Netopia / Eircom -- WEP Encryption

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WEP Encryption \| Wireless	IEWG_112
Netopia has just introduced a new line of Wireless Gateways utilizing 802.11x technology for complete interoperability and Wi-Fi compliance. Netopia 3-D Reach is superior to today's conventional wireless implementations by incorporating a wireless subsystem specifically designed for enhanced wireless range, coverage and performance.
Please Note: The purpose of this Quick Guide is to outline configuration of the wireless LAN networking properties of the Netopia 3300 Series Residential Wireless Gateway incorporating WEP Encryption for your network security. WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, lets you configure the router to generate encryption keys to protect the transmission of data on the wireless network. When used in conjunction with the wireless network clients, or network cards, you can secure the computers which have access to your internet connection via your local area network (LAN) and those which can see and access LAN resources. This document assumes a properly working DSL internet connection.
Click Here! for basic configuration of the Netopia Wireless Internet Gateway (without any wireless security). Click Here! If you'd like to use MAC Authentication for additional network security. MAC Authentication can be used in conjunction with WEP Encryption.
Please Note: If your router is currently running Netopia Enterprise Firmware version 8.0.10 and later, this technote is not applicable to you. IEWG_113 is the Technote for the Enterprise version firmware.

Firmware Reference

v7.4.2 R2 and later -- Netopia 3347W

Before You Start

Browse into the Netopia's web interface at http://192.168.1.254 (if using the default IP setting). If your network has a different IP addressing scheme, modify this accordingly.
Your Netopia Eircom Gateway home screen will appear. If your router is running the latest Eircom approved firmware, you will see an opening screen similar to the image below on the right. Instructions pertaining to this technote will follow immediately after this introduction.
Routers running firmware prior to version 7.4.2 R2 will have a home screen similar to the image on the left. Click on the caption bar below the screen shot to go directly to those instructions.

v7.2 R1 thru v7.4.2 -- Netopia 3300 Series v7.4.2 R2 and later -- Netopia 3300 Series

Configuration for WEP Encryption

From the Home screen, click on Wireless in the left-hand column.

Click on Advanced Configuration Options

Check the Enable Wireless checkbox.

Each router ships with a unique Wireless Network ID value. You can use the default SSID (Network ID) setting, or change to your own setting. This must match the Network ID of the Wireless Network cards installed in the computer(s).

You can enter your own alpha-numeric string for this value up to 32 characters.

Encryption (or Privacy) should be set to WEP - Automatic.

Select the desired Encryption Key Size. 128 bit is recommended for enhanced level of security if this is supported by the wireless card.

Enter a Passphrase. This will generate your Encryption Key. In the example here, the key has been generated off of the Passphrase Netopia-WiFi.

Now, click on Advanced Configuration Options

The Default Channel setting is preset at 7. This refers to radio frequency ranges within the 2.4 Ghz range and can be changed as long as the wireless network settings match.

Enable Closed System Mode: is Unchecked by default. Check to enable Closed Mode.

When unchecked, or in Open Mode, this SSID will be broadcast as an available wireless network to any compatible WiFi Device within broadcast reach.
When checked (enabled), or in Closed Mode, it will be necessary to enter the SSID value into the client card configuration to permit access to the available network.
In Closed Mode the Netopia wireless network is hidden from the scanning features of other wireless-enabled computers. The only clients allowed to access your network are those configured with the same SSID value.

Closed System mode is recommended for increased security from unauthorized access or unwanted detection of a wireless "hotspot".

WEP Encryption (or Privacy) is WEP - Automatic.

Once you have automatically generated an encryption key, that value should be transposed into the corresponding field of your wireless network card for the computer(s).

The encryption key must match precisely and be entered into the same slot
(in this example, slot #1) of the wireless client. It is recommended that you cut and paste longer encryption strings to ensure accuracy.

If you selected WEP - Manual, you will need to enter the encryption key in here that matches that in your wireless network card.

Next click the Save Changes box and restart the router when prompted. The Netopia will reboot and save your configuration. If you wish to add MAC Authentication for additional security, refer to IEWG_111: MAC Authentication.

Conclusion

Your Netopia router is now configured for both a wired and wireless LAN environment. The 10/100 Ethernet switch incorporated into the 3300 Wireless series router allows instant connectivity to your existing ethernet LAN, either directly plugged into the router's hub or to an external hub. The 3D Reach Wireless LAN will provide network access to 802.11b compliant devices on your network as well. Please consult the documentation provided with the wireless LAN card for individual manufacturers instructions and requirements.