude 610 with the 1370 WLAN mini PCI adapter. I have a WEP wireless network and am trying to get the laptop to connect. I can see the network fine but can't enter the network key successfully - the Linksys router to which I am trying to connect uses an 8 ANSI character string to generate an 8 hex character key (set of four keys actually).   The Dell applet only allows a 5 ANSI character string and doesn't show the generated hex key nor can I see how I can enter the hex key directly.   Is it possible to enter a hex key directly or do I need to reconfigure all the users in my network to have a shorter key/different encryption scheme?   Thanks, Theo

esquire · Answer

Are you sure the Linksys router generates an 8 character only HEX key?  A 64bit Hex key consists of 10 characters while a 128bit one consists of 26 characters.     Try using Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration and enter the Hex key manually:

TheoMallinson · Answer

You're absolutely right, the hex key is 10 characters. The network key I used on the router web page to generate the hex is 8 characters though.

In the screen shot you provided, how does one enter the hex key directly? I only see a spot for the network key, and key index selection, from which a hex key will be generated.

Many thanks,

Theo

esquire · Answer

You do know you can use a Passphrase of any length to generate your keys on a Linksys, right?   Network key = WEP/WPA/WPA2 key used by the router (not Passphrase), so you just enter it into the box (twice to confirm)   If the adapter driver supports both ASCII and HEX keys, you may also see a pulldown menu to select the type.

TheoMallinson · Answer

esquire, many thanks for your help. In the end I had entered the first generated hex key but was actually using the second key in the Linksys setup. Additionally (this is on a work machine) my browser and other internet applications were using a proxy, which I didn't realize until I tried to see if I was even getting an IP address. Anyway, it's working fine now.

One last question though - the screen shot you attached is exactly what I have for my 1370 adaptor. What does the network key selector do? The help text on it says "Provides a space for you to type a new index for the network key. You can also click the arrows to select a new setting. The key index specifies the location where the key is stored". Can you translate?

Thanks again for your help.

Theo

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

WEP Key entry vs. hex entry

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