User's Manual

Table Of Contents
RLX2 Series 802.11a, b, g, n Detailed Radio Configuration / Diagnostics
Industrial Hotspots User Manual
6.3.1 Encryption type
The preferred encryption type is WPA (WiFi Protected Access). Select WEP
(wired equivalency protocol) for use with an older client radio that only has WEP
encryption. For compatibility with clients that do not support WPA, select
WPA+WEP128 (bits) or WPA+WEP64 (bits) as the encryption type. The older
clients can connect to an access point using the WEP setting, but new clients will
use WPA and the RLX2 radios will still use WPA among themselves.
IMPORTANT: If WPA+WEP is selected, some clients using WPA might not be able to connect
unless a WEP key other than number 1 is used, due to limitations in these clients. In such cases,
set a WEP key other than key 1 and set this same key in all clients that are using WEP. See WEP
key (page 80).
WEP is the original security protocol used by 802.11 networks, but WPA offers
better protection against attacks, for several reasons: WPA distances the
encryption key from the actual data by performing several algorithms to the key
before generating the encrypted data, it performs dynamic key management by
changing keys frequently, and it performs message integrity checks to prevent
forgery and replay.
Selecting WEP 128, WEP 64, or None (no encryption) as the encryption type is
possible, but none of these settings are recommended.
Note: If an RLX2 radio is set to use WPA+WEP, it will connect to other radios set to WPA only or
WPA+WEP, but it will not communicate with radios set to WEP only. Likewise, an RLX2 radio in
client mode with WPA+WEP selected will not connect to an access point with WEP only selected.
6.3.2 WPA phrase
To use WPA encryption on packets sent between the radios, enter a WPA pass
phrase of between eight and 63 normal keyboard characters. This phrase
automatically generates an encryption key of 128 hexadecimal characters. This
field is only available if WPA encryption type is selected.
The default WPA-AES Phrase is 'passphrase'.
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 79 of 161
November 29, 2012