spasmous2 wrote:
> I was wondering what the difference in security between these two
> protocols is: WPA-NONE and WEP.
>
> I have a local area network that shares internet connection from a
> cable modem on a desktop computer via a PCI wireless adapter. It works
> pretty well but from reading on the internet I learnt the security I
> am using (WEP) is flawed. I bought a new wireless adapter that is WPA
> enabled, however apparently with my setup I have to use ad hoc network
> settings for which WPA-NONE is the only option.
>
> There's scant information out there, but some random posts out there
> suggest WPA-NONE is no better than WEP. I have a couple of questions.
>
> 1. Is WPA-NONE superior to WEP in terms of security?
>
> 2. Is it possible to use Infrastructure mode with my wireless network?
As I recall, the last time I looked into this (over 3 years ago), I came
to the conclusion that WPA-NONE (even if you could actually use it) was
no better than WEP. You don't say what version of Windows you're using,
but the comment below, from MS-MVP Steve Winograd, who is very
knowledgeable about Windows networking, suggests that if you have
installed XP service pack 2 (you should really be at service pack 3 if
you are using Win XP) WPA-NONE is no longer available.
As for your second question, you can (and should) use infrastructure
mode. This should make WPA (or WPA2 if your hardware supports it)
available. However, in order to use infrastructure mode you'll have to
buy a wireless router, assuming that your cable modem has an Ethernet
connection (rather than or in addition to a USB connection). These days,
you can find a wireless-G router for not very much money. I don't keep
up with the various models and prices, but you can check out reviews of
various models here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ue&Order=PRICE
Also consider that using a wireless router provides two big advantages
over your current setup: (1) your desktop computer doesn't need to be
turned on in order for other computers on your LAN to access the
Internet and (2) you have a good hardware barrier (at least NAT and
probably also a firewall) between all of your computers and the Internet.
<Steve Winograd 11/2/06; Quote>
You're right that a Windows XP ad-hoc wireless connection can't use a
pre-shared key (WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK).
WPA-None is still supported in SP2 for an ad-hoc wireless connection.
You can open the wireless connection properties and specify it as the
value for Network Authentication.
However, on reflection, it might not be a good choice for Amy,
because:
1. I don't know what wireless network adapters actually support
WPA-None in the hardware and drivers. I'd recommend using identical
make/model adapters in both computers. Even then, it could be iffy.
2. I've seen reports that installing WPA2 support removes WPA-None.
3. I don't know if it's more secure than WEP.
I haven't found any good documentation of this from Microsoft. It's
mentioned in this article:
The Cable Guy - July 2003
Configuring Wireless Settings Using Windows Server 2003 Group Policy
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/com...uy/cg0703.mspx
It's described in this Cisco web page:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/...9/win6_ape.htm
<\QUOTE>
--
Lem
Apollo 11 - 40 years ago:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ap...0th/index.html
Linear Mode
