Configuring WLAN Security

Configuring WLAN Security (CLI)

Configure static WEP layer 2 security parameters (CLI)

Set up static WEP encryption and authentication for WLAN security.
Static WEP provides basic wireless security through shared encryption keys. This configuration is used when legacy devices require WEP compatibility, though WPA/WPA2 is recommended for better security.

Before you begin

You must have administrator privileges.

Procedure

Step 1

Enter global configuration mode.

Example:

Device# configure terminal

Step 2

Enter WLAN configuration submode.

Example:

Device(config)# wlan profile-name

The profile-name is the profile name of the configured WLAN.

Step 3

Configure Static WEP Key authentication with authentication and encryption parameters.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security static-wep-key authentication open

The keywords are as follows:

  • static-wep-key : Configures Static WEP Key authentication.

  • authentication : Specifies the authentication type you can set. The values are open and shared.

  • encryption : Specifies the encryption type that you can set. The valid values are 104 and 40. 40-bit keys must contain 5 ASCII text characters or 10 hexadecimal characters. 104-bit keys must contain 13 ASCII text characters or 26 hexadecimal characters.

  • ascii : Specifies the key format as ASCII.

  • hex : Specifies the key format as HEX.

Step 4

Exit configuration mode and return to privileged EXEC mode.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# end
Static WEP layer 2 security is now configured on the WLAN with the specified authentication and encryption parameters.

Configure WPA + WPA2 layer 2 security parameters (CLI)

This task configures WPA and WPA2 layer 2 security settings to secure wireless networks using command-line interface commands.


Note
The default security policy is WPA2.

Before you begin

You must have administrator privileges.

Follow these steps to configure WPA + WPA2 layer 2 security parameters using commands:

Procedure

Step 1

Enter global configuration mode.

Example:

Device# configure terminal

Step 2

Enables WPA.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa {akm | wpa1 | wpa2}
Device(config-wlan)# security wpa

Step 3

Enables WPA1.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa1

Step 4

Specify the WPA1 cipher.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa1 ciphers [aes | tkip]
Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa1 ciphers aes

Choose one of the following encryption types:

  • aes : Specifies WPA/AES support.

  • tkip : Specifies WPA/TKIP support.

Step 5

Enable WPA2.

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa2

Step 6

Configure WPA2 cipher. security wpa wpa2 ciphers [aes | tkip ]

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa2

Example:

Device(config-wlan)# security wpa wpa2 ciphers tkip

Choose one of these encryption types:

  • aes : Specifies WPA/AES support.

  • tkip : Specifies WPA/TKIP support.

WPA and WPA2 layer 2 security parameters are configured for the WLAN. The wireless network is secured with the specified authentication and encryption settings.

Configuring WLAN Security (GUI)

Configure static WEP Layer 2 security parameters (GUI)

Configure static WEP layer 2 security parameters to secure wireless network communication using WEP encryption keys.

Use this procedure when you need to configure WEP layer 2 security for a WLAN. Static WEP provides basic encryption for wireless communications using either 40-bit or 104-bit encryption keys.

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Configuration > Tags & Profiles > WLANs.

Step 2

On the WLANs page, click the name of the WLAN.

Step 3

In the Edit WLAN window, click the Security tab.

Step 4

From the Layer 2 Security Mode drop-down list, select the Static WEP option.

Step 5

(Optional) Check the Shared Key Authentication check box to set the authentication type as shared. By leaving the check box unchecked, the authentication type is set to open.

Step 6

Set the Key Size as either 40 bits or 104 bits.

  • 40 bits: The keys with 40-bit encryption must contain 5 ASCII text characters or 10 hexadecimal characters.

  • 104 bits: The keys with 104-bit encryption must contain 13 ASCII text characters or 26 hexadecimal characters.

Step 7

Set the appropriate Key Index; you can choose between 1 to 4.

Step 8

Set the Key Format as either ASCII or Hex.

Step 9

Enter a valid Encryption Key.

  • 40 bits: The keys with 40-bit encryption must contain 5 ASCII text characters or 10 hexadecimal characters.

  • 104 bits: The keys with 104-bit encryption must contain 13 ASCII text characters or 26 hexadecimal characters.

Step 10

Click Update & Apply to Device.

The WLAN is configured with static WEP layer 2 security parameters. The settings are applied to the device and WEP encryption is enabled for the wireless network.

Configure WPA + WPA2 Layer 2 security parameters (GUI)

This task configures WPA + WPA2 layer 2 security parameters to secure wireless network communications using the graphical user interface.

Use this procedure when you need to set up wireless network security using both WPA and WPA2 protocols through the GUI interface. This configuration provides enhanced security for your wireless network by supporting both protocols simultaneously.

Procedure

Step 1

Click Configuration > Tags and Profiles > WLANs.

Step 2

Click Add to add a new WLAN Profile or click the one you want to edit.

Step 3

In the Edit WLAN window, click Security > Layer2.

Step 4

From Layer 2 Security Mode drop-down menu, select WPA + WPA2.

Step 5

Configure the security parameters and then click Save and Apply to Device.

The WPA + WPA2 layer 2 security parameters are configured and applied to the device. The WLAN profile now uses both WPA and WPA2 security protocols to protect wireless network communications.