Reference Guide

hp psc 2500 series
chapter 15
174
wireless network setup
Wireless Network
Adapter
Each node (computer or device) on the WLAN uses a
wireless network adapter into which a wireless transceiver,
with a small, integrated antenna, is built. Wireless network
adapters might be internal (inserted in a computer or device),
external (housed in a separate case), or built-in (such as the
adapter in the HP PSC).
Common adapters include the following:
• USB adapter: An external device that connects to a USB
port on the computer (typically has a PCMCIA card
attached to one end).
• Notebook adapter: A PCMCIA card that plugs directly
into one of the PCMCIA slots on your laptop or other
portable computer.
• Desktop computer adapter: A dedicated ISA or PCI card,
or a PCMCIA card with a special adapter, that plugs into
your desktop computer.
• AirPort adapter: A wireless card that plugs directly into
the AirPort slot on your Macintosh laptop or desktop
computer. AirPort adapters eliminate the need for cable
connections to the computer.
WPA (TKIP) Wi-Fi Protected Access. Provides standards-based,
interoperable security to strongly increase the level of data
protection and access control for a wireless LAN. To improve
data encryption, WPA uses the Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol (TKIP). To strengthen user authentication, WPA
implements 802.1x and the Extensible Authentication
Protocol (EAP).
WPA supports two basic solutions: Enterprise and Home/
SOHO. In an enterprise environment with IT resources, Wi-Fi
Protected Access is used in conjunction with an
authentication server such as RADIUS to provide centralized
access control and management. In a home/SOHO
environment, WPA runs in a special home mode called
Pre-Shared Key (PSK) which uses manually-entered keys or
passwords to provide security. PSK is designed to be easy to
set up for the home or small office user.
Note: WPA/802.1x and WPA/PSK parameters can
only be entered through the EWS.
WPA/PSK Wi-Fi Protected Access/Pre-Shared Key. In WPA/PSK
authentication, clients are authenticated using a shared
master secret key. See WPA (TKIP) above.
Note: All devices on the network must use the same
pre-shared key. The pre-shared key must be
implemented through the HP PSC embedded Web
server.