ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide
Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 30
Figure 12 WPA with RADIUS Application Example
2.3 Authentication Type
The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless
stations and AP. Three authentication modes are defined: Auto, Open System and Shared
Key.
• Open System mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue.
The wireless station and the AP do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can
associate with any AP and listen to any data transmitted plaintext.
• Shared Key mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the
AP. This requires you to enable the WEP encryption and specify a WEP key on both the
wireless station and the AP.
• Auto authentication mode allows the ZyXEL G-220F to switch between the open and
shared key authentication modes automatically. Use the auto mode if you do not know the
authentication mode of the other wireless stations.
2.4 Preamble Type
Preamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver.
Short preamble increases performance as less time sending preamble means more time for
sending data. All IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless adapters support long preamble, but not
all support short preamble.
Select Long Preamble if you are unsure what preamble mode the wireless adapters support,
and to provide more reliable communications in busy wireless networks.
Select Short Preamble if you are sure the wireless adapters support it, and to provide more
efficient communications.