Authentication in legacy (pre 802.1X / WPA) wireless LANs could be done with or without using WEP, and the choices were called 'shared key' or 'open system'.
Cryptographically, its better to authenticate open system, as it means you give away less information about your encryption.
ryri
2 Intern
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360 Posts
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November 14th, 2003 20:00
i think automatic lets the router/card choose open/shared automatically.
try this for a brief overview: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/WLAN_client_configuring_concept.asp
open just means that anyone can request authorization, and sends an ID. If the router recognizes the ID, it allows the client to connect.
shared means that you possess the shared key. The networks assumes that if you already have the key, you're trusted.
Herrflik
21 Posts
0
November 17th, 2003 08:00
Cryptographically, its better to authenticate open system, as it means you give away less information about your encryption.