Overview Of Wep Parameters - NETGEAR WG302 - 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Reference Manual

802.11b Authentication
1) Authentication
request sent to AP
Client
3) Client encrypts
attempting
challenge text and
to connect
sends it back to AP
5) Client connects to network
Figure 6-2: 802.11 shared key authentication

Overview of WEP Parameters

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption is used when the wireless devices are configured
to operate in Shared Key authentication mode. There are two shared key methods implemented in
most commercially available products, 64-bit and 128-bit WEP data encryption.
Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you
require and the key size you want to use. Typically, there are three WEP Encryption options
available for 802.11 products:
1. Do Not Use WEP: The 802.11 network does not encrypt data. For authentication purposes, the
network uses Open System Authentication.
2. Use WEP for Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data portion of every
packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving 802.11g device decrypts the data using
the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the 802.11g network uses Open System
Authentication.
3. Use WEP for Authentication and Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data
portion of every packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving 802.11 device
decrypts the data using the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the 802.11 network uses
Shared Key Authentication.
Wireless Networking Basics
Reference Manual for the WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Shared Key Steps
2) AP sends challenge text
4) AP decrypts, and if correct,
authenticates client
December 2003
Access Point
MODEL FVM318
IN TER N ET W LA N LO CA L
Cable/DSL ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall LNK
100
PWR TEST
ACT Enable LNK/ACT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cable or
DLS modem
B-5