Appendix B: About Wireless LANs
72
interference or best performance. This
capability is called Roaming. (Access
Points do not have or require Roaming
capabilities.)
Channels
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
•
Access Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to choose a
Channel which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA and Canada, 11
channel are available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent Access Points use
different Channels to reduce interference.
•
In "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an Access
Point. If more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest signal is used. (This
can only happen within an ESS.)
Note to US model owner:
To comply with US FCC regulation, the country selection function has been completely
removed from all US models. The above function is for non-US models only.
Security
WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a standard for encrypting data before it is transmitted. This is
desirable because it is impossible to prevent snoopers from receiving any data which is transmitted by
your Wireless Stations. But if the data is encrypted, then it is meaningless unless the receiver can
decrypt it.
If WEP is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same security settings
for each of the following:
WEP
64 Bits, 128 Bits.
Key
For 64 Bits encryption, the Key value must match.
For 128 Bits encryption, the Key value must match.
WEP Authentication
Open System or Shared Key.
WPA/WPA2/ WPA-Mixed
WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is more secure than WEP. It uses a “Shared Key” which allows
the encryption keys to be regenerated at a specified interval. There are several encryption options:
TKIP, AES, TKIP-AES
and additional setup for
RADIUS
is required in this method. The most
important features beyond WPA to become standardized through 802.11i/WPA2 are: pre-
authentication, which enables secure fast roaming without noticeable signal latency.
If WPA or WPA2 is used, the Wireless Stations and the Access Point must have the same security
settings.
