i cannot find my NETWORK SECURITY KEY.

[filgrastin]

Why is it so diffitult to locate the NETWORK SECURITY KEY so that I can use my printer on the network which is much safer than using WiFi.  The router shows all kinds of numbers but none of them is identifiable as a NETWORK SECURITY KEY.  Why is this so difficult to find?  If it is not on the router what else can I do.  The router shows the NETWORK NAME, THE NETWORK PASSWORD, BUT neither is the network security key.  Why is this such a puzzle, and why does the router not just show NETWORK SECURITY KEY?  Can anyone out there help me with this?  Thanks.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

filgrastin

The Network Security Key is the passphrase used by the network to authenticate access.

This is the popup you see when you try to access a secured network.

It's not a number, it's a set of characters -- and with WiFi, these are associated with the SSID of the network you are trying to access.

On newer routers, there is usually a sticker (or a card that comes with the router) containing the default SSID and passphrase.

There is no way we can find that for you, as it is internal to your router.

[filgrastin]

Thanks - You were a great help and I deeply appreciate it.  Thanks again.