User's Manual

laptop) to access a network at a network access point. Once authentication is completed and
access is granted, the client has access to the network.
Encryption
You can select encryption algorithms to encrypt the information and data that is sent across
your wireless network. Only computers equipped with pre-shared keys can encrypt and
decrypt the data being transmitted. Encryption keys are available with two levels of security,
64-bit and 128-bit. Use 128-bit keys for greater security.
SSID Broadcasting
A simple way to improve network security is to set your network access point to not
broadcast the Service Set Identifier (SSID). The SSID is needed to gain access. Only those
computers with knowledge of the SSID can access the network. (This is not set at the
adapter using the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility, it is set at the access
point.)
Personal Security Methods
Open and Shared Network Authentication
IEEE 802.11 supports two types of network authentication methods: Open System and
Shared Key.
● When open authentication is used, any wireless station can request authentication.
The station that needs to authenticate with another wireless station sends an
authentication management request that contains the identity of the sending station.
The receiving station or access point grants any request for authentication. Open
authentication allows any device to gain network access. If no encryption is enabled
on the network, any device that knows the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the access
point can gain access to the network.
● When shared key authentication is used, each wireless station is assumed to have
received a secret shared key over a secure channel that is independent from the
802.11 wireless network communications channel. You can share this secret key via a
wired Ethernet connection, or by physically using a USB memory stick or CD. Shared
key authentication requires that the client configure a static WEP key. The client
access is granted only if it passes a challenge-based authentication.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) uses encryption to help prevent unauthorized reception of