Apple Security for AirPort Networks in Businesses and Classrooms, Transmitter Power Control

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Password Protection and Encryption

AirPort uses password protection and encryption to deliver a level of security comparable to that of traditional wired networks. Users can be required to enter a password to log in to the AirPort network. When transmitting data and passwords, the wireless device uses up to 128-bit encryption, through either Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), to scramble data and help keep

it safe. If you’re setting up an 802.11n-based AirPort device, you can also use WEP (Transitional Security Network) if both WEP-compatible and WPA/WPA2-compatible computers will join your network.

Note: WPA security is available only to AirPort Extreme wireless devices; AirPort and AirPort Extreme clients using Mac OS X 10.3 or later and AirPort 3.3 or later; and to non-Apple clients using other 802.11 wireless adapters that support WPA. WPA2 security requires firmware version 5.6 or later for an AirPort Extreme Base Station, firmware version 6.2 or later for an AirPort Express, firmware version 7.3 or later for a Time Capsule, and a Macintosh computer with an AirPort Extreme wireless card using AirPort 4.2 or later. If your computer uses Windows XP or Windows Vista, check the documentation that came with your computer to see if your computer supports WPA2.

Security for AirPort Networks in Businesses and Classrooms

Businesses and schools need to restrict network communications to authorized users and keep data safe from prying eyes. To meet this need, Apple wireless devices and software provide a robust suite of security mechanisms. Use AirPort Utility to set up these advanced security features.

Transmitter Power Control

Because radio waves travel in all directions, they can extend outside the confines of a specific building. The Transmit Power setting in AirPort Utility lets you adjust the transmission range of your device’s network. Only users within the network vicinity have access to the network.

MAC Address Access Control

Every AirPort and wireless card have a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. For AirPort Cards and AirPort Extreme Cards, the MAC address is sometimes referred to as the AirPort ID. Support for MAC address access control lets administrators set up a list of MAC addresses and restrict access to the network to only those users whose MAC addresses are in the access control list.

Chapter 2 AirPort Security