ZyXEL Communications G-1000 Wireless LAN, Introduction, Wireless Security Overview, Encryption

G-1000 User’s Guide

CH A P T E R 6

Wireless LAN

This chapter discusses how to configure Wireless LAN.

6.1 Introduction

A wireless LAN (WLAN) can be as simple as two computers with WLAN adapters communicating in a peer-to-peer network or as complex as a number of computers with WLAN adapters communicating through access points which bridge network traffic to the wired LAN.

Note: See the WLAN appendix for more detailed information on WLANs.

6.2 Wireless Security Overview

Wireless security is vital to your network to protect wireless communication between wireless stations, access points and the wired network.

Wireless security methods available on the G-1000 are data encryption, wireless client authentication, restricting access by device MAC address and hiding the G-1000 identity.

6.2.1Encryption

•Use WPA(2) security if you have WPA(2)-aware wireless clients and a RADIUS server. WPA(2) has user authentication and improved data encryption over WEP.

•Use WPA(2)-PSK if you have WPA(2)-aware wireless clients but no RADIUS server.

•If you don’t have WPA(2)-aware wireless clients, then use WEP key encrypting. A higher bit key offers better security at a throughput trade-off. You can enter 64-bit or 128- bit WEP keys.

6.2.2Authentication

WPA has user authentication and you can also configure IEEE 802.1x to use the built-in database (Local User Database) or a RADIUS server to authenticate wireless clients before joining your network.

•Use RADIUS authentication if you have a RADIUS server. See the appendices for information on protocols used when a client authenticates with a RADIUS server via the G-1000.

50 Chapter 6 Wireless LAN