On a wireless network, there are usually three different ways a client device can be authenticated to a wireless router or an access point:
- Open authentication
- Shared-key authentication
- Centralized authentication
The open authentication system is quite simple. The wireless router or AP is not configured with a password, and simply broadcasts its SSID to everyone who is near. A client who wishes to connect can do so freely, without having to provide any sort of credentials or identity before gaining access to the wireless network. An example of using open authentication is the free hotspot service in public areas and venues, such as coffee shops.
Within the shared-key authentication system, the wireless router or AP is configured with a pre-shared key (PSK). This method allows clients to connect to the wireless network only if they can provide the...
