SMC Networks SMC2552W-G2-17 manual 802.1X EAP type may require management

Radio Interface 6

• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2)page 6-73

Both WEP and WPA security settings are configurable separately for each virtual access point (VAP) interface. MAC address filtering, and RADIUS server settings are global and apply to all VAP interfaces.

The security mechanisms that may be employed depend on the level of security required, the network and management resources available, and the software support provided on wireless clients.

A summary of wireless security considerations is listed in the following table.

Table 6-2. Wireless Security Considerations

Security	Client Support	Implementation Considerations
Mechanism
WEP	Built-in support on all 802.11g	• Provides only weak security
	devices	• Requires manual key management
WEP over 802.1X	Requires 802.1X client support	• Provides dynamic key rotation for improved WEP
	in system or by add-in software	security
	(support provided in Windows	• Requires configured RADIUS server
	2000 SP3 or later and Windows	• 802.1X EAP type may require management of
	XP)	digital certificates for clients and server
MAC Address	Uses the MAC address of client	• Provides only weak user authentication
Filtering	network card	• Management of authorized MAC addresses
		• Can be combined with other methods for improved
		security
		• Optionally configured RADIUS server
WPA over 802.1X	Requires WPA-enabled system	• Provides robust security in WPA-only mode
Mode	and network card driver	(i.e., WPA clients only)
	(native support provided in	• Offers support for legacy WEP clients, but with
	Windows XP)	increased security risk (i.e., WEP authentication
		keys disabled)
		• Requires configured RADIUS server
		• 802.1X EAP type may require management of
		digital certificates for clients and server
WPA PSK Mode	Requires WPA-enabled system	• Provides good security in small networks
	and network card driver	• Requires manual management of pre-shared key
	(native support provided in
	Windows XP)

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