Overview; Figure 37 Wep Authentication Steps - ZyXEL Communications 802.11g Wireless Access Point ZyXEL G-560 User Manual

ZyXEL G-560 User's Guide

Figure 37 WEP Authentication Steps

Open system authentication involves an unencrypted two-message procedure. A wireless
station sends an open system authentication request to the AP, which will then automatically
accept and connect the wireless station to the network. In effect, open system is not
authentication at all as any station can gain access to the network.
Shared key authentication involves a four-message procedure. A wireless station sends a
shared key authentication request to the AP, which will then reply with a challenge text
message. The wireless station must then use the AP's default WEP key to encrypt the
challenge text and return it to the AP, which attempts to decrypt the message using the AP's
default WEP key. If the decrypted message matches the challenge text, the wireless station is
authenticated.
When your G-560's authentication method is set to open system, it will only accept open
system authentication requests. The same is true for shared key authentication. However,
when it is set to auto authentication, the G-560 will accept either type of authentication request
and the G-560 will fall back to use open authentication if the shared key does not match.
6.7 802.1x Overview
The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of
wireless stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using the local
user database internal to the G-560 (authenticate up to 32 users) or an external RADIUS server
for an unlimited number of users.
68 Chapter 6 Wireless Screens