How to Change From WPA to WPA2

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The procedure for configuring a wireless router for WPA2 is router-specific

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) provides authentication and encryption for wireless networks. WPA2 is more secure than WPA because WPA2 uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption and meets the Federal Information Processing Security (FIPS) 140-2 requirements. To use WPA2 on a wireless network, the wireless router, the wireless network adapter and the operating system must support WPA2. Windows XP with Server Pack 3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 all support WPA2. As with WPA, WPA2 has an Enterprise version, which requires a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server, and a Personal version, which uses a pre-shared key.

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Step 1

Click "Start" and click the "Control Panel" menu item. If Control Panel is not in Category view, select "Category" from "View by" drop-down menu.

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Step 2

Click the "Network and Internet" link.

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Step 3

Click the "View Network Status and Tasks" link under the Network and Sharing Center title.

Step 4

Click the "Manage Wireless Networks" link in the blue bar on the left-hand side of the window.

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Step 5

Double-click the icon corresponding to your wireless network to open the "Wireless Network Properties" dialog.

Step 6

Click the "Security" tab.

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Step 7

Set "WPA2-Personal" as the Security Type.

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Step 8

Set "AES" as the Encryption Type.

Step 9

Type the pre-shared key in the "Network Security Key" field. Check the "Show Characters" checkbox to verify that you typed it correctly. Remember, the security key is case sensitive.

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Step 10

Click the "OK" button to save your change and close the Wireless Network Properties dialog. Your connection should be automatically established.

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