Wireless/Redundant Edge Services xl Module Management and Configuration Guide WS.01.03 or greater

3-45
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)
Configuring a WLAN
Table 3-3. Key Length for Static WEP Keys
The key next to the selected circle (Key 1 in Figure 3-27) is the one that
currently encrypts and decrypts data. Remember to periodically change which
key is in use for greater security.
Note The more often an encryption key is used, the more vulnerable it is to hackers.
Even when administrators diligently rotate and change WEP keys, this form
of WEP is significantly less secure than WEP with 802.1X authentication or
WPA/WPA2.
After setting the key, click OK. Then click OK in the WLAN’s Edit screen as well
to apply the settings.
Configuring WEP Encryption with 802.1X Authentication. WEP with
802.1X authentication is also called dynamic WEP. RPs and stations encrypt
and decrypt data with WEP keys; however, instead of every station using the
same key, stations first identify themselves to an authentication server. When
a station passes the authentication test, it and the RP receive a unique WEP
key for that session alone.
To configure this type of security for a WLAN:
1. Enable 802.1X authentication and specify the RADIUS server. (See
“802.1X EAP” on page 3-35.)
2. Select either WEP 64 or WEP 128 under Encryption in the WLAN’s Edit
screen, as shown in Figure 3-28.
Key Length Format Characters
64-bit HEX 10
ASCII 5
128-bit HEX 26
ASCII 13