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Linksys WAP4400N manual Appendix B Wireless Security

Models: WAP4400N

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Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:

1.Disable Broadcast

2.Make it unique

3.Change it often

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID.

Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.

Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to start from the beginning in trying to break in.

MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker to access your network with a random MAC Address.

WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a cure-all for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP’s ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job more difficult.

There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:

1.Use the highest level of encryption possible

2.Change your WEP key regularly

WPA. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the replacement standard for WEP in Wi-Fi security. Two modes are available: Personal, and Enterprise. Both give you a choice of two encryption methods: TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), which utilizes a stronger encryption method and incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers, and AES (Advanced Encryption System), which utilizes a symmetric 128-Bit block data encryption. Enterprise utilizes a RADIUS server for authentication and the use of dynamic TKIP, AES, or WEP.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Important: Always remember that each device in your wireless network MUST use the same encryption method and encryption key or your wireless network will not function properly.

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Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

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Linksys WAP4400N manual Appendix B Wireless Security
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WAP4400N specifications

The Linksys WAP4400N is a robust wireless access point that caters to small and medium-sized businesses looking for reliability and enhanced wireless coverage. This device combines advanced networking technologies with a user-friendly design, making it a versatile addition to any network infrastructure.

At the heart of the WAP4400N is its adherence to the IEEE 802.11n wireless networking standard, which provides significantly improved speed and range compared to its predecessors. By utilizing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology, the WAP4400N can transmit and receive multiple data streams simultaneously, which boosts the overall data throughput and extends the wireless coverage area, making it ideal for larger spaces.

One of the standout features of the WAP4400N is its dual-band capability. It operates seamlessly across both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing for greater flexibility and reduced interference. This dual-band functionality enables users to optimize their wireless environment by assigning less congested channels, which is particularly useful in densely populated areas where multiple wireless networks compete for bandwidth.

The WAP4400N also boasts comprehensive security features. It supports WPA2 encryption, ensuring that data transmissions remain secure against unauthorized access. Additionally, it offers MAC address filtering and the option to create a guest network, allowing businesses to provide internet access to visitors without compromising the security of their main network.

Installation and configuration of the WAP4400N are straightforward, thanks to its web-based interface and guided setup wizard. The access point is equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which simplifies deployment by allowing the device to receive power through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power adapters or outlets.

For monitoring network performance, the WAP4400N includes advanced features such as traffic prioritization and bandwidth management. These features allow administrators to allocate bandwidth to critical applications, ensuring optimal performance for essential business operations.

In summary, the Linksys WAP4400N is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a powerful and efficient wireless access point. With its advanced wireless technologies, strong security features, and ease of management, it effectively meets the demands of modern networking environments, providing reliability and speed that users can trust.