Paolo wrote:
First, open authentication does not use an encryption key for authentication as there is no authentication at all when the router is set up as open. Anyone can connect because there is no authentication process other than a tcp handshake. Having both an encryption key and open authentication doesn't make any sense to me at all.On Fri, Mar 02, 2007 at 03:31:28PM -0800, Freddy Freeloader wrote:see as a conflict in configuration. The router reports that it has an encryption key, but that the security mode is open. I find that pretty strange....Encryption key:5848-6332-43 Security mode:openthat's the authentication. 'open' is better - see eg.: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_q_and_a_item09186a00805e8297.shtml -- paolo
Second, How do you get to your conclusion from what is said on that page? Cisco recommends that a person never use open authentication. From the page you linked to:
"
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Open Authentication?
*A. *Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Open Authentication:
*Advantages:* Open Authentication is a basic authentication
mechanism, which you can use with Wireless devices that do not
support the complex authentication algorithms. Authentication in the
802.11 specification is connectivity-oriented. By design the
requirements for authentication allow devices to gain quick access
to the network. In such a case, you can use Open Authentication.
*Disadvantages:* Open Authentication provides no way to check if a
client is a valid client and not a hacker client. If you do not use
WEP encryption with Open Authentication, any user who knows the SSID
of the WLAN can access the network. Cisco does not recommend that
you deploy wireless LANs without WEP encryption."