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Configuring WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK Wireless Security

Wi-Fi Protected Access with Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK) data encryption provides extremely strong data security, very effectively blocking eavesdropping. Because WPA and WPA2 are relatively new standards, older wireless adapters and devices might not support them. Check whether newer drivers are available from the manufacturer. Also, you might be able to use the Push 'N' Connect feature to configure this type of security if it is supported by your wireless clients. See Restricting Wireless Access by MAC Address.

WPA-Pre-Shared Key does perform authentication. WPA-PSK uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) data encryption, and WPA2-PSK uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) data encryption. Both methods dynamically change the encryption keys making them nearly impossible to circumvent.

Mixed mode allows clients using either WPA-PSK (TKIP) or WPA2-PSK (AES). This provides the most reliable security, and is easiest to implement, but it might not be compatible with older adapters.

Note: Not all wireless adapters support WPA. Furthermore, client software is also required. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 does include WPA support. Nevertheless, the wireless adapter hardware and driver must also support WPA. For instructions on configuring wireless computers or PDAs (personal digital assistants) for WPA-PSK security, consult the documentation for the product you are using.

To configure WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK+WPA2-PSK:

Select Wireless Settings under Setup in the main menu.
Select one of the WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK options for the security type. The third option (WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WP2-PSK [AES]) is the most flexible, since it allows clients using either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK.
In the Passphrase field, enter a word or group of 8-63 printable characters. The passphrase is case-sensitive.

Figure 2-4

Click Apply to save your settings.

202-10308-01, May 2008