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What is WEP encryption?
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Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption is used to help secure the data on your wireless home network. Because wireless network data is transmitted over radio waves, there is greater danger of a hacker accessing your data. A WEP key helps to protect your data by encrypting it as it is transmitted from one point to another.
All network devices attached to your wireless network must be configured to use the same WEP key and same level of encryption. You may use different levels of WEP encryption with 64-bit and 128-bit being the most common.
Although WEP encryption provides some level of protection, a serious hacker can break through WEP encryption relatively quickly. Verizon recommends using the strongest encryption available that is compatible with the devices on your home network. Your first choice for network security should be WPA2 encryption.
If one or more of your devices isn't compatible with WPA2, WPA encryption should be your next choice. Only if your network devices are incompatible with WPA2 and WPA encryption should you consider using WEP encryption.
See also:
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Should I use WPA2, WPA or WEP network encryption on my network?
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You should use the strongest encryption that is compatible with your network. If your home network is compatible with WPA2 encryption, that should be your first choice. WPA2 provides the strongest protection among the three commonly-used encryptions. WPA should be your second choice if you have incompatibility issues with WPA2. WEP should be used if neither of the WPA encryption standards can be used.
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If WPA2 or WPA encryption is more secure, why did Verizon ship its routers with WEP encryption enabled?
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Security has always been a top priority for Verizon. Several years ago it became apparent that many Verizon customers weren’t setting up any security when they installed their home networks, so Verizon decided to ship routers with WEP encryption turned on by default. WEP is a basic security setting that is compatible with wireless network devices that were manufactured prior to 2006.
Verizon currently ships all its wireless routers with pre-configured WPA2 security encryption. WPA2 encryption provides the highest level of network security available today, and has been required on all Wi-Fi devices since 2006.
Using the strongest security setting will go a long way to protect your network and secure your information against unauthorized access. -
What compatibility issues should I consider before using WPA2 or WPA encryption?
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All wireless devices connected to your wireless home network must be compatible with the type of encryption you select. If you have any device that isn’t compatible with WPA2, you will need to consider using WPA or WEP*.
Windows Operating System requirements- WPA2
- Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 using the Microsoft stand alone network update patch may be compatible but Service Pack 3 is recommended.
- WPA
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later.
- WEP
- Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.
Macintosh requirements
- WPA2
- Mac OS X 10.4.2 with Airport Extreme or Airport Express cards
- AirPort software version 4.2 or later required for Airport Extreme or Airport Express Card (available via software update)
- WPA
- Mac OS X 10.3 or later with AirPort or AirPort Extreme card
- AirPort software version 3.3 or later required for the AirPort Card ( available via Software Update)
- AirPort software version 3.2 or later required for the AirPort Extreme Card ( available via Software Update)
Other wireless devices
Some older wireless devices may not be compatible with WPA2 or WPA encryption. This may include network hardware like network interface cards (NICs) and wireless adapters. If you have gaming devices like an Xbox or Wii, you may want to check their website for WPA2 and WPA compatibility before selecting the level of encryption for your wireless network.
* If you have a device that isn’t compatible with the security level you prefer, you can choose to connect that device using an Ethernet cable. It will no longer be wireless, but it will be connected to your network and available for sharing and other network activities. - WPA2
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Router Username and Password
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The default user name and password for your FiOS router varies according to the manufacturer of your device. Select your router from the illustrations below to display the default user name and password for your router.
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How can I find my home network's SSID?
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How do I reset my router to the factory default settings?
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For instructions on resetting your router to the factory default settings, use the graphics below to select your router.
- Note: Resetting your router to the factory defaults also deletes all your home network settings, including the SSID and WEP key. After you reset your router to the factory defaults, your home network won't be accessible until you reconfigure your router all your network devices with the same SSID and WEP key.
