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Authentication Type: This setting has to be consistent with the wireless networks that the
adapter intends to connect.
Open: No authentication is needed among the wireless devices.
Shared: Only Wireless device using a shared key (WEP Key identified) is allowed to
connecting each other. Setup the same key as the wireless device that the adapter
intends to connect.
LEAP: LEAP is a pre-EAP, Cisco-proprietary protocol, with many of the features of EAP
protocols. Cisco controls the ability of other vendors to implement this protocol, so it
should be selected for server products are not a concern. When you have set up LEAP
authentication, you have to enter the use name and password of your computer.
WPA: WPA provides a scheme of mutual authentication using either IEEE
802.1x/Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) authentication or pre-shared key (PSK)
technology. It provides a high level of assurance to enterprise, small business and home
users that data will remain protected and that only authorized users may access their
networks. For enterprises that have already deployed IEEE 802.1x authentication, WPA
offers the advantage of leveraging existing authentication databases and infrastructure.
WPA-PSK – It is a special mode designed for home and small business users who do
not have access to network authentication servers. In this mode, known as Pre-Shared
Key, the user manually enters the starting password in their access point or gateway, as
well as in each wireless station in the network. WPA-PSK takes over automatically from
that point, keeping unauthorized users that don’t have the matching password from
joining the network, while encrypting the data traveling between authorized devices.