HP Deskjet 6988dt Printer - Manual (Page 30)

Authentication and encryption
Wireless security is a complex and developing topic. This page gives a brief overview of
the basics involved in making a wireless network secure.
In the simplest terms, wireless security involves two strategies: authentication and
encryption.
A wireless security method, such as
WEP or WPA , involves varying levels of
authentication and encryption.
Authentication
Definition
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting access to a network,
making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access network resources.
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
Chapter 4
28 HP Deskjet 6980 series