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SonicOS Enhanced 4.0 Administrator Guide
Authentication Overview
Below is a list of available authentication types with descriptive features and uses for each:
WEP
• Lower security
• For use with older legacy devices, PDAs, wireless printers
WPA
• Good security (uses TKIP)
• For use with trusted corporate wireless clients
• Transparent authentication with Windows log-in
• No client software needed in most cases
WPA2
• Best security (uses AES)
• For use with trusted corporate wireless clients
• Transparent authentication with Windows log-in
• Client software install may be necessary in some cases
• Supports 802.11i “Fast Roaming” feature
• No backend authentication needed after first log-in (allows for faster roaming)
WPA2-AUTO
• Tries to connect using WPA2 security.
• If the client is not WPA2 capable, the connection will default to WPA.
WEP Encryption Settings
Open-system authentication is the only method required by 802.11b. In open-system
authentication, the SonicWALL allows the wireless client access without verifying its identity.
Shared-key authentication uses WEP and requires a shared key to be distributed to wireless
clients before authentication is allowed.
The Secure Anti-Virus Router 80 Wireless provides the option of using Open System, Shared
Key, or both when WEP is used to encrypt data.
If Both (Open System & Shared Key) is selected, the Default Key assignments are not
important as long as the identical keys are used in each field. If Shared Key is selected, then
the key assignment is important.
To configure WEP on the SonicWALL, log into the SonicWALL and click Wireless, then WEP
Encryption.
Step 1 Select the authentication type from the Authentication Type list. Both (Open System &
Shared Key) is selected by default.
Step 2 Select 64-bit or 128-bit from the WEP Key Mode. 128-bit is considered more secure than 64-
bit. This value is applied to all keys.