ZyXEL G-160 User Guide - Page 26

ZyAIR G-160 User's Guide Figure 2-6 Wireless LAN Security Levels Configure the wireless LAN security using the Privacy screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your ZyAIR, communication between the ZyAIR and the wired network is accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area. Make sure the security settings are the same on the ZyAIR and the intermediary AP and/or your network security server device. 2.1.9 Data Encryption with WEP WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the ZyAIR and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications private. Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key for data encryption and decryption. Your ZyAIR allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 256-bit WEP keys but only one key can be used at any one time. 2.1.10 Authentication Mode The IEEE 802.11b standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless stations and AP. Three authentication modes are defined: Auto Switch, 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 Switch mode allows the ZyAIR 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. 2-6 Using the ZyAIR Utility