standard encryption with the AES encryption type
WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] - Allow clients using either WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES]

*** The choice between TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a choice between old and new technologies, respectively. AES is more secure, if your hardware and wi-fi devices support it. ***

Security Encryption
(WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK)
Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box. The Passphrase must be 8 to 63 characters in length.
 
Once you have enabled the security features for your wireless access point, you'll need to locate, and log into your wireless network using the Pass-phrase you entered into access point dialog box.

Your wireless network is now password protected, and the data you send back and forth from your laptop is encrypted to prevent unauthorized users from viewing it.


A few technical statements:

WPA was defined to simplify upgrades to existing Wi-Fi products that used WEP, because they both use RC4 to encrypt data. WPA overcomes many WEP vulnerabilities by using a better security protocol, called the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). Instead of encrypting all data with the same shared key, TKIP uses "temporal" keys to encrypt data for just a limited period. At the end of that period, a new temporal key is generated, starting from a master key that's known to the sender and receiver. As long as no two messages are ever encrypted with the same temporal key, criminals cannot crack WPA-encrypted data.

WPA2 refers to a more efficient and effective approach that uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) block cipher as a replacement for RC4. WPA2 uses AES to encrypt data in a robust fashion and provides cryptographic protection against data forgery and replay. Because of this strength, WPA2 has become the standard requirement for government agencies and some corporations.

Old WEP products didn't have the horsepower to support AES and couldn't easily be upgraded to WPA2. However, all new Wi-Fi certified products have been required to support WPA2 since March 2006. But, your Wi-Fi cards or USB adapters must also support WPA2-PSK [AES].


For more information about wi-fi security issues, visit your manufacturer's wireless router/access point web site:

Netgear
http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/112/session/L3NpZC9MS3gxMl9Jag==/sno/0

D-Link
http://www.dlink.com/category/productcategories/?cid=11

Linksys
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/learningcenter




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