ZyAIR B-420 Wireless LAN Ethernet Adapter and Bridge

4.3.1 Data Encryption

WEP provides a mechanism for encrypting data using encryption keys. The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on the APs or other peer ad-hoc wireless computers as they are on the ZyAIR to encrypt and decrypt data. Your ZyAIR allows you to configure up to four 64-bit or 128-bit WEP keys, but only one key can be enabled at any one time.

4.3.2 Authentication

Three different methods can be used to authenticate wireless stations to the network: Open System, Shared Key, and Auto. The following figure illustrates the steps involved.

Figure 4-3 WEP Authentication Steps

Open system authentication involves an unencrypted two-message procedure. A wireless station sends an open system authentication request to the AP, which will then automatically accept and connect the wireless station to the network. In effect, open system is not authentication at all as any station can gain access to the network.

Shared key authentication involves a four-message procedure. A wireless station sends a shared key authentication request to the AP, which will then reply with a challenge text message. The wireless station

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Wireless LAN