3.2.2 Enable WPA in Windows XP
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a specification of standards-based, interoperable security
enhancement that strongly increases the level of data protection (encryption) and access control
(authentication) for existing and future wireless LAN systems. The technical components of WPA
include Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for dynamic key exchange, and 802.1x for
authentication.
There are two types of WPA security: WPA-PSK (no server) and WPA (with server). WPA requires a
Radius Server to complete authentication among wireless stations and Access Points. Typically, this
mode is used in an enterprise environment. WPA-PSK uses a so-called pre-shared key as the security
key. A pre-shared key is a password that every wireless station must use to access the network.
Typically, this mode will be used in a home environment.
To enable the WPA function in Windows XP, the following software systems are required:
1. Windows XP Service Pack 1 with Windows XP Support Patch for Wi-Fi Protected Access program
in addition.
2. Configure the card using Wireless built-in utility (Wireless Zero Configuration).
z Note: When using the Wireless Utility there are two function selections when you open the
execute the program. You can select to use the XP’s built-in utility with full WPA function. If
“Use XP Wireless Zero Configuration” is selected, you can only configure the advance
setting or check the link status and statistics from the “RaConfig” utility.
1. From here, right click the
icon to select “View
Available Wireless
Networks”.
2. Press “Advanced” button
from “Wireless Network
Connection”.
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