Buffalo Technology WLM2-G54 manual Access Authorization, Ibss Security, Integrity Features

TKIP – Temporal Key Integrity Protocol is an advanced encryption method using the RC4 algorithm. Instead of using the sequential IV, a random IV will be used, and the IV key definition will be updated regularly at a preset time interval.

MIC – Message Integrity Check is an encryption method used to prevent a hacker from changing the data content. An encryption algorithm and bit checksum at both the sender and receiver ends are used to check for alteration of the packet content.

5.1.3 Access Authorization

When the client is approved and authenti- cated for a communication session, the client receives a unique WEP key from the security server, such as a RADIUS server, under the 802.1x/EAP authorization specification. A new WEP key is issued for each connection, thus improving security, and the WEP key is updated regularly at a preset time interval. Another method to screen out unauthorized users is MAC address filtering.

ESS-ID– Extended Service Set Identification is a type of unique identifier applied to both the AP and the wireless client, as well as each information packet. It allows APs to recognize each wireless client and its traffic. This option, however, does not provide sufficient security for today’s wireless networking environment. If the ESS-ID is set to "any" or "null", anybody can connect to the AP. Also, Windows XP automatically displays the ESS-ID of the AP when a client receives a "beacon." This is because APs transmit their ESS-ID periodically and these transmissions can be easily intercepted.

MAC Address – Media Access Control address is a hardware address that uniquely identifies network hardware such as a wireless NIC or an AP. It is easy to access a network with a stolen wireless NIC. Although it is used as the top level filtering, it is not secure enough, because MAC addresses can be duplicated by non- registered users.

5.1.4 IBSS Security

IBSS – Independent Basic Service Set security is used for ad hoc communications like the point-to-point protocol (PPP) method. WEP and MAC address filtering can be used at this point.

5.2Integrity Features

5.2.1 Improved Fault Tolerance

A company’s Intranet is an important corporate communication backbone, so the WLM2-G54 AP offers features for network stability, which is achieved through the system’s redundant switching function, activated automatically in the event of faults. The auto system redundancy provides the network reliability necessary for mission critical applications.

5.2.2 Link Integrity

When multiple access points use the same frequency for roaming, they tend to interfere with each other. The WLM2-G54 AP automatically switches all PCs under the same wireless ESS-ID to another available access point if the current access point becomes disconnected form the network, thus preserving the connection and throughput.

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