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Accessing an Encrypted (WEP or WPA) Network with the AEGIS Client

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (WiFi Protected Access) are security protocols for wireless networks. A secured or encrypted network requires a password in the form a "hex" key. In these examples, the UI Wireless network is already configured.

1. Start by launching the AEGIS client (double-click the AEGIS icon in the notification area of your desktop or select Start --> Programs --> Meetinghouse --> AEGIS Client --> AEGIS Client), then double click on your wireless card to open the Port Configuration window.
   
   
   

2. The Port Configuration window shows the available networks in the top section and displays your configured networks in the bottom section. Not all networks will appear because some are not configured to broadcast their presence. The configured networks in the bottom half are ordered in the order of preference. If more than one configured network is available, AEGIS will attempt to connect to the network that is highest in the order.
   
   Select the network you are trying to connect to in the Available Networks section on top and click the Move to Configured button. The selected network will appear in the Configured networks section on the bottom. Select the network in the Configured networks area on the bottom and click the Properties button.
   
   
   

3. On the Network Profiles window, make sure the Network Name is correct and check the Do Active Scan box. In order for AEGIS to work correctly, you must select an authentication profile. Check the Desktop box and select UI-Wireless-WEP out of the list. Click the WEP Management tab.
   
   
   
   To access a network using the WPA security protocol, skip to step 5 below. To access a network using the WEP security protocol, continue to step 4.

4. To access a network using the WEP security protocol, on the WEP Management tab, uncheck Provide Encryption key dynamically box and check the Use key for data encryption and Use key to authenticate with AP (shared mode) boxes.
   
   In the Key box you will enter your WEP key. The administrator of the secured wireless network will need to provide you with this key. The example key below is for a 128 bit encrypted network. If your network is set to a lower encryption standard (like 64 bits) then the key will be much shorter.
   
   Continue to step 6 below to complete the connection.
   
   
   

5. To access a network using the WPA security protocol, on the WEP Management tab cheek the Provide encryption key dynamically box, then select the WPA settings tab.
   
   On the WPA settings tab, select the WPA Mode that will work for your router. Refer to your router manufacturer's instructions or web site for more information. For some routers you can select WPA Auto, but some routers will require you to select an option like WPA PSK.
   
   Select the type of Encryption that your router supports (refer to your router's information or the manufacturer's web site).
   
   In the ASCII key field, type in the pass phrase that you assigned to your router.
   
   
   

6. Double check your encryption key and click the OK buttons on the Network Profile and Port Configuration windows to return to the main AEGIS window. Click the refresh button and you should be connected to the network.

Note: The client may incorrectly report the status of the connection. The connection information column may say "started" or "obtaining IP address" when, in fact, you are actually connected. Try opening a web page just to confirm your connection.

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Last Updated: 04/24/2008