User's Manual
AirWorks AWK-4121 User’s Manual Web Console Configuration
Authentication type
Setting Description Factory Default
Open Data encryption is enabled, but no
authentication
Shared Data encryption and authentication
are both enabled.
Open
Key type
Setting Description Factory Default
HEX Specifies WEP keys in hex-decimal
number form
ASCII Specifies WEP keys in ASCII form
HEX
Key length
Setting Description Factory Default
64 bits Uses 40-bit secret keys with 24-bit
initialization vector
128 bits Uses 104-bit secret key with 24-bit
initialization vector
64 bits
Key index
Setting Description Factory Default
1-4 Specifies which WEP key is used Open
WEP key 1-4
Setting Description Factory Default
ASCII type:
64 bits: 5 chars
128 bits: 13chars
HEX type:
64 bits: 10 hex chars
128 bits: 26 hex chars
A string that can be used as a WEP
seed for RC4 encryption engine.
None
WPA/WPA2-Personal
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 are significantly improved encryption methods of WEP.
WPA is a security standard based on 802.11i draft 3, while WPA2 is based on the fully ratified
version of 802.11i. The initial vector is transmitted, encrypted, and enhanced with its 48 bits, twice
as long as WEP. The key is regularly changed so for added security.
Even though AES encryption is only included in the WPA2 standard, it is widely available in the
WPA security mode of some wireless APs and clients as well. The AWK-4121 also supports AES
algorithms in WPA and WPA2 for better compatibility.
Personal versions of WPA/WPA2, also know as WPA/WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), provides a
simple way of encrypting a wireless connection for high confidentiality. A Passphrase is used as a
basis for encryption methods (or cipher types) in a WLAN connection. The passphrases should be
complex and as long as possible. The number of ASCII characters of the Passphrase must be at
least 8 and can go up to 63. For security reason, this passphrase should be disclosed to the relevant
users only and changed regularly.
3-14