HP 4200n HP Jetdirect Print Servers - Administrator Guide - Page 257

Network Access and Data Security Unlike a wired network which requires a physical connection, wireless networks can be accessed by devices and computers that are in range of the network's radio signals. It is not difficult for an intruder to eavesdrop on wireless network traffic to gain access to the network or observe network data. To inhibit unauthorized access, authentication and data encryption options for wireless networking are available. G Authentication is a process in which devices must validate their identity before accessing or communicating on a network. G Encryption provides data privacy by modifying data frame bits before transmission, and restoring data frame bits when received. The HP Jetdirect wireless print server supports several authentication options and encryption. Network Name (SSID) Wireless devices are configured with the name of the network to which they will connect. The Network Name is also called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and identifies the ESS (Extended Service Set) that is normally associated with larger Infrastructure Mode networks. The Network Name/SSID should not be considered a security feature because it is usually easily identified. However, as a network administration or management feature, it does provide basic network access control. HP Jetdirect print servers support a broadcast SSID, sometimes called a zero-length or "blank" SSID. If a blank SSID is configured in Infrastructure mode, the print server will attempt to associate with the network SSIDs detected, starting with the strongest signal. Successful association will be based on encryption and authentication settings. ENWW HP Jetdirect 802.11b Wireless Print Servers 257