Computer / home network question

[Wayne02]

Background: we have verizon fios with a verizon (actiontec) router feeding 4 wireless laptops and 3 wired desktops. These machines have a variety of OS - XP home, XP media, XP Pro, Vista home, and Vista business.

We received a blueray player for Christmas. The blueray player apparently uses WPA encryption and the router is set up by default with WEP encryption. The player has identified the network just fine and shows a strong signal but I can't sign on because of the encryption deal. The blueray player people say that I need to change my router over to WPA encryption for it to work.

My question is does this mean that all the computers need the encryption changed as well for them to remain working on the wireless? How hard is this to do in the various operating systems? I want to get this blueray/netflix player working, but if I screw up our home network, it won't be pretty.

Thanks

[lharvey]

In three words,

Yes They Do.

If the source is running WPA, then the receivers also need to be WPA to 'talk' to the router.

Several steps.

First is to change the router to WPA and set the key, then restart each machine and reconnect to the router when it asks you for the key to connect.

Pretty easy actually.

Of course, the wired machines do not need the encryption.

[Wayne02]

Originally Posted by lharvey

First is to change the router to WPA and set the key, then restart each machine and reconnect to the router when it asks you for the key to connect.

Pretty easy actually.
Of course, the wired machines do not need the encryption.

Ok thanks. Do I need to go into each wireless machine and change the encryption method to WPA in one of the menus prior to re-start, but pre router change, or will it automatically switch over to WPA and come up after the router change with a prompt for the new WPA code?

[Mechanic Intern]

It should automatically detect the change to WPA when you restart the computers that connect over the wireless. Once you select your access point, click "connect" and input the key, (before you hit the "OK" button on the key input prompt) you'll want to set the option of having windows save the WPA key like you doubtlessly told it to save the WEP key. A little word of praise for switching away from WEP; Great Job! WEP is så easy to crack, all you need is a wi-fi enabled device that can run a variation of a couple of LINUX commands (BTW, those commands DO exist for M$ windoze), and you'll be able to get complete control of that wi-fi connection's internet access and possibly commit serious cibercrimes like exchanging kiddie porn with other people on your internet access, and YOU'd take the fall!