MC340LL/A Airport Extreme using a 128 bit 26 digit password.

Question

I may be asking the wrong question out of ignorance, but I'm confident if I am wrong someone will set me straight. I have an old cone shaped Airport Extreme, that one that looks like a flying saucer, using a WEP 128 bit 26 digit password and at least seven networked devices (two Tivos, an Apple TV, a Ceiva frame, a printer, an iPhone and a PC laptop running Vista). If I were to upgrade to a MC340LL/A Extreme, I would like to not have to reinstall those existing devices, i.e., use a different encryption. Several questions: Will I be able to install the MC340LL/A using my existing security setup and password? Is it possible to install the MC340LL/A with more "modern" security without reinstalling my existing devices? Am I asking the right question(s) or do I not comprehend the issue(s)?

Answer 1

Welcome to the discussions!
+If I were to upgrade to a MC340LL/A Extreme, I would like to not have to reinstall those existing devices, i.e., use a different encryption.+
I'll offer my opinion here and hope that you will get other varying opinions as well.
The simple answer here may that in order to meet your requirements, the Radio Modes on the new Extreme would have to be set down to the same "g" levels that you are using now.
This can be done, but other than possibly picking up a Guest network function, there would be virtually no wireless performance benefit with the change to the new Extreme. You will still be at "g" level wireless.
The exception might be if devices could use what is known as WEP Transitional Security, which would allow some "n" level wireless speeds. But, I'm not sure if your existing password would work in this arrangement, and I'm not sure that all of your devices would function at this setting.
If you have to make a switch, then it would make more sense to move to the much more secure settings offered by WPA2 Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal security. (As you may be aware WEP is no longer considered secure and can be cracked by anyone with a modest toolkit).
But, I can't tell you whether the Tivos, the Ceiva, or the printer would handle this level of security. It will take some real research to learn whether devices might be compatible; and each device will need to be reinstalled with new passwords. Expect some frustration at best and probably an incompatible device or two.
The Apple devices will all handle the WPA settings and I think the PC running Vista would probably handle it as well. Can't say on the others, but if they are new...a year or two old...that would be an encouraging sign.
Please post back on your progress.