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Security
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Encryption
The WEP feature encrypts all data transmitted within the wireless network. The encryption
uses the RC4 algorithm as defined in the IEEE 802.11 Wired Equivalent Privacy standard.
The RoamAbout devices can be configured with four encryption keys. Each key is placed
in a specific position (Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4). You select one key to encrypt
transmitted data. To decipher the data, the receiving wireless device must have the key used
to encrypt the data in the same position as the sending device.
The receiving device can transmit data back to the sending device using a different key for
transmission, as long as the other device has the transmitting key in the same position. In
Figure 2-3, the Access Point uses Key 1 to encrypt transmitted data, which the client can
decipher. If the Access Point uses Key 3 to encrypt transmitted data, it cannot be deciphered
by the client. The Bobss key is Key 3 on the Access Point but Key 4 on the client.
Figure 2-3: Using Encryption
Key 1 = Je3ff
Key 2 = Vicki
Key 3 = Bobss
Key 4 = [No Entry]
As shown in Figure 2-3, the Access Point uses Key 1 to encrypt transmitted data and the
client uses Key 2 to encrypt transmitted data. Both devices can communicate.
In a wireless infrastructure network, you can:
•
Configure the Access Points to only accept encrypted data from clients. Only clients
that have the correct encryption keys can participate in this network.
•
Configure the Access Points to accept encrypted data from clients with encryption
enabled, and unencrypted data from clients without encryption enabled. This allows
clients who require security to use encryption without preventing other clients from
using the network.
In a LAN-to-LAN configuration, use encryption to have a secure wireless link.
2-12 Understanding Wireless Network Characteristics
Key 1 = Je3ff
Key 2 = Vicki
Key 3 = Freds
Key 4 = Bobss
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