3Com 11 Mbps manual EAP-MD5

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20CHAPTER 3: ACCESS POINT SECURITY

If authentication fails, the access point will continue to block traffic from that client. The user may also manually log off and stop the agent, which suspends the authentication process until the client manually logs on again or intentionally re-associates with an access point. When a computer is logged off manually, the access point blocks traffic from the client until the client logs on again.

Note that your authentication status icon may not necessarily reflect your connection status. The status icon cannot be updated if the authenticating access point cannot communicate with your computer. For example, you may have left the coverage area of a subnet maintained by the access point in your network. If you have roamed to the coverage area of another type of access point, the status icon will continue to reflect the status it displayed when it was last in contact with the authenticating access point. If you are unsure of your authentication status:

■Log off and log on again.

■Check the adapter status to see if it is still associating with an access point.

802.1x Client Properties Use the Properties window to configure the agent for the type of authentication the client should use.

Enable network access control using IEEE 802.1X. This box must be checked if you are using authentication with your RADIUS server. If this box is unchecked, the remainder of the window is grayed out.

Network Adapter. Use this field to identify the network adapter to use for connections requiring authentication. The list box lists all the network adapters found in the computer. The highest level of security, 3Com’s Serial Authentication, is available when the 3Com Wireless LAN PC card is installed and selected.

Authentication Method. This field lets you specify the authentication method used for this connection. The wireless authentication agent supports two types of authentication:

■EAP-MD5

■Serial Authentication

The client and the access point must have the same authentication settings. If you switch from serial authentication to EAP-MD5, or from EAP-MD5 to serial authentication, clients will have to re-associate to the access point. When using serial authentication with a 3Com Wireless LAN PC card, you should configure the card to use “no security.” This is because the 802.1x agent configures the security on the card.

Serial Authentication Advanced Configuration. This window lets you configure how the 802.1x agent handles certificates received from the EAP-TLS server. The first option enables verification of authentication server certificates. When this option is disabled, the 802.1x agent will not validate authentication server certificates. Disabling this verification results in one-way authentication of the client to the server, instead of the normal mutual authentication that takes place in EAP-TLS.

Two settings affect the way the 802.1x agent verifies the authentication sever certificate. The first option allows you to import a certificate for a trusted server. The second option causes the 802.1x agent to prompt for user validation

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Contents Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point User Guide VersionSanta Clara, California 3Com CorporationBayfront Plaza 95052-8145Contents Conducting a Site Survey Regulatory Compliance Information Index Page Access Point 8000 Feature Summary IntroductionInstallation Overview Management toolsInstallation Overview Page Before You Begin Installing the Access PointDeciding Where to Place EquipmentAttached before the access point is installed ConnectingPlacing the Access Standard AntennaPlacing the Access Point SET Connecting Power Checking the LEDs Connecting to anEthernet Network As shown belowOmnidirectional Antenna Model number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional Antenna Ceiling Mount Hallway AntennaDirectional Panel Antenna Side Installing Software Utilities Page Upper-Layer Access Point SecurityAuthentication Access Point Security Support Using the Wireless802.1x Radius 802.1x AgentEAP-MD5 Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent Page 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 Configuration Configuring the Access PointInstalling the Device ManagerClick Configure Configuration UsingDisplay help on the contents of that Management SystemSetting Network Properties Properties Setting DataTransmission Setting Advanced Data TransmissionSetting up Security Saved passwords on the clients Setting up a UserAccess List ListDefining Radius Setting up a MACAddress Access List ServersSystem Log Setting up aDefining a Tftp Server Upgrading the SystemDefaults AdministrationPassword Resetting the AccessViewing Statistics Viewing System Status Configuring the Access Point Locations Conducting a Site SurveyChoosing Trial EnvironmentalSurvey Procedure SummaryLaunching the Tool Setting up EquipmentSite Survey Tool Interpreting Test ResultsSite Survey Menus LAN Site Survey windowPage Troubleshooting Symptom SolutionsContinue to configure the access point using the old IP Online Technical ServicesTechnical Support Country Telephone Number Asia, Pacific Rim Latin America Country Telephone Number Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope and South Africa North AmericaCountry Telephone Number Fax Number Regulatory Compliance Information European Community CE Index Snmp management

11 Mbps specifications

3Com 11 Mbps was a pivotal product in the evolution of networking technology, paving the way for wireless communications as we know them today. Introduced in the late 1990s, this wireless LAN (Local Area Network) product utilized the IEEE 802.11 standard, which defined the protocols for wireless networking. Operating at a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second, it offered users a revolutionary means of connecting devices without the constraints of physical cabling.

One of the main features of the 3Com 11 Mbps solution was its simplicity and ease of installation. Unlike traditional wired networks that involved intricate setups of cabling and switches, 3Com facilitated a swift deployment process. Users could set up a wireless network in minutes, allowing organizations to enhance their productivity without extensive infrastructure.

The technology behind 3Com 11 Mbps was based on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation. This approach spread the signal over a wider frequency range, which improved resistance to interference from other devices. The 2.4 GHz frequency band used by this network supported compatibility with various devices, making it a flexible option for businesses and homes alike.

In terms of security, 3Com incorporated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which aimed to provide a level of data confidentiality comparable to that found in wired networks. However, WEP was later found to have vulnerabilities, leading to the development of more secure protocols like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 in subsequent technologies.

Another characteristic that distinguished the 3Com 11 Mbps system was its ability to support multiple devices simultaneously. With the emergence of wireless laptops, printers, and other peripherals, a single access point could service several users without significant performance degradation.

Ultimately, the 3Com 11 Mbps was a significant stepping stone in the development of wireless technology. It showcased the potential of wireless networking and set the standard for future innovations. Although much faster and more secure wireless technologies have since emerged, the legacy of 3Com 11 Mbps resides in the fundamental advancements it brought to the realm of connectivity, making it easier and more accessible for users around the globe.
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