Channels; Wep; Wpa - Planex BLW-54MR User Manual

Wireless Router User Guide
As Wireless Stations are physically moved through the area covered by an ESS, they will
automatically change to the Access Point which has the least interference or best performance.
This capability is called Roaming. (Access Points do not have or require Roaming capabilities.)

Channels

The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
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Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to
choose a Channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA
and Canada, 11 channels are available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adja-
cent Access Points use different Channels to reduce interference.
"
In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an
Access Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest signal
is used. (This can only happen within an ESS.)
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If using "Ad-hoc" mode (no Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to use the
same Channel. However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Channels to see if there is
an existing "Ad-hoc" group they can join.

WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted.
This is desirable because it is impossible to prevent snoopers from receiving any data which is
transmitted by your Wireless Stations. But if the data is encrypted, then it is meaningless unless
the receiver can decrypt it.
If WEP is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same settings
for each of the following:
WEP
Key
WEP Authentication

WPA

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is another standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted.
This is a later standard than WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), and provides greater security for
your data. Data is encrypted using a 256Bit key which is automatically generated and changed
often.
If all your Wireless stations support WPA, you should use this instead of WEP.
If WPA is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same settings
for each of the following:
WPA PSK
(Pre-shared Key)
Encryption
Off, 64 Bit, 128 Bit
For 64 Bit encryption, the Key value must match.
For 128 Bit encryption, the Key value must match
Open System or Shared Key.
Enter the same value on every station and the AP. The PSK
must be from 8 to 63 characters in length. The 256Bit key
used for the actual encryption is derived from this key.
The same encryption method must be used. The most
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