„Required — Clients authenticate to a RADIUS server via the access point. Clients are not allowed onto the wired LAN until authentication is successful. If two Radios are installed and WPA is being used, both radios’ security must be set to “WPA authentication over 802.1x” for the WPA key management when 802.1x is Required. If one radio’s security is set to “WPA pre-shared key (PSK)” for WPA key management and the other is “WPA authentication over 802.1x”, then the 802.1x Wireless Setup must be set to “Supported” instead.

When 802.1x is enabled, the broadcast and session key rotation intervals can also be configured. Set these values to force the periodic refresh of broadcast or session keys for each 802.1x client.

First set up the RADIUS authentication for the client on the RADIUS authentication server. (See “RADIUS” on page 31.) Select Supported or Required on the 802.1x Wireless Setup field above. Enter data as described in the following table.

Field

Default

Description

Broadcast Key Refresh

0

Rate

(minutes)

Session Key Refresh Rate

0

(minutes)

 

802.1x Reauthentication

0

Refresh Rate

(seconds)

Defines how long the RADIUS server will refresh the primary broadcast key.

Defines how long the RADIUS server will dynamically re-assign a session key to a connected client station.

Defines the time interval in which the Access Point forces a Reauthentication and subsequently re-issues a new session key.

„802.1x Supplicant Setup

802.1x Supplicant provides the access point with the ability to authenticate itself to an 802.1x-enabled switch port. In an environment where network access is controlled via 802.1x, the supplicant makes it possible for the access point to connect to the wired network. The access point assumes the 802.1x authenticator role (if configured properly) after the supplicant has completed. The supplicant authentication method supported is EAP-MD5.

„Enable—Select Enable to start the supplicant authentication process. The supplicant retries the authentication process until it has been successfully authenticated.

„Username—Enter a username to be used for EAP-MD5 authentication.

„Password—Enter a password to be used for EAP-MD5 authentication.

„Confirm Password—Re-enter the password for EAP-MD5 authentication.

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3Com WL-455 manual „ 802.1x Supplicant Setup
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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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