Wireless Key Generator

By Bench Software Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Jan 30, 2011

It's not just a bad pun to say that the "key" step in configuring a Wi-Fi network is protecting it with an encryption key that must be entered into each compatible device. Wireless Key Generator is a free tool that generates strong wireless encryption keys and saves them to a text file that you can store on a USB drive or other portable device and use to secure your home or office network.

The program's compact, dialog-based interface has two drop-down menus: Security Type, with two choices, WEP and the stronger WPA/WPA2; and Key Strength, with three choices in WPA/WPA2: 64-bit, 8-character; 160-bit, 20-character; and 504-bit, 63-character keys. The maximum key strength in WEP is pretty good, too--256 bits and 58 characters--but WEP isn't recommended for nonlegacy installations. Buttons labeled Copy, Save, and Generate key the program's functions. Other than an About button with a link to the developer, Bench Software, that's all there is to Wireless Key Generator, but that's all it needs; this program requires no instructions to operate. We selected WPA/WPA2 and 504 bits and pressed Generate. Wireless Key Generator instantly displayed a 63-character alphanumeric code in the Key field. We saved the key to a text file, then copied and pasted it from the Clipboard into a Word document. The program's done its work at that point; it's up to the network admin (you, probably) to use the key it creates to configure your PCs, routers, and other network devices.

Wireless Key Generator is extremely easy to use yet creates strong encryption keys. It won't be the weak link in your Wi-Fi chain. Just don't lose your keys!

Full Specifications

What's new in version 2.0.1.78

General

Release November 2, 2010
Date Added October 29, 2010
Version 2.0.1.78

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 7, Windows XP
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 268,606
Downloads Last Week 2
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Developer's Description

Encrypting your wireless internet access requires an encryption key, and Wireless Key Generator not only can provide you with this it can save your key to a text file ready for storing on a usb memory stick or CD. Giving you a simple means of entering you key on each wireless device requiring a secure internet access. Although Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is supported it is no longer recommended due to the number of programs available that can crack and determine the encryption key within seconds. So Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) should be used if possible on all wireless access points and routers.
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