NETGEAR WGE111 user manual How Does WPA Compare to WEP?

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User Manual for the NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card WG511

The IEEE introduced the WEP as an optional security measure to secure 802.11b (Wi-Fi) WLANs, but inherent weaknesses in the standard soon became obvious. In response to this situation, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced a new security architecture in October 2002 that remedies the shortcomings of WEP. This standard, formerly known as Safe Secure Network (SSN), is designed to work with existing 802.11 products and offers forward compatibility with 802.11i, the new wireless security architecture being defined in the IEEE.

WPA offers the following benefits:

•Enhanced data privacy

•Robust key management

•Data origin authentication

•Data integrity protection

How Does WPA Compare to WEP?

WEP is a data encryption method and is not intended as a user authentication mechanism. WPA user authentication is implemented using 802.1x and the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Support for 802.1x authentication is required in WPA. In the 802.11 standard, 802.1x authentication was optional. For details on EAP specifically, refer to IETF's RFC 2284.

With 802.11 WEP, all access points and client wireless adapters on a particular wireless LAN must use the same encryption key. A major problem with the 802.11 standard is that the keys are cumbersome to change. If you do not update the WEP keys often, an unauthorized person with a sniffing tool can monitor your network for less than a day and decode the encrypted messages. Products based on the 802.11 standard alone offer system administrators no effective method to update the keys.

For 802.11, WEP encryption is optional. For WPA, encryption using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) is required. TKIP replaces WEP with a new encryption algorithm that is stronger than the WEP algorithm, but that uses the calculation facilities present on existing wireless devices to perform encryption operations. TKIP provides important data encryption enhancements including a per-packet key mixing function, a message integrity check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism. Through these enhancements, TKIP addresses all of known WEP vulnerabilities.

Wireless Networking Basics

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Contents NETGEAR, Inc Technical Support Iii Vcci Statement Contents Chapter Web Configuration Glossary Contents Audience, Conventions, Scope Chapter About This ManualHtml version of this manual How to Use this ManualHow to Print this Manual About This Manual Chapter Introduction About the Netgear WGE111 Wireless Game AdapterWhat’s in the Box? Key Features and Related Netgear ProductsIntroduction LED Descriptions Status Indicators and Ports of the WGE111Reset Button Reset Push ButtonIntroduction Preparing to Install Your WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter Chapter Basic SetupSystem Requirements Placement and Range GuidelinesOperating Modes Mode Switch Position Your SystemWhat you do Personal Computer Plug-and-Go Scenario Fixed IP Planning the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter ConfigurationPlanning for TCP/IP Configuration Dynamic IP using DhcpSubnet mask Understanding WEP Authentication and EncryptionAuthentication Scheme Selection Encryption Strength Choices Understanding WPA-PSK Encryption Security Using the Netgear Smart Wizard Configuration AssistantPower Ethernet Select the wireless network Basic Setup Select the TCP/IP Settings Basic Setup Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter Using TCP/IP Chapter Web ConfigurationViewing the Wireless Game Adapter Status Connecting to the Wireless Game AdapterStatus screen Wireless SettingsDevice Information Configuring the Adapter for Infrastructure Mode AccessIP Settings Data Rate Infrastructure mode configuration screenNetwork Name Ssid Using WEP Security EncryptionWireless Security Authentication TypeAutomatic Key Generation Passphrase Configuring the Wireless Game Adapter for Ad-Hoc ModeUsing WPA-PSK Security Encryption Manual Entry ModeAd-Hoc mode configuration screen Configuring the IP Settings Viewing the Wireless Networks AvailableIP Settings configuration screen Upgrading the Firmware Changing the WGE111 Wireless Game Adapter PasswordRestore Factory Defaults screen Restoring the Factory DefaultsGo to Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using Ping on Chapter TroubleshootingBasic Tips Symptom Cause SolutionWireless router or access point, wait, and then See Using the Netgear Smart Wizard Cannot configure the WGE111 from a browser Frequently Asked QuestionsTroubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface Troubleshooting the TCP/IP Settings Using PingRestoring the Default Configuration and Password Troubleshooting Appendix a Technical Specifications Technical Specifications IP Addresses and the Internet Appendix B Understanding IP AddressesThree Main Address Classes Netmask Example of Subnetting a Class B Address Subnet AddressingNetmask Notation Translation Table for One Octet Private IP Addresses IP Configuration by Dhcp Address Resolution ProtocolUnderstanding IP Addresses Infrastructure Mode Appendix C Wireless Networking BasicsWireless Networking Overview Network Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Authentication and WEPAd Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer Workgroup Open System Authentication Authentication802.11b Authentication Open System Steps Do Not Use WEP 802.11b Authentication Shared Key StepsKey Size WEP Configuration OptionsWireless Channels Radio frequency channels used are listed in the table below WPA Wireless SecurityHow Does WPA Compare to WEP? How Does WPA Compare to Ieee 802.11i? What are the Key Features of WPA Security?Wireless Networking Basics Figure C-3 WPA Overview Access point replies with an EAP-request identity message WPA Data Encryption Key Management Temporal Key Integrity Protocol Tkip Product Support for WPA Is WPA Perfect?New WPA information element Changes to Wireless Access PointsWPA two-phase authentication Changes to Wireless Network AdaptersChanges to Wireless Client Programs 802.3 List of Glossary Terms1000BASE-T 802.1QDhcp Internet service provider NIC Wins Glossary Numerics IndexRFC

WGE111 specifications

The NETGEAR WGE111 is a wireless gaming adapter designed to enhance the gaming experience for console players, allowing them to connect their gaming console to a wireless network effortlessly. This device caters particularly to gamers who wish to enjoy the benefits of wireless connectivity without compromising on performance or speed.

One of the primary features of the WGE111 is its support for the IEEE 802.11g standard, providing data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. This speed is essential for online gaming, where lag can significantly impact performance. The adapter ensures a stable and reliable connection, reducing latency and allowing gamers to immerse themselves fully in their favorite titles.

The device is compatible with a wide range of gaming consoles, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii, making it a flexible solution for gaming setups. The WGE111 is equipped with a straightforward Ethernet port, enabling easy connectivity with consoles that lack built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.

Reliability is a notable characteristic of the WGE111, thanks in part to its advanced wireless technologies. With features like WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption, the adapter ensures that the user’s network remains secure from unauthorized access. Additionally, the WGE111 has a strong range and can maintain a solid connection even in larger homes, providing flexibility in device placement.

Installation of the WGE111 is user-friendly, with a simple plug-and-play setup. This allows gamers to quickly connect their consoles to the router without extensive configuration or technical expertise. The device also includes LED indicators that provide real-time feedback on connection status, simplifying troubleshooting and network management.

Another advantage of the NETGEAR WGE111 is its compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to relocate. Whether transitioning between different rooms or even taking it to a friend's house, players can enjoy the convenience of wireless gaming without being tethered to a physical connection.

In summary, the NETGEAR WGE111 wireless gaming adapter is an excellent choice for gamers looking to enhance their online experience. With its high-speed connectivity, compatibility with multiple consoles, robust security features, and ease of setup, the WGE111 stands out as a viable option for anyone looking to enjoy wireless gaming without sacrificing performance.
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