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Authentication Algorithm
The authentication algorithm defines the method used
to determine whether a client station is allowed to
associate with an access point when static WEP is the
security mode.
Specify the authentication algorithm you want to use by
choosing one of the following from the drop-down
menu:
• Open System
• Shared Key
• Both
Open System
authentication allows any client station to
associate with the access point whether that client
station has the correct WEP key or not. This is 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 access point.
Note that just because a client station is allowed to
associate
does not ensure it can exchange traffic with
an access point. A station must have the correct WEP
key to be able to successfully access and decrypt data
from an access point, and to transmit readable data to
the access point.
Shared Key
authentication requires the client station to
have the correct WEP key in order to associate with the
access point. When the authentication algorithm is set
to “Shared Key”, a station with an incorrect WEP key will
not be able to associate with the access point.
Both
is the default. When the authentication algorithm
is set to “Both”:
Field
Description
Configuring Security
Client stations configured to use WEP in
shared key mode must have a valid WEP key
in order to associate with the access point.
Client stations configured to use WEP as an
open system (shared key mode not enabled)
will be able to associate with the access point
even if they do not have the correct WEP key.
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