ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Figure 12 WPA with RADIUS Application Example

2.3 Authentication Type

The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless stations and AP. Three authentication modes are defined: Auto, Open System and Shared Key.

•Open System mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The wireless station and the AP do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can associate with any AP and listen to any data transmitted plaintext.

•Shared Key mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP. This requires you to enable the WEP encryption and specify a WEP key on both the wireless station and the AP.

•Auto authentication mode allows the ZyXEL G-220F to switch between the open and shared key authentication modes automatically. Use the auto mode if you do not know the authentication mode of the other wireless stations.

2.4Preamble Type

Preamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver.

Short preamble increases performance as less time sending preamble means more time for sending data. All IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless adapters support long preamble, but not all support short preamble.

Select Long Preamble if you are unsure what preamble mode the wireless adapters support, and to provide more reliable communications in busy wireless networks.

Select Short Preamble if you are sure the wireless adapters support it, and to provide more efficient communications.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

30