NETGEAR Understanding and Configuring the WEP Key for Network Security

Access Point

Client attempting to connect

802.11Authentication Shared Key Steps

1)Authentication request sent to AP

2) AP sends challenge text

3) Client encrypts challenge text and sends it back to AP

4)AP decrypts, and if correct, authenticates client

5)Client connects to network

Router with Integrated Access Point

FVM318

Cable or

DLS modem

1.	The
2.	The access point
3.	The station uses its	and
	sends the encrypted text to the
4.	The access point decrypts the encrypted
	to the station’s default key. The access point co
	challenge text. If the decrypted text matches the	point
	and the station share the same WEP Key and the access point
5.	The station connects to the network.

If the decrypted text does not match the original challenge text (i.e., the access point do not share the same WEP Key), then the access point will refuse to authenticate the station and the station will be unable to communicate with either the 802.11 network or Ethernet network.

B-6 Wireless Networking Basics

M-10181-03