NETGEAR WG102 How Does WPA Compare to Ieee 802.11i?, What are the Key Features of WPA Security?

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Reference Manual for the NETGEAR WG102 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point

How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i?

WPA will be forward compatible with the IEEE 802.11i security specification currently under development. WPA is a subset of the current 802.11i draft and uses certain pieces of the 802.11i draft that are ready to bring to market today, such as 802.1x and TKIP. The main pieces of the 802.11i draft that are not included in WPA are secure IBSS (Ad-Hoc mode), secure fast handoff (for specialized 802.11 VoIP phones), as well as enhanced encryption protocols, such as AES-CCMP. These features are either not yet ready for market or will require hardware upgrades to implement.

What are the Key Features of WPA Security?

The following security features are included in the WPA standard:

•WPA Authentication

•WPA Encryption Key Management

–Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)

–Michael message integrity code (MIC)

–AES Support (to be phased in)

•Support for a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients, but mixing WEP and WPA is discouraged

These features are discussed below.

WPA addresses most of the known WEP vulnerabilities and is primarily intended for wireless infrastructure networks as found in the enterprise. This infrastructure includes stations, access points, and authentication servers (typically RADIUS servers). The RADIUS server holds (or has access to) user credentials (for example, user names and passwords) and authenticates wireless users before they gain access to the network.

The strength of WPA comes from an integrated sequence of operations that encompass 802.1X/ EAP authentication and sophisticated key management and encryption techniques. Its major operations include:

•Network security capability determination. This occurs at the 802.11 level and is communicated through WPA information elements in Beacon, Probe Response, and (Re) Association Requests. Information in these elements includes the authentication method (802.1X or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES).

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Wireless Networking Basics

October 2004

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Contents October Technical Support FCC Statement RF Exposure Warning for North America, and Australia Antenna Statement for North America and Australia 0681 Requirements For Operation in the European Community October Antenna Statement for the European Community October Contents Appendix a Specifications Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics Contents Chapter About This Manual Audience, Versions, ConventionsHow to Use this Manual Html version of this manualHow to Print this Manual About This Manual Chapter Introduction Key Features Supported Standards and Conventions802.11g Standards-based Wireless Networking Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto UplinkSystem Requirements Compatible and Related Netgear ProductsWhat’s In the Box? Hardware Description Need Product Photo Or IllustrationDetachable Antenna Chapter Basic Installation and Configuration Observing Placement and Range GuidelinesCabling Requirements Default Factory Settings Feature Factory Default SettingsUnderstanding WG102 Wireless Security Options LUHOHVVDWD 6HFXULW\2SWLRQVInstalling the WG102 Access Point SET UP the WG102 Access PointLogin window Web browser will then display the WG102 settings Configure the settings appropriate for your network Deploy the WG102 Access Point Verify Wireless Connectivity How to Log In to the WG102 Using Its Default IP Address Understanding Basic Wireless Settings Basic Installation and Configuration Wireless Security Settings Understanding WEP/WPA Security OptionsWireless LAN options are explained in the following table Field Description WPA-PSK Wi-Fi Before You Change the Ssid and WEP Settings WEP Encryption KeysHow to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address Select the Turn Access Control On check boxHow to Configure WEP To configure WEP data encryption, follow these stepsHow to Configure WPA 11 Wireless Settings menu How to Configure WPA-PSK 13 Wireless Settings menuUsing the Basic IP Settings Options IP AddressTime Zone Using Syslog and Activity Log Information Chapter ManagementViewing General, Log, Station, and Statistical Information This screen shows the following parametersGeneral Information Fields Field Description Wired Ethernet Received/Transmitted StatisticsUpgrading the Wireless Access Point Software Viewing a List of Attached DevicesConfiguration File Management Settings Backup menuSaving and Retrieving the Configuration Restoring the WG102 to the Factory Default SettingsUsing the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings Changing the Administrator Password Set Password menuUsing Snmp Remote Management Remote Management settingsManagement Chapter Advanced Configuration Hotspot SettingsConfiguring Advanced Wireless Settings Table below describes the advanced wireless parametersAP Settings Enabling Wireless Bridging and Repeating Point-to-Point BridgeHow to Configure a WG102 as a Point-to-Point Bridge Repeater with Wireless Client AssociationHow to Configure Multi-Point Wireless Bridging Multi-Point bridgingAdvanced Configuration How to Configure Wireless Repeating Advanced Configuration Chapter Troubleshooting No lights are lit on the access pointWireless LAN activity light does not light up LAN light is not litCannot connect to the WG102 to configure it When I enter a URL or IP address I get a timeout errorUsing the Reset Button to Restore Factory Default Settings October Appendix a Specifications Specifications for the WG102WPA Appendix B Wireless Networking Basics Wireless Networking OverviewInfrastructure Mode Authentication and WEP Data Encryption Ad Hoc Mode Peer-to-Peer WorkgroupNetwork Name Extended Service Set Identification Essid Authentication Open System Authentication802.11b Authentication Open System Steps 802.11b Authentication Shared Key Steps Key Size Wireless Channels WEP Configuration OptionsWPA Wireless Security How Does WPA Compare to WEP? What are the Key Features of WPA Security? How Does WPA Compare to Ieee 802.11i?Wireless Networking Basics Figure B-3 WPA Overview Access point replies with an EAP-request identity message WPA Data Encryption Key Management Temporal Key Integrity Protocol Tkip Is WPA Perfect? Product Support for WPAChanges to Wireless Access Points Changes to Wireless Client Programs Glossary Dhcp DSL Internet service provider Radius TLS Wins Glossary Index NumericsWEP B-3
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WG102 specifications

The NETGEAR WG102 is a robust and versatile wireless access point designed to enhance network connectivity in a variety of environments, from small businesses to larger enterprise settings. This device is well-regarded for its ease of use, reliable performance, and a feature set that caters to both basic and advanced networking needs.

One of the key features of the WG102 is its support for the IEEE 802.11g standard, which provides data rates of up to 54 Mbps. This makes it suitable for high-speed internet access and seamless data transfer for users connected to the network. Additionally, the WG102 is backward compatible with the 802.11b devices, ensuring that existing hardware can be integrated into the network without issues, thereby protecting investment in older technology.

The WG102 also excels in its deployment flexibility. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, installation becomes significantly easier, as the access point can receive power through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power outlets. This feature is particularly advantageous in locations where power supply access is limited or where aesthetic considerations are key.

Security is a vital aspect of any network, and the WG102 does not disappoint. It supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) for secure wireless communications, ensuring that user data is encrypted and protected from potential threats. The device also features WEP encryption, allowing users to implement various security measures based on their specific needs.

The WG102's management capabilities include a web-based interface, enabling administrators to configure settings easily and monitor network performance. The device supports VLAN tagging, which can help in segmenting network traffic for better performance and security. The ability to manage multiple access points through a single interface also streamlines network management.

In terms of physical characteristics, the NETGEAR WG102 is designed for durability and reliability. Its compact form factor allows for discreet installation, whether mounted on a ceiling, wall, or placed on surfaces.

Overall, the NETGEAR WG102 is a dependable access point that offers a combination of speed, security, and ease of management, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their wireless networking capabilities.
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