Wireless networking: WEP or WPA? Which is "better"?

[vikenk]

Hi all,

I have a Linksys Wireless "B" router and notebook card. Until recently I've been using 64-bit WEP encryption. I've noticed that there's a new protocol, WPA. The latest firmware for my router uses this, and it's also in Windows Update.

Which one of these protocol's are "better" (I put it in quotes since it may be nothing more than user preference), and how do they differ?

Also, does using any form of encryption slow down my wireless connection? Just curious. Thanks.

Viken

 

[RyanOldw83]

Encryption always slows network traffic a little as there is more to decrypt.

 

[mikesgroovin]

Pretty good description although it doesn't go into too much detail of the "shortcomings" of WEP encryption.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelesssecurity/g/bldef_wpa.htm

-Mike

 

[vikenk]

Thanks guys! Just curious, which protocol do you use?

 

[mikesgroovin]

I just use 128-bit WEP. However, if I had a network with a little more sensitive data....WPA for sure.

-Mike

 

[kboy]

I use the WEP 128 Bit Also. I'd go for the WPA but My WUSB11 Adaptors won't handle It I guess.

 

[RyanOldw83]

I'm using 128 bit wep myself too, seems like the norm.

 

[Shakie]

I agree, 128 WEP, but like Mike said, if I had more sensitive data, then WPA.

 

[vikenk]

I tried using WPA unsuccesfully. I did the Windows update for WPA. I used WPA with the Pre-Shared Key, and set the keyword. I did the same in my router. But for some reason, I could not connect with my laptop. I tried to reset the keywordm but it didn't work. I went back to WEP. I'll try again another time.

 

[kboy]

vikenk, WPA only works on certain Adaptors, are they Linksys?