Configuring Wpa-Psk And Wpa2-Psk Wireless Security - NETGEAR WGR614v9 - 54 Mbps Wireless Router Reference Manual

Configuring WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK Wireless Security

Wi-Fi Protected Access with Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK) data encryption
provides extremely strong data security, very effectively blocking eavesdropping. Because WPA
and WPA2 are relatively new standards, older wireless adapters and devices might not support
them. Check whether newer drivers are available from the manufacturer. Also, you might be able
to use the Push 'N' Connect feature to configure this type of security if it is supported by your
wireless clients. See "Restricting Wireless Access by MAC Address" on page
WPA–Pre-Shared Key does perform authentication. WPA-PSK uses TKIP (Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol) data encryption, and WPA2-PSK uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
data encryption. Both methods dynamically change the encryption keys making them nearly
impossible to circumvent.
Mixed mode allows clients using either WPA-PSK (TKIP) or WPA2-PSK (AES). This provides
the most reliable security, and is easiest to implement, but it might not be compatible with older
adapters.
Note: Not all wireless adapters support WPA. Furthermore, client software is also
required. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 does include WPA support.
Nevertheless, the wireless adapter hardware and driver must also support WPA.
For instructions on configuring wireless computers or PDAs (personal digital
assistants) for WPA-PSK security, consult the documentation for the product you
are using.
To configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK+WPA2-PSK:
1. Select Wireless Settings under Setup in the main menu.
2. Select one of the WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK options for the security type. The third option
(WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WP2-PSK [AES]) is the most flexible, since it allows clients using
either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK.
3. In the Passphrase field, enter a word or group of 8–63 printable characters. The passphrase is
case-sensitive.
Safeguarding Your Network
Wireless-G Router WGR614v9 Reference Manual
v1.1, May 2008
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