WPA

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security enhancement that strongly

 

increases the level of data protection and access control to a wireless

 

network. WPA is an interim standard that will be replaced with the IEEE’s

 

802.11i standard upon its completion. WPA consists of RC4 and TKIP and

 

provides support for BSS (Infrastructure) mode only. (Not compatible with

 

WPA2.)

WPA2

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). This is the second generation of WPA

 

that complies with the IEEE TGi specification. WPA2 consists of AES

 

encryption, pre-authentication and PMKID caching. It provides support for

 

BSS (Infrastructure) mode and IBSS (Ad hoc) mode. (Not compatible with

 

WPA.)

WPA-

Wi-Fi Protected Access-Enterprise applies to corporate users. A new

Enterprise

standards-based, interoperable security technology for wireless LAN

 

(subset of IEEE 802.11i draft standard) that encrypts data sent over radio

 

waves. WPA is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve upon the

 

security features of WEP as follows:

●Improved data encryption through the temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a hashing algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, ensures that the keys have not been tampered with.

●User authentication, which is generally missing in WEP, through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP). WEP regulates access to a wireless network based on a computer’s hardware-specific MAC address, which is relatively simple to be sniffed out and stolen. EAP is built on a more secure public-key encryption system to ensure that only authorized network users can access the network.

 

WPA is an interim standard that will be replaced with the IEEE’s 802.11i

 

standard upon its completion.

WPA-Personal

Wi-Fi Protected Access-Personal provides a level of security in the small

 

network or home environment.

WPA-PSK

Wi-Fi Protected Access-Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK) mode does not use an

 

authentication server. It can be used with the data encryption types WEP

 

or TKIP. WPA-PSK requires configuration of a pre-shared key (PSK). You

 

must enter a pass phrase or 64 hex characters for a Pre-Shared Key of

 

length 256-bits. The data encryption key is derived from the PSK.

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Trademarks and Disclaimers

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Intel 3945ABG specifications Wpa
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3945ABG specifications

The Intel 3945ABG is a wireless networking adapter that played a significant role in advancing wireless connectivity in laptops and portable devices. Introduced in the mid-2000s, this adapter is notable for its dual-band capabilities and compliance with the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g standards. It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, enabling users to connect to a variety of wireless networks while offering improved performance and flexibility.

One of the standout features of the Intel 3945ABG is its support for MIMO technology, which stands for Multiple Input Multiple Output. This innovative technology enhances data transmission rates and increases the range of wireless connections by utilizing multiple antennas for sending and receiving data. MIMO allows the adapter to operate more efficiently in environments with obstacles, such as walls or furniture, making it an ideal choice for users who need reliable connectivity in varied settings.

The Intel 3945ABG adapter also includes Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 security protocols, ensuring that data transmitted over the wireless network remains secure. This is especially important in a time when wireless networks became progressively more vulnerable to unauthorized access and data breaches. The adapter's compatibility with these security standards aids users in establishing secure communications, whether for casual web browsing or sensitive tasks.

In terms of performance, the Intel 3945ABG offers maximum theoretical speeds of up to 54 Mbps in the 802.11a and 802.11g modes, while maintaining lower speeds in the 802.11b mode (up to 11 Mbps). In practical use, this means that users can achieve high data transfer rates in optimal conditions, making it suitable for video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads.

The Intel 3945ABG also integrates seamlessly with Intel's Centrino mobile technology, which enhances power efficiency and optimizes the overall performance of a laptop. This synergy not only extends battery life but also provides a smooth user experience, as it allows the adapter to effectively manage network resources and maintain a stable connection.

In summary, the Intel 3945ABG wireless adapter is characterized by its dual-band support, MIMO technology, robust security features, and integration with Intel's Centrino technology. While it may now be considered outdated by modern standards, it served as an important stepping stone in the evolution of wireless networking technology and continues to be remembered for its contributions to mobile connectivity.
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