HP Deskjet 6988dt Printer - Manual (Page 31)

In order to be authenticated and allowed to use a network, a device must supply a known
password to other devices on the network. If the device cannot supply the correct
password, it will not be able to use other devices on the network.
Types of authentication
The printer supports three types of authentication. Each type of authentication has its
benefits and limitations.
Authentication
type Description Benefits Limitations
Open System Devices on a
network identify
themselves with the
network name
(SSID) only. Least complicated
strategy. Provides little
protection against
unauthorized users.
Shared Key Devices use a
shared master
secret to identify
themselves as
authorized
members of the
network. Convenient to use
in conjunction with
WEP, since a WEP
key can serve as
the shared
authentication key. All devices must
have the key. The
shared key does
not change
automatically.
WPA/PSK Devices use a
single pre-shared
key (PSK) to
identify themselves
as authorized
members of the
network and to
generate an
encryption key. The pre-shared key
and the encryption
keys are not
identical. Allows
smaller networks to
use WPA without
the need for an
authorization
server. All devices must
have the key.
Encryption
Definition
Encryption involves using a password to encode data sent over a wireless network in
order to make the data unintelligible to eavesdroppers. Only devices that know the
password can decode the data.
Types of encryption
The printer supports four types of encryption. Each type of encryption has its benefits
and limitations.
Encryption type Description Benefits Limitations
Open System Devices on a
network do not
encrypt data. Least complicated
strategy. Provides no
protection against
eavesdroppers.
User's guide 29