NETGEAR RangeMax™ Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNR3500v2 User Manual
Safeguarding Your Network
2-3
v1.0, May 2009
Wireless Security Options
Computers can connect over a 802.11g or 802.11n network at a range of up to 300 feet. Such
distances can allow for others outside your immediate area to access your network.
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and
can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of
your wireless equipment. The WNR3500v2 router provides highly effective security features
which are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network:
•
WEP.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption provides data security. WEP Shared
Key authentication and WEP data encryption block all but the most determined eavesdropper.
This data encryption mode has been superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
•
WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES)
. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) using a pre-shared
key to perform authentication and generate the initial data encryption keys. The very strong
authentication along with dynamic per frame re-keying of WPA makes it virtually impossible
to compromise.
For more information about wireless technology, see the link to the online document in
“Wireless
Networking Basics” in Appendix B
.
Figure 2-1
Wireless data
security options
Range: up to 300 foot radius
1)
Open system:
easy but no security
2) WEP: security but some
performance impact
3) WPA-PSK: strong security
4) WPA2-PSK: very strong securi
t
y
