User's Manual

Identifying a WLAN

All adapters and access points in a WLAN use a Network Name, or Service Set Identifier (SSID)

to identify the WLAN. The SSID indicates what WLAN you are communicating with.

Wireless Security

Wireless networking devices transmit information through the air. Without implementing security,

it is easy for an unauthorized person to intercept the information.

A common way of implementing security and protecting information is encryption. Before sending

information, the wireless client or access point encrypts or scrambles information using an

encryption key. The device receiving the information uses the same key to decrypt or unscramble

the information. The information is only readable to wireless devices that have the correct

encryption key.

64-bit or 128-bit security

The IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standard specifies the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

encryption and decryption algorithm. The standard includes two levels of security, using a 64-bit

key or a 128-bit key. Some vendors refer to 64-bit encryption as 40-bit. These are identical. A

wireless device that claims to have 64-bit encryption interoperates with a device that claims to

have 40-bit encryption.

To implement WEP, use either the 64-bit or 128-bit method. For better security, use a 128-bit key.

A 128-bit key has several trillion times as many possible combinations as a 64-bit key. For added

security, change your keys often.

The same device, host computer or front-end processor usually performs both encryption and

decryption. The algorithm, like the pattern of a lock, is standardized and may be used by anyone,

but the encrypted data is unreadable without the appropriate key, which is known only by the

sender and receiver of the transmitted data. You should change your keys often for added

security.

Installation

• Intel® PRO/Wireless 5000 LAN Adapter Features

• LED Descriptions

• Install Drivers Under Windows

• PROSet II Software

• Uninstall the Adapter and Utility Software

• Update a Wireless Driver

• Reinstall the Adapter and Utility Software

Intel® PRO/Wireless 5000 LAN Adapter Features