ANSWERS: 1
  • A wireless network key is a password that limits access to a wireless Internet connection to those who possess the password. The password can utilize both numbers and letters. Most wireless routers have a variety of security programming options.

    Types

    The two most common types of wireless networks keys are WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). A WEP can be composed of the letters A-F and the numbers 0-9 only. A WPA can be composed of any series of numbers and letters.

    Why They Are Used

    Wireless network keys are primarily used to safeguard personal data on the wireless network. Network keys also prevent bandwidth (connection speed) from becoming slow due to too many users accessing one wireless network.

    Features

    The router (or access point) commonly features a firewall, user access controls and the ability to set access limits. The wireless network key programmed into the router or access point must be inputted into each computer attempting to the connect to the wireless network.

    Warning

    A lost or misplaced network key can cause a problem, especially if the key is lost by the network administrator. If the password cannot be remembered or recovered, the router must be reset and a new network key inputted. This means that each computer that connects to the network must reconfigured with the new network key.

    Expert Insight

    The most secure network is one that is controlled by a single network administrator who inputs the network key into each computer that wishes to connect to the network. The longer the network key, the harder it is for someone to hack.

    Source:

    WPA Wireless Security for Home Networks

    How to Recover Lost Wireless Network Key? | My Tech Quest

    Choosing and Setting Up a Wireless Network

    Resource:

    Troubleshooting Wireless Network Connections

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