Chapter 11 Wireless LAN
WAP6804 User’s Guide
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You can use the MAC address filter to tell the AP which wireless clients are allowed or not allowed to use
the wireless network. If a wireless client is allowed to use the wireless network, it still has to have the
correct settings (SSID, channel, and security). If a wireless client is not allowed to use the wireless
network, it does not matter if it has the correct settings.
This type of security does not protect the information that is sent in the wireless network. Furthermore,
there are ways for unauthorized devices to get the MAC address of an authorized wireless client. Then,
they can use that MAC address to use the wireless network.
11.3.3 Encryption
Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless network.
Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot understand the
message.
Usually, you should set up the strongest encryption that every wireless client in the wireless network
supports.
Many types of encryption use a key to protect the information in the wireless network. The longer the
key, the stronger the encryption. Every wireless client in the wireless network must have the same key.
11.3.4 WPS
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is an industry standard specification, defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPS
allows you to quickly set up a wireless network with strong security, without having to configure security
settings manually. Depending on the devices in your network, you can either press a button (on the
device itself, or in its configuration utility) or enter a PIN (Personal Identification Number) in the devices.
Then, they connect and set up a secure network by themselves.
11.3.5 WDS
Wireless Distribution System or WDS security is used between bridged APs. It is independent of the
security between the AP and any wireless clients. If you do not enable WDS security, traffic between APs
is not encrypted. When WDS security is enabled, both APs must use the same pre-shared key.
11.4 Basic Wireless Network Screen
Use this screen to enable the wireless LAN, enter the SSID and select the wireless security mode.
Table 19 Types of Encryption
NO AUTHENTICATION
Weakest
No Security
Static WEP
WPA-PSK
Strongest
WPA2-PSK