AUTHENTICATION

The Authentication page allows you to configure the type of upper-layer authentication the access point uses for wireless clients. This authentication setup is applicable for both radio interfaces. Access is checked against the MAC Address authentication database stored on the access point.

NOTE: This level of authentication occurs BEFORE any 802.1x authentication configured on the Security page. When using Local and RADIUS MAC Authentication, clients attempting to authenticate to the access point MUST pass these settings before any subsequent 802.1x authentication is attempted and verified. If no MAC address filtering is desired, leave this set to the default setting of Disable.

Configure the options as described below. When you are finished, click Apply.

„MAC Authentication— Selecting MAC authentication allows you to define access permission and precedence. Options are:

„Local MAC— With this option, the MAC address of the associating station is compared against the local access control list. You must build this list (called the MAC Authentication Table) as described in Local MAC Authentication below. Use this option if you want to restrict wireless clients authentication to the access point based off their MAC address.

„RADIUS MAC— With this option, the MAC address of the associating station is sent to the configured RADIUS server for validation. You must specify the authentication sequence and the corresponding parameters for the remote authentication protocol. See “RADIUS” on page 31 and “802.1x Wireless Setup” below.

„Disable— No MAC address related checks are performed on a client requesting authentication to the access point.

„802.1x Wireless Setup—802.1x is designed to enhance the security management of the wireless network. Select one of the following options:

„Disable— The access point will neither initiate nor respond to any 802.1x authentication requests to or from wireless clients.

„Supported — Legacy clients (non 802.1x) and 802.1x clients are both supported. This is provided for ease of migration. This option works with WPA key management set to either “WPA authentication over 802.1x” or “WPA pre-shared key (PSK)” on the radio security page.

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3Com WL-455 manual Authentication
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WL-455 specifications

The 3Com WL-455 is a versatile wireless access point designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized enterprises. Renowned for its robust performance, this device is a critical component for businesses looking to enhance their wireless network capabilities.

One of the standout features of the WL-455 is its ability to support both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. This dual compatibility allows organizations to maintain connectivity with a broad range of devices, ensuring high-speed internet access while reducing the risk of obsolescence as new technologies emerge. The WL-455 supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, providing sufficient bandwidth for most applications utilized in a business environment.

Security is paramount in today's digital world, and the WL-455 excels in this area. It offers advanced security features including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, offering multiple layers of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the wireless network. This ensures that employees can connect to the network securely, minimizing the risks posed by potential threats.

In terms of management and installation, the 3Com WL-455 is designed for ease of use. It includes a streamlined web-based interface, which simplifies the process of configuring network settings. Additionally, the device supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling network administrators to deploy the access point without needing external power sources, reducing cabling clutter and simplifying setups.

The WL-455 is also equipped with a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth during peak usage times. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on real-time applications, such as VoIP or video conferencing, where latency and packet loss can severely impact performance.

With a sleek and compact design, the 3Com WL-455 can be easily mounted on ceilings or walls, allowing for flexible placement options within any office environment. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining optimal performance.

Overall, the 3Com WL-455 is a powerful solution for organizations aiming to implement a reliable and secure wireless network. With its range of features, user-friendly management tools, and robust security measures, it emerges as an excellent choice for businesses looking to improve their connectivity and efficiency in an increasingly wireless world.
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