WPA-WPA2 key length for access from Windows XP?

[el_berto]

Hi, I’ve set my RB as access point for a laptop with Windows XP:
WPA key = xxxxx (8 characters minimum)
WPA-2 key = yyyy

1. the RB accepts WPA key with a 8 characters minimum length, but on the laptop, windows asks me a WPA key of 5 or 13 characters only.
   Is there a bug to fix on windows?
2. with a program for a Siemens 54M wireless card I can insert the 8 characters WPA key so I can connect on the RB, but I have still set the WPA2 key, why can I connect if I’m not using WPA2 key on my laptop?

Thanks.

[normis]

5 or 13 - isn’t this the default for WEP keys? are you sure you are configuring WPA? make sure you have SP2 on the XP so it understands WPA

[hilton]

@el berto

2. with a program for a Siemens 54M wireless card I can insert the 8 characters WPA key so I can connect on the RB, but I have still set the WPA2 key, why can I connect if I’m not using WPA2 key on my laptop?

because it allows users of BOTH wpa and wpa2 to connect. so in effect you only need the lesser of two evils to connect.

also wpa2 users more resources than wpa so unless you really really need this, rather stick with wpa.

I would as a precaution make the key length a bit longer, say 13 characters, but YMMV.