I'm trying to connect to a wep network. The password is very long and contains spaces. Someone wrote that this might be a solution:

'The key to gaining authentication against WEP is to see what hexi-string the router has on itself. I copied the string off my sister's, and now I use that string as my authentication, with the help of the iwconfig command.'

What is the iwconfig command? And how exactly do you go on with this?

well if the password is long and contains spaces then it is not a wep key. A wep key is HEX string, e.g. 1A648C9FE2

If it is not a hex string, I think is called a passphrase.

Regardless---to the original question: "iwconfig" is a utility to view and/or change the settings for wireless. Simply open a terminal and enter "iwconfig" (without the quotes).

BUT: You don't say what happens if you simply try to enter the passphrase.

What distro (version of Linux) are you using, and what is the internet connection utility that you use?

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!
'How to Ask Questions the Smart Way' would be one link you should look at to help us to help you in the future.
'man command' is your friend.



You can look at the following links to aid you to understand or gain knowledge that may lead to a joyful endeavor with GNU/Linux;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Bash Reference Manual
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
Virtualiation- Top 10


The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

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The message I get when I try to connect is: 'The format or lenght of the key is not supported'. I tried every possible combination of WAP and WEP encryption with key index 0-4.

Sorry to ask, but I really don't know a lot..what is an internet utility? I was just trying to connect via the 'network' icon in the 'internet' menu. Where can I see which version of Linux I'm using?

Maybe the following could be helpful:

BIOS version: 0906
Software version: Eee PC 1.1.0.14

Thanks!

You have to know the exact settings for the access point.

Please describe your network setup. e.g. do you have cable or DSL?
Do you have a wireless router?
Can you connect with a regular (wired) connection?
Can you connect using other computers?
Does the computer detect the wireless signal? Assuming that it does, does it show what type of password is being requested?

Hi!

I'm trying to connect to a wireless network. The other computers in the house have no problem connecting. My computer detects the network, but as far as I can see gives no clue to which kind of password is requested. As for the encryption settings, no one here knows what they should be since they are not required by Windows. I tried googling the serial number on the router, which is why I thought the encryption was a wep key index 1.

I think the connection is via DHSL, but I'm not completely sure. I found the words Ethernet and DSL on the modem.

Who administers this network? They will be able to tell you the correct settings.

If a password (or other setting) is not required on Windows, then it will not be required on Linux either. If the Windows user is simply prompted for a password, the setting is almost certainly WEP---you should be able to use the same password.

When your computer detects the wireless, you should seen some kind of control/dialog for changing the settings for that particular connection. Please tell us what you see there (post a screenshot if necessary)

AND--can you connect to the same router with a normal wired connection?

I will look in to those things. When I attempt to connect to a network from my computer, I'm always asked for the encryption type (wep/wpa) and key index number regardless of the actual encryption type. I have never been asked for that information by windows. So what exactly do you mean when you say that linux doesn't require any information not required by windows? Are you sure that the password should work on linux regardless of lenghth/spaces?

Thanks!

the wireless router does not care what operating system you are using---all it wants is the correct string of bytes for the passphrase.

You have to set the encryption type in any system---in Windows it may be hidden.

I would take the time to learn the terminal tools---especially ifconfig and iwconfig---this will help in the long run.

Also, check to see if WICD is available for your system---it is hands-down the best connection manager I have ever seen.

Thanks for the tips! I can't get connected with cable either (or do I need to set my computer up in some way to connect with the cable?). I'm trying to connect to a Netopia 3347 ADSL Wireless Router from Swisscom. The manual says that you need a Windows-based pc or a Mackintosh to configure the unit. I'm trying to connect with an Asus Eee mini labtop, could that be the problem? Or could it be, that I need swisscom to authorize access (which is apparently the case with other companies selling that particular router)?

The normal way to access the router setup is to enter 192.168.1.1 in a browser. Then you have to login with a username and password. If you bought the unit, then the password is supplied. The default is often simply "admin" or some other generic word.

But--have you tried connecting by simply configuring your computer for DHCP? (the most common way of connecting to a router). Depending on the router and the ISP, you might also have to specify the DNS addresses. But---for the moment just run some basic tests:

first, see if you can access the router using "ping 192.168.1.1". If that works, then try to do "ping www.ggogle.com". If it says "hostname not recognized", then try "ping 74.125.19.103". If that works, then it means you need to put in some settings for DNS. The ISP should supply this information.

If you did not buy this router, do you know who did? Do they know how to set it up?