Radio Interface
Setting up shared keys enables the basic IEEE 802.11 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) on the access point to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
If you choose to use WEP shared keys instead of an open system, be sure to define at least one static WEP key for user authentication and data encryption. Also, be sure that the WEP shared keys are the same for each client in the wireless network.
Authentication Type Setup – Sets the access point to communicate as an open system that accepts network access attempts from any client, or with clients using
•Open System: Select this option if you plan to use WPA or 802.1x as a security mechanism. If you don’t set up any other security mechanism on the access point, the network has no protection and is open to all users. This is the default setting.
•Shared Key: Sets the access point to use WEP shared keys. If this option is selected, you must configure at least one key on the access point and all clients.
Note: To use 802.1x on wireless clients requires a network card driver and 802.1x client software that supports the EAP authentication type that you want to use. Windows XP provides native WPA support, other systems require additional software.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Setup – Enable or disable the access point to use WEP shared keys for data encryption. If this option is selected, you must configure at least one key on the access point and all clients. (Default: Disable)
Note: Although WEP keys are not needed for WPA, you must enable WEP encryption through the web or CLI in order to enable all types of encryption in the access point.
