How to set a 5 char (40 bit) ASCII password for WEP on a Linksys v8 device

Question

I have a Linksys FW v8, and I want to use wireless password "12345" for WEP.

I cant set it up, I just can specify a 64 or 128 bit, I want 40 bit, 5 char long.

Is it possible?

Answer 1

Choose 64-bit.

Wikipedia says

A 64-bit WEP key is usually entered as a string of 10 hexadecimal (base 16) characters (0-9 and A-F). Each character represents four bits, 10 digits of four bits each gives 40 bits; adding the 24-bit IV produces the complete 64-bit WEP key. Most devices also allow the user to enter the key as five ASCII characters, each of which is turned into eight bits using the character's byte value in ASCII;

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Update:

DD-WRT

If your router software doesn't have features that you want, you can always check if the hardware is supported by DD-WRT and whether that supports the features you need. Since the source is available, you can add features you want (or pay a developer to add them for you)

Updating firmware usually has the potential to render your device unusable. People updating firmware have to be prepared for that outcome.

WEP

Of course, we all know WEP is insecure and a 5-character key is insecure. You know that, I just want to remind anyone else reading this that WPA2 is the way to go unless you are just playing at breaking into your own router or something.