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How Stable is WEP?

Posted by Cliff on from the protocol-or-implementation-issues dept.

PktLoss asks: "I recently joined the wireless home networking craze, and bought two products, a wireless router and a wireless PCMCIA card. When I just connect normally, I have no problems. The connection is rock solid, decent transfer rates. Im very happy with the purchase. However, for obvious reasons, I would like to enable WEP with 128bit encryption. However, once i do that, the connection goes flaky, dropping after a few moments, or minutes, even when mere feet from the router. Are there problems with stability and WEP? Do certain applications have issues with WEP (I've been disconnected when running nothing but Windows)? Is there anything i can do to resolve this?"

"Linksys blames this problem on:

Some applications are having problem with WEP. WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy is performed jointly by Nikita Borisov, Ian Goldberg, and David Wagner and not yet standardized and not having solution with its wireless connection problems...
Does this sound like a load of crock to anyone or is it just me?"

2 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Windows Wireless by legend · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Are you using the Linksys client utility? Or the gay ass homosexual fucked up one that is inclued in XP? I have found the same thing with Cisco 340 and 350 cards under XP.

    --
    If you can't figure out my address, just drop me an e-mail and I will explain.
  2. Re:Use MAC address filtering and Limited IP leases by Stubtify · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Yes there are ways around both of those options however if WEP is giving him trouble then those are two of the best ways to set up his router to ensure more security than simply assuming he is safe.

    If someone wants to get in then they will, however the two of these options will get rid of the idiot neighbor who happens to notice an open WAP and figure he doesn't have to pay for Internet usage when Buddy next door is nice enough to share his.

    If someone does go through the trouble of spoofing a MAC address, then good for them, they could just as easily crack WEP. Nothing wireless is perfect, however if you limit the wireless network to internet only and are happy with the assumption that your information alone isn't worth the trouble for someone to go through trying to get it then you can happily (albeit ignoranty) assume that you will be fine.

    The question was what to do when WEP doesn't work. Not what is a surefire way to secure a wireless network