Appendix B Wireless LANs

3The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a key hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically generate unique data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP and the wireless clients.

Figure 222 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

WPA(2)-PSK Application Example

A WPA(2)-PSK application looks as follows.

1First enter identical passwords into the AP and all wireless clients. The Pre-Shared Key (PSK) must consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters or 64 hexadecimal characters (including spaces and symbols).

2The AP checks each wireless client's password and (only) allows it to join the network if the password matches.

3The AP and wireless clients use the pre-shared key to generate a common PMK (Pairwise Master Key).

 

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NWA-3500/NWA-3550 User’s Guide