LevelOne WNC-0304USB Computer Hardware User Manual


 
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5.3.2 WPA/WPA2 Setting
The adapter can automatically detect the WPA setting of the AP which the adapter intends to
connect to. To connect to the AP, you should setup the same setting as the AP.
There are two kinds of WPA mode: WPA and WPA-PSK. WPA is designed for enterprise which
requires a RADIUS Server and Certificate Server for the authentication. WPA-PSK is a special
mode designed for home and small business users who do not have access to network
authentication servers. In this mode, the user manually enters the starting password in their
access point or gateway, as well as in each wireless stations in the network. WPA takes over
automatically from that point, keeping unauthorized users that don't have the matching password
out of the network, while encrypting the data traveling between authorized devices.
WPA2 – Like WPA, WPA2 supports IEEE 802.1x/EAP authentication or PSK technology. It also
includes a new advanced encryption mechanism using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
AES is required to the corporate user or government users. The difference between WPA and
WPA2 is that WPA2 provides data encryption via the AES. In contrast, WPA uses Temporal Key
Integrity Protocol (TKIP).
*WPA2 supports Windows 2000/XP only
WPA2-PSK – WPA2-PSK is also for home and small business. The difference between WPA-PSK
and WPA2-PSK is that WPA2-PSK provides data encryption via the AES. In contrast, WPA-PSK
uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP).
*WPA2 supports Windows 2000/XP only