Network Authentication - NetComm NB9 User Manual

WEP and WPA
"WEP" stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy and was the original wireless security method. Over time it was
found to be vulnerable to attacks based on de-coding the 'keys' used to encrypt the data. While no longer
recommended for enterprise-level security, WEP is certainly secure from casual interception and will repel
any non-specialised attempt to join the network or intercept data; it can be penetrated with various kinds of
software tools and techniques but these are beyond the capability of the average computer user.
'WPA' stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access and is an improvement on WEP. WPA2 offers further refi nements to
WPA.
WPA and WPA2 both comprise a number of different wireless security elements and methods that can be
adapted to a variety of situations depending on the requirements. A lot of what is provided is applicable to
enterprise-level wireless networking, in other words, suitable for businesses who wish to deploy strict security
methods and policies for their employees. Accordingly, these technologies will exceed the requirements of
home users.
An important element of WPA security is a RADIUS server (stands for Remote Access Dial-in User Service).
The RADIUS server typically sits in the server room of a business or department and authenticates and
manages user requests for connection. Home users will generally never have to bother about RADIUS server
details.
In nearly all cases, the default security method, which is WEP, or WPA-PSK will provide adequate security for
home wireless networks.
Other wireless security elements shall be explained in context below.

Network Authentication

Network Authentication specifi es the type of network authentication. The default value is 'Shared'.
Open:
Shared:
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Under Open System authentication, any wireless station can request
authentication.
Under Shared Key authentication, each wireless station is assumed to have
received a secret shared key over a secure channel that is independent from the
802.11 wireless network communications channel (i.e. verbally). To use Shared
Key authentication, you must have a network key assigned to the clients trying to
connect to your NB9W.
NB9/NB9W ADSL2+ VoIP Router
YML790 Rev1