Verify Drivers and LEAP for Aironet Adapters and Windows XP

Introduction

This document explains how to verify the client driver version and how to use the Cisco Light Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP) in the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

Prerequisites

Requirements

Cisco recommends that you have knowledge of the use of Windows XP Control Panel.

Components Used

This document is applicable to all Cisco Aironet Client Adapter cards that are installed in PCs that run the Windows XP operating system.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Conventions

Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

Driver That Is Used for the Aironet Adapter with Windows XP

In order to verify the driver that is loaded on the computer, follow these steps:

1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the My Computer icon and choose Properties.

2. Click the Hardware tab.

   

3. Click Device Manager.

4. Expand Network Adapters and choose the Cisco wireless adapter.

   

5. Right-click the Cisco wireless adapter and choose Properties.

6. Click the Driver tab.

   The driver version is listed on this tab.

   

If you complete this procedure and find that you do not have the driver for your wireless client adapter card, complete the procedure in Installing the Client Adapter.

How to Run LEAP on Windows XP

Windows XP includes wireless networking in its operating system. Microsoft includes its own utility that you can use to configure the wireless card settings. In order to use LEAP, use the Aironet Client Utility (ACU) for LEAP login and disable the Windows XP setup utility.

As with most password-based authentication algorithms, LEAP is vulnerable to dictionary attacks. This kind of attack is not a new attack or new vulnerability of LEAP. Create a strong password policy in order to most effectively mitigate dictionary attacks. Use strong passwords and have them periodically expire. Refer to Dictionary Attack on Cisco LEAP Vulnerability for more information about dictionary attacks and how to prevent them.

Procedure to Disable the Windows XP Setup Utility

In order to disable the Windows XP setup utility, complete these steps:

1. Choose Start > Control Panel.

2. Double-click Network Connections.

   

3. Right-click Wireless Network and choose Properties.

   The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears.

   

4. Click the Wireless Networks tab.

   

5. Uncheck Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.

   This allows you to use the ACU to configure the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and the security settings on the wireless adapter.

Related Information

• Dictionary Attack on Cisco LEAP Vulnerability
• Installing the Client Adapter
• Downloads - Wireless LAN Access ( registered customers only)
• Technical Support & Documentation - Cisco Systems