D-Link DWA-556 manual What is WPA?

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Section 4 - Wireless Security

What is WPA?

WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

The 2 major improvements over WEP:

Improved data encryption through the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a hashing algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, ensures that the keys haven’t been tampered with. WPA2 is based on 802.11i and uses Advanced Encryption Standard instead of TKIP.

User authentication, which is generally missing in WEP, through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP). WEP regulates access to a wireless network based on a computer’s hardware-specific MAC address, which is relatively simple to be sniffed out and stolen. EAP is built on a more secure public-key encryption system to ensure that only authorized network users can access the network.

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless connection.The key is an alpha-numeric password between 8 and 63 characters long. The password can include symbols (!?*&_) and spaces. This key must be the exact same key entered on your wireless router or access point.

WPA/WPA2 incorporates user authentication through the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). EAP is built on a more secure public key encryption system to ensure that only authorized network users can access the network.

D-Link DWA-556 User Manual

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Contents Page Table of Contents ProductPackageOverviewContents Introduction Features Hardware Overview LEDsGetting Started InstallationRemove Existing Installations Properties Disable Other Wireless AdaptersDisable Installation Wireless Installation Considerations Adapter Installation Click Install DriversInstallation Click Continue Anyway Installation Double-click the Wireless Connection ConfigurationLink Wireless Connection Manager Wireless Networks My Wireless Networks New Button Modify Delete ActivateAdd Profile Modify Profile Support About Windows XP Configuration Utility Choose a Wireless Network window click Change Disabling The Windows XP UtilityConfiguration Wireless Security What is WEP?What is WPA? Configure WEP Using the D-Link Wireless Connection ManagerSelect WEP under Set Security Option Using the Windows XP Utility Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Select WPA/WPA2 Passphrase under Set Security Option Using the Windows XP Utility Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Troubleshooting Right-click on D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop Adapter Forgot my encryption key Cannot connect to the access point or the wireless routerDWA-556 Power and Link lights are not on Computer does not recognize the DWA-556 Wireless Adapter Uncheck Hide extension for known file types click on ApplyHow can I troubleshoot distance issues using the DWA-556? Wireless Basics What is Wireless? Wireless Local Area Network WlanSmall Office and Home Office Wireless Personal Area Network WpanHome Centralize your router or Access Point Eliminate InterferenceWireless Modes SecurityNetworking Basics Check your IP addressStep Step Highlight Internet Protocol TCP/IP and click PropertiesTechnical Specifications DimensionsContacting Technical Support Phone SupportWarranty Limited WarrantyLimited Software Warranty Non-Applicability of WarrantyWhat Is Not Covered Disclaimer of Other WarrantiesTrademarks Limitation of LiabilityGoverning Law Copyright StatementCE Mark Warning FCC StatementImportant Note Registration