3Com 11 Mbps manual Setting up Security

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Setting up Security 29

Setting up Security The Encryption page lets you select the type of security to be used on the access point. The page is divided into Security Settings, which determine the type of access authentication, and Access Point Encryption Settings, which determine the type of encryption used if the access point is handling encryption. To maintain wireless association, the encryption settings on clients and all the access points they associate with must match exactly.

In addition to providing wireless encryption, access point security can be integrated with upper layer authentication provided by a RADIUS server on the wired LAN using IEEE 802.1x support.

Security Settings The following security settings are available on the Encryption page. Security settings that use access point encryption also require you to select from the options available under Access Point Encryption Settings, which are described in “Access Point Encryption Settings”.

■Access Point Local Authentication/Encryption—Disablesupper-layer authentication, so the access point handles both authentication and encryption. It can be used with any of the encryption options described in “Access Point Encryption Settings”.

■RADIUS EAP-MD5 Authentication with Access Point Encryption—Enables RADIUS authentication using MD5 (username-password) authentication. It can be used with No Security (Open System), 40-bit Encryption Shared Key (Wi-Fi), or 128-bit Encryption Shared Key as described in “Access Point Encryption Settings”.

■RADIUS Serial Authentication with Dynamic Encryption Key—Enables mutual RADIUS authentication implementation, which allows client and RADIUS to mutually authenticate (EAP-TLS) and perform user authentication (EAP-MD5). You can select either 40-bit or 128-bit Dynamic Encryption. Selecting Auto-Session Key Renew causes the access point and clients to periodically change session keys, greatly enhancing security.

RADIUS EAP-TLS Authentication with Dynamic Encryption Key (Windows XP only)—Enablescertificate-based mutual RADIUS authentication with 40-bit or 128-bit Dynamic Encryption. This setting is supported for clients running under Windows XP.

■Access Point Local MAC Authentication/Encryption—Enables client authentication through a list of MAC addresses stored on the access point. Only clients whose MAC addresses are on the list can associate with the access point. This option can be used with No Security (Open System), 40-bit Encryption Shared Key (Wi-Fi), or 128-bit Encryption Shared Key as described in “Access Point Encryption Settings”. For details on how to set up the access list, see “Setting up a MAC Address Access List” on page 31.

■RADIUS MAC Authentication with Access Point Encryption—Enables client authentication through a list of MAC addresses stored on a RADIUS server. Only clients whose MAC addresses are on the list can associate with the access point. This option can be used with No Security (Open System), 40-bit Encryption Shared Key (Wi-Fi), or 128-bit Encryption Shared Key as described in “Access Point Encryption Settings”. For details on how to create the MAC authentication list on the RADIUS server, see RADIUS documentation.

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Contents Version Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point User Guide95052-8145 3Com CorporationBayfront Plaza Santa Clara, CaliforniaContents Conducting a Site Survey Regulatory Compliance Information Index Page Introduction Access Point 8000 Feature SummaryManagement tools Installation OverviewInstallation Overview Page Place Equipment Installing the Access PointDeciding Where to Before You BeginStandard Antenna ConnectingPlacing the Access Attached before the access point is installedPlacing the Access Point SET Connecting Power As shown below Connecting to anEthernet Network Checking the LEDsModel number 3CWE490 3CWE492 3CWE497 3CWE498 Omnidirectional AntennaCeiling Mount Hallway Antenna Ceiling Mount Omnidirectional AntennaDirectional Panel Antenna Side Installing Software Utilities Page Upper-Layer Access Point SecurityAuthentication Access Point Security 802.1x Agent Using the Wireless802.1x Radius SupportEAP-MD5 Using the Wireless 802.1x Agent Page Manager Configuring the Access PointInstalling the Device 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 8000 ConfigurationClick Configure Management System UsingDisplay help on the contents of that ConfigurationSetting Network Properties Properties Setting DataTransmission Data Transmission Setting AdvancedSetting up Security List Setting up a UserAccess List Saved passwords on the clientsServers Setting up a MACAddress Access List Defining RadiusUpgrading the System Setting up aDefining a Tftp Server System LogResetting the Access AdministrationPassword DefaultsViewing Statistics Viewing System Status Configuring the Access Point Environmental Conducting a Site SurveyChoosing Trial LocationsSummary Survey ProcedureLaunching the Tool Setting up EquipmentSite Survey Tool Results Interpreting TestLAN Site Survey window Site Survey MenusPage Symptom Solutions TroubleshootingContinue to configure the access point using the old IP Online Technical ServicesTechnical Support Country Telephone Number Asia, Pacific Rim North America Country Telephone Number Europe, Middle East and AfricaEurope and South Africa Latin 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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