ZyXEL Communications NWA 1121-NI -, User Manual

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Chapter 6 Wireless LAN
NWA1121-NI User’s Guide
57
Wireless Mode
The IEEE 802.1x standard was designed to extend the features of IEEE 802.11 to support extended
authentication as well as providing additional accounting and control features. Your NWA1121-NI
can support
802.11b/g , 802.11n and 802.11b/g/n .
MBSSID
Traditionally, you needed to use different APs to configure different Basic Service Sets (BSSs). As
well as the cost of buying extra APs, there was also the possibility of channel interference. The
NWA1121-NI’s MBSSID (Multiple Basic Service Set IDentifier) function allows you to use one access
point to provide several BSSs simultaneously. You can then assign varying levels of privilege to
different SSIDs.
Wireless stations can use different BSSIDs to associate with the same AP.
The following are some notes on multiple BSS.
• A maximum of four BSSs are allowed on one AP simultaneously.
• You must use different WEP keys for different BSSs. If two stations have different BSSIDs (they
are in different BSSs), but have the same WEP keys, they may hear each other’s communications
(but not communicate with each other).
• MBSSID should not replace but rather be used in conjunction with 802.1x security.
Wireless Security
Wireless security is vital to your network. It protects communications between wireless stations,
access points and the wired network.
Figure 18
Securing the Wireless Network
In the figure above, the NWA1121-NI checks the identity of devices before giving them access to
the network. In this scenario, Computer
A is denied access to the network, while Computer B is
granted connectivity.
The NWA1121-NI secure communications via data encryption, wireless client authentication and
MAC address filtering. It can also hide its identity in the network.