Table 4-3Wireless configuration parameters (continued)

Item

Description

 

 

WPA — Personal

Choose WPA– Personal, which uses a pre-shared key typically generated by a

 

passphrase.

 

Enter the Passphrase to use when generating the pre-shared key for WPA — Personal

 

authentication on your network. A passphrase must be from 8 to 63 ASCII characters in

 

the hexadecimal range 21 through 7E (characters 0–9, a–z, A–Z and numerous special

 

characters including !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, (, ), _, +, =, −, {, }, [, ], \, /, “, <, >, ?, “, ‘, ˜).

 

 

WPA — Enterprise

Select WPA — Enterprise security if your network uses WPA with EAP/802.1x

 

authentication. This type of security utilizes a central authentication server, such as

 

RADIUS, to authenticate users on the network. For WPA — Enterprise, the HP Jetdirect

 

print server supports these server-based authentication protocols: LEAP PEAP EAP-TLS.

 

Provide the following if you select WPA — Enterprise:

 

Enabled Protocols: Select LEAP, PEAP, or EAP-TLS. LEAP (Lightweight Extensible

 

Authentication Protocol) is a proprietary protocol from Cisco Systems that uses

 

passwords for mutual authentication (the client and the server authenticate each

 

other). PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a mutual authentication

 

protocol that uses digital certificates for server authentication and passwords for

 

client authentication. For additional security, the authentication exchanges are

 

encapsulated within TLS (Transport Level Security). EAP-TLS (EAP using Transport

 

Level Security) is a mutual authentication protocol based on digital certificates.

 

User Name: Enter an EAP/802.1X user name, which cannot exceed 128

 

characters, for this device. The default user name is the default host name of the print

 

server, NPIxxxxxx, where xxxxxx are the last six digits of the LAN hardware (MAC)

 

address.

 

Password and Confirm Password: Enter an EAP/802.1X user password (up to

 

128 characters) for this device and then confirm the password by entering it again.

 

Server ID: Specify the Server ID validation string identifying and validating the

 

authentication server. This string is specified on the digital certificate issued by a

 

trusted Certificate Authority (CA) for the authentication server. The entry can be a

 

partial string unless you select Require Exact Match.

 

Encryption Strength: Specify the minimum encryption strength to use during

 

communications with the authentication server. You can select Low, Medium, or High

 

encryption strength. For each encryption strength, ciphers are specified to identify

 

the weakest cipher allowed.

 

Jetdirect Certificate: A self-signed HP Jetdirect certificate is preinstalled and used

 

to validate the identity of the HP Jetdirect device to clients and to network

 

authentication servers. This allows the HP Embedded Web Server to use HTTPS and

 

appear as a secure site when accessed by a Web browser. Click Configure to

 

update the certificate or install a new one.

 

CA Certificate: To validate the authentication server's identity, a CA (or Root)

 

certificate must be installed on the print server. This CA certificate must be issued by

 

the Certificate Authority who signed the authentication server's certificate. Click

 

Configure to configure or install a CA certificate.

 

 

Restore Defaults

Click this button to restore 802.1X configuration settings to factory default values.

 

 

Networking tab

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HP ew2500 802.11b/g Print Server manual WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, Restore Defaults

ew2500 802.11b/g Print Server specifications

The HP ew2500 802.11b/g Print Server is a versatile printing solution designed to streamline the printing process within a wireless network environment. Specifically geared towards small to medium-sized offices, this print server provides seamless integration for various printers and enhances accessibility across multiple devices.

One of the main features of the HP ew2500 is its adherence to the 802.11b/g wireless standards, offering high-speed wireless connectivity with a maximum data rate of up to 54 Mbps. This ensures efficient data transmission, allowing users to print from anywhere within the wireless range without the hassle of tangled cables or limited port access. The print server supports both infrastructure and ad-hoc wireless networking modes, making it flexible for diverse networking environments.

Another notable characteristic of the ew2500 is its compatibility with various printer types, including inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printers. This compatibility is essential for organizations that utilize different printer brands and models, facilitating a centralized printing solution. Additionally, the server is equipped with an Ethernet port, providing the option for wired connectivity, which can be beneficial for situations where wireless performance might be compromised.

The HP ew2500 is designed with user-friendly features. The easy setup process allows users to configure the server using a straightforward web interface, which can be accessed from any network-enabled device. This simplicity reduces the time required for installation and eliminates the need for extensive technical knowledge.

Security is another critical aspect of the HP ew2500's functionality. The print server supports robust encryption protocols, including WEP and WPA, ensuring that data transmitted over the network remains secure from unauthorized access. This feature is particularly important in office environments where sensitive information may be printed frequently.

Overall, the HP ew2500 802.11b/g Print Server is an efficient and reliable solution for enabling wireless printing capabilities in a business setting. Its combination of high-speed wireless connectivity, broad printer compatibility, user-friendly setup, and essential security features makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their printing infrastructure. Whether in an office or a home environment, the ew2500 provides the functionality and convenience necessary to meet modern printing demands efficiently.