Operation Manual

Chapter 6 Wireless LAN

NBG-418N v2 User’s Guide

have the correct settings (SSID, channel, and security). If a wireless client is not allowed to use the

wireless network, it does not matter if it has the correct settings.

This type of security does not protect the information that is sent in the wireless network.

Furthermore, there are ways for unauthorized devices to get the MAC address of an authorized

wireless client. Then, they can use that MAC address to use the wireless network.

6.3.4 Encryption

Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless

network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot

understand the message.

For example, if users do not log in to the wireless network, you can choose no encryption, WEP,

WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK.

Usually, you should set up the strongest encryption that every wireless client in the wireless

network supports. Suppose the wireless network has two wireless clients. Device A only supports

WEP, and device B supports WEP and WPA2-PSK. Therefore, you should set up WEP in the wireless

network.

Note: It is recommended that wireless networks use WPA2-PSK, or stronger encryption.

IEEE 802.1x and WEP encryption are better than none at all, but it is still possible

for unauthorized devices to figure out the original information pretty quickly.

Many types of encryption use a key to protect the information in the wireless network. The longer

the key, the stronger the encryption. Every wireless client in the wireless network must have the

same key.

6.3.5 WPS

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is an industry standard specification, defined by the WiFi Alliance. WPS

allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to configure

security settings manually. Depending on the devices in your network, you can either press a

button (on the device itself, or in its configuration utility) or enter a PIN (Personal Identification

Number) in the devices. Then, they connect and set up a secure network by themselves. See how

to set up a secure wireless network using WPS in the Section 5.3 on page 46.

6.4 General Wireless LAN Screen

Use this screen to enable the Wireless LAN, enter the SSID and select the wireless security mode.

Table 18 Types of Encryption for Each Type of Authentication

NO AUTHENTICATION

Weakest No Security

Static WEP

WPA-PSK

Strongest WPA2-PSK