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History
Wired Equivalent Privacy, or WEP, was introduced in 1997 as an authentication method to regulate access to wireless internet access points, according to PC Magazine. More secure authentication methods, such as WPA, currently exist as well, and the Sony PSP is capable of using both WEP and WPA keys to connect to the Internet.
Function
WEP encryption functions to keep a wireless connection secure, protecting it from other users by requiring a WEP key, or password, to access the wireless internet. With the Sony PSP, the user can access a private wireless network using the WEP key and gain access to both online game play and web pages using the PSP's built-in Internet browser.
Significance
When setting up a wireless connection on a PSP console, the console will display a list of available wireless connections. Once the WEP-protected wireless network is discovered, the PSP will prompt a user to enter the alpha-numeric WEP key in order to connect. Using the PSP's text and number entry interface, a user can easily enter the WEP key for a private network and quickly connect to the internet.
Benefits
On the Sony PSP, using a private network secured by a WEP key will keep your online activities private and prevent other users from "attacking" or "piggybacking" your wireless connection. Using WEP security helps keep your PSP's online activity private and also keeps the connection from slowing down due to access by unauthorized users.
Considerations
Although WEP key authentication is an option for protecting a wireless network, the PSP is capable of accessing networks with more advanced security encryption, such as WPA-PSK (TSIP and AES). PC magazine states that WEP security uses a weak authentication method and may be easy for an unauthorized user to access. If you have a private WEP-secured wireless network that you use with your Sony PSP, it is advisable to change your WEP key often to prevent such attacks from other users.