Figure 229 Wep Authentication Steps - ZyXEL Communications ZyAir G-2000 PlusV2 User Manual

ZyXEL G-2000 Plus v2 User's Guide

Figure 229 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 ZyXEL device'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 ZyXEL device will accept either type of
authentication request and the ZyXEL device will fall back to use open authentication if the
shared key does not match.
409