Wireless Networking And Security; How To Choose The Type Of Security For Your Wireless Network - TRENDnet TEW-823DAP V2 User Manual

TRENDnet User's Guide

Wireless Networking and Security

How to choose the type of security for your wireless network

Setting up wireless security is very important. Leaving your wireless network open and
unsecure could expose your entire network and personal files to outsiders. TRENDnet
recommends reading through this entire section and setting up wireless security on your
new access point.
There are a few different wireless security types supported in wireless networking each
having its own characteristics which may be more suitable for your wireless network
taking into consideration compatibility, performance, as well as the security strength
along with using older wireless networking hardware (also called legacy hardware).
It is strongly recommended to enable wireless security to prevent unwanted users from
accessing your network and network resources (personal documents, media, etc.).
In general, it is recommended that you choose the security type with the highest
strength and performance supported by the wireless computers and devices in your
network. Please review the security types to determine which one you should use for
your network.
Wireless Encryption Types
• WPA/WPA2-Personal: This setting provides the router with the ability to detect
wireless devices using either WPA or WPA2 encryption. Your wireless network will
automatically change the encryption setting based on the first wireless device
connected. For example, if the first wireless client that connects to your wireless
network uses WPA encryption your wireless network will use WPA encryption. Only
when all wireless clients disconnect to the network and a wireless client with WPA2
encryption connects your wireless network will then change to WPA2 encryption.
Note: WPA2 encryption supports 802.11n speeds and WPA encryption will limit
your connection speeds to 54Mbps
• WPA2-Personal: This is the most secure wireless encryption available today, similar
to WPA encryption but more robust. This encryption standard also supports the
highest connection speeds. TRENDnet recommends setting your router to this
encryption standard. If you find that one of your wireless network devices does not
support WPA2 encryption, then set your router to either WPA or WPA-Auto
encryption.
Note: Check the specifications of your wireless network adapters and wireless
appliances to verify the highest level of encryption supported. Below is brief
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comparison chart of the wireless security types and the recommended
configuration depending on which type you choose for your wireless network.
• WPA3-Personal: This is the latest wireless encryption. It is similar to WPA2
encryption, but more robust. This encryption standard also supports the highest
possible connection speed. TRENDnet recommends setting your router to this
encryption standard. If you find that one of your wireless network devices does not
support WPA3 encryption, then set your router to either WPA2 or WPA encryption.
• WPA2/WPA3-Personal: This setting provides the router with the ability to detect
wireless devices using either WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Your wireless network will
automatically change the encryption setting based on the first wireless device
connected.
Note: Check the specifications of your wireless network adapters and wireless
appliances to verify the highest level of encryption supported. Below is brief
comparison chart of the wireless security types and the recommended
configuration depending on which type you choose for your wireless network
Security Standard WPA
IEEE 802.11a/b/g
(802.11n devices
Compatible will operate at
Wireless 802.11g to connect
Standards using this standard)
Highest
Performance
Under This
Setting Up to 54Mbps
Encryption
Strength Medium
TKIP or AES,
Additional
Preshared Key or
Options
RADIUS
TKIP
Recommended
Preshared Key
Configuration
8-63 characters
*Dependent on the maximum 802.11n/ac/ax data rate supported by the device
(150Mbps, 300Mbps, 450Mbps, 867Mbps, 1.3Gbps, 2.4Gbps, or 4.8Gbps)
Indoor Wireless Access Points
WPA2 WPA3
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n IEEE 802.11 n/ac/ax
Up to 450Mbps Up to 600Mbps (11n)
(11n) and up to and up to 4.8Gbps
1.3Gbps (11ac)* (11ax)*
High Highest
TKIP or AES,
Preshared Key or AES
RADIUS
AES AES
Preshared Key Preshared Key
8-63 characters 8-63 characters
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