The printer supports three wireless security options: WPA2/WPA, WEP, and no security.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) offer stronger wireless network security than WEP. WPA2 and WPA are similar types of security. WPA2 uses a more complex encryption method and is more secure than WPA. Both WPA2 and WPA use a series of characters, called the WPA pre-shared key or passphrase, to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access.
WPA2/WPA passphrases must be:
Exactly 64 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A–F, a–f, and 0–9.
or
From 8 to 63 ASCII characters. ASCII characters are letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols found on a keyboard. ASCII characters in a WPA passphrase are case-sensitive.
Every device on the wireless network must use the same WPA passphrase. WPA security is an option only on infrastructure networks with access points (wireless routers) and network cards that support WPA. Most newer wireless network equipment also offer WPA2 security as an option.
| Note: | If your network uses WPA2 or WPA security, then select WPA Personal when you are prompted to select the type of security your network uses. |
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the most basic and the weakest type of wireless security. WEP security relies on a series of characters called the WEP key.
Every device on the wireless network must use the same WEP key. WEP security can be used on both ad hoc and infrastructure networks.
A valid WEP key has:
Exactly 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A–F, a–f, and 0–9.
or
Exactly 5 or 13 ASCII characters. ASCII characters are letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols found on a keyboard.
It is not recommended to use no security at all on a home wireless network. Using no security means that anyone within range of your wireless network can use your network resources—including Internet access— if your wireless network is connected to the Internet. The range of your wireless network may extend far beyond the walls of your home, allowing access to your network from the street or from your neighbors’ homes.