Overview Of Wep Parameters - NETGEAR WG302 - 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point Reference Manual

Reference Manual for the NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless Access Point 802.11g WG302
This process is illustrated below.
802.11b Authentication
Shared Key Steps
1) Authentication
request sent to AP
Client
3) Client encrypts
attempting
challenge text and
to connect
sends it back to AP
5) Client connects to network
Figure B-2: Shared key authentication

Overview of WEP Parameters

Before enabling WEP on an 802.11 network, you must first consider what type of encryption you
require and the key size you want to use. Typically, there are three WEP Encryption options
available for 802.11 products:
1. Do Not Use WEP: The 802.11 network does not encrypt data. For authentication purposes, the
network uses Open System Authentication.
2. Use WEP for Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data portion of every
packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving device decrypts the data using the
same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the network uses Open System Authentication.
3. Use WEP for Authentication and Encryption: A transmitting 802.11 device encrypts the data
portion of every packet it sends using a configured WEP Key. The receiving device decrypts the
data using the same WEP Key. For authentication purposes, the wireless network uses Shared Key
Authentication.
Note: Some 802.11 access points also support Use WEP for Authentication Only (Shared Key
Authentication without data encryption).
Wireless Networking Basics
2) AP sends challenge text
4) AP decrypts, and if correct,
authenticates client
July 2005 v3.0
Access Point
MODEL FVM318
IN TER N ET W LA N LO CA L
Cable/DSL ProSafeWirelessVPN Security Firewall
LNK 100
PWR TEST
ACT Enable LNK/ACT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cable or
DLS modem
B-5