ZyXEL Communications NWA1120 Series User Manual page 59

Chapter 6 Wireless LAN
Passphrase
A passphrase functions like a password. In WEP security mode, it is further converted by the NWA
into a complicated string that is referred to as the "key". This key is requested from all devices
wishing to connect to a wireless network.
PSK
The Pre-Shared Key (PSK) is a password shared by a wireless access point and a client during a
previous secure connection. The key can then be used to establish a connection between the two
parties.
Encryption
Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless
network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot
understand the message. Encryption is the process of converting data into unreadable text. This
secures information in network communications. The intended recipient of the data can "unlock" it
with a pre-assigned key, making the information readable only to him. The NWA when used as a
wireless client employs Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) data encryption.
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a protocol used by a wireless client, an access point and
an authentication server to negotiate a connection.
The EAP methods employed by the NWA when in Wireless Client operating mode are Transport
Layer Security (TLS), Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP), Lightweight Extensible
Authentication Protocol (LEAP) and Tunneled Transport Layer Security (TTLS). The authentication
protocol may either be Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol Version 2
(MSCHAPv2) or Generic Token Card (GTC).
Further information on these terms can be found in Appendix E on page 187.
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is a protocol that can be used to manage user
access to large networks. It is based on a client-server model that supports authentication,
authorization and accounting. The access point is the client and the server is the RADIUS server.
Figure 21 RADIUS Server Setup
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NWA1120 Series User's Guide