Configuring Encryption

Enabling encryption ensures that data packets are secured against unauthorized access. To set up encryption, you turn on encryption at the WAP and generate a unique security key. Then you configure all connected wireless nodes on the network with the same key information. The WEP key configuration dialog box for a Linksys WAP.

You have the option of automatically generating a set of encryption keys or doing it manually. You can save yourself a certain amount of effort by using the automatic method. Select an encryption level-the usual choices are either 64-bit or 128-bit- and then enter a unique passphrase and click the Generate button (or whatever the equivalent button is called in your WAP's software). Then select a default key and save the settings.

The encryption level, key, and passphrase must match on the wireless client node or communication fails. Many access points have the capability to export the encryption key data onto removable media for easy importing onto a client workstation, or you can configure encryption manually using the vendor-supplied configuration utility.

WPA encryption, if supported by your wireless equipment, is configured in much the same way. You may be required to input a valid user name and password to configure encryption using WPA.

If you have the option, choose WPA2 encryption for both the WAP and the NICs in your network. You configure WPA2 the same way you would WPA. Note that the settings such as WPA2 for the Enterprise assume you'll enable authentication using a RADIUS server. Use the best encryption you can. If you have WPA2, use it. If not, use WPA. WEP is always a last choice.

Configure Channel and Frequency With most home networks, you can simply leave the channel and frequency of the WAP at the factory defaults, but in an environment with overlapping Wi-Fi signals, you'll want to adjust one or both features. To adjust the channel, find the option in the WAP configuration screens and simply change it.

With dual-band 802.11n WAPs, you can choose which band to put 802.11n traffic on, either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. In an area with overlapping signals, most of the traffic will be on the 2.4-GHz frequency, because most devices are either 802.11b or 802.11g. You can avoid any kind of conflict with your 802.11n devices by using the 5-GHz frequency instead.