Copyright © 2004-2005, Vivato, Inc.
100
Rules to Remember for Static WEP
•
All client stations must have the Wireless LAN (WLAN) security set to WEP and all clients must have
one of the WEP keys specified on the VA4200 in order to de-code VA4200-to-station data transmis-
sions.
•
The VA4200 must have all keys used by clients for station-to-VA4200 transmit so that it can de-code
the station transmissions.
•
The same key must occupy the same slot on all nodes (VA4200 and clients). For example if the
VA4200 defines
abc123
key as WEP key 3, then the client stations must define that same string as
WEP key 3.
•
On some wireless client software (like Funk Odyssey), you can configure multiple WEP keys and
define a client station "transfer key index", and then set the stations to encrypt the data they transmit
using different keys. This ensures that neighboring VA4200s cannot decode each other’s transmis-
sions.
Authentication Algorithm
The authentication algorithm defines the method used to determine whether a client
station is allowed to associate with a AP/Bridge when static WEP is the security
mode.
Specify the authentication algorithm you want to use by choosing one of the follow-
ing from the drop-down menu:
• Open System
• Shared Key
• Both
Open System
authentication allows any client station to associate with the AP/
Bridge whether that client station has the correct WEP key or not. This algorithm is
also used in plaintext, IEEE 802.1x, and WPA modes. When the authentication
algorithm is set to "Open System", any client can associate with the AP/Bridge.
Note that just because a client station is allowed to
associate
does not ensure it can
exchange traffic with a AP/Bridge. A station must have the correct WEP key to be
able to successfully access and decrypt data from a AP/Bridge, and to transmit
readable data to the AP/Bridge.
Shared Key
authentication requires the client station to have the correct WEP key
in order to associate with the AP/Bridge. When the authentication algorithm is set to
"Shared Key", a station with an incorrect WEP key will not be able to associate with
the AP/Bridge.
Both
is the default. When the authentication algorithm is set to "Both":
• Client stations configured to use WEP in shared key mode must have a valid
WEP key in order to associate with the AP/Bridge.
• Client stations configured to use WEP as an open system (shared key mode not
enabled) will be able to associate with the AP/Bridge even if they do not have the
correct WEP key.
Field(Continued)
Description(Continued)
