User's Manual
Table Of Contents
- Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide
- Use the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
- Main Window
- Taskbar Icon and Menu Commands
- Connection Status Icons
- Wireless Network Overview
- Connect to a WiFi Network
- Network Connection Details
- Network Properties
- Personal Security
- Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup*
- Turn Wireless Radio On or Off
- Application Settings (Tools menu)
- Administrator Tool
- Adapter Settings
- Advanced Statistics (Advanced menu)
- Exclude List Management
- Profile Management
- Profile Wizard General Settings
- Security Overview
- Enterprise Security
- Application Settings (Administrator Tool)
- Administrator Password
- Advanced Settings
- Set up Profile Security
- Configure Profiles for Network (Infrastructure) Operating Mode
- Administrator Tool Settings
- Intel(R) Wireless Troubleshooter (Tools menu)
- Manual Diagnostics Tool
- Wireless Event Viewer
- Regulatory Information
- Specifications
- Customer Support
- Warranty Information
- Glossary
Authentication is the process of identifying and approving a request from a client (usually a
laptop) to access a network at a network access point. Once authentication is completed and
access is granted, the client has access to the network.
Encryption
You can select encryption algorithms to encrypt the information and data that is sent across
your wireless network. Only computers equipped with pre-shared keys can encrypt and
decrypt the data being transmitted. Encryption keys are available with two levels of security,
64-bit and 128-bit. Use 128-bit keys for greater security.
SSID Broadcasting
A simple way to improve network security is to set your network access point to not
broadcast the Service Set Identifier (SSID). The SSID is needed to gain access. Only those
computers with knowledge of the SSID can access the network. (This is not set at the
adapter using the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility, it is set at the access
point.)
Personal Security Methods
Open and Shared Network Authentication
IEEE 802.11 supports two types of network authentication methods: Open System and
Shared Key.
● When open authentication is used, any wireless station can request authentication.
The station that needs to authenticate with another wireless station sends an
authentication management request that contains the identity of the sending station.
The receiving station or access point grants any request for authentication. Open
authentication allows any device to gain network access. If no encryption is enabled
on the network, any device that knows the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the access
point can gain access to the network.
● When shared key authentication is used, each wireless station is assumed to have
received a secret shared key over a secure channel that is independent from the
802.11 wireless network communications channel. You can share this secret key via a
wired Ethernet connection, or by physically using a USB memory stick or CD. Shared
key authentication requires that the client configure a static WEP key. The client
access is granted only if it passes a challenge-based authentication.
WEP