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Wireless security is based on the IEEE 802.1X (IEEE Standard). The standard defines two types of encryption: WEP and WPA (WPA2). Two WPA/WPA2 modes are defined: pre-shared key and RADIUS.

 

Pre-shared key mode (PSK, also known as Personal mode) is designed for home and small office networks; each user must enter a passphrase containing 8 to 63 printable characters. A hash function that incorporates the SSID converts the password into a hash value that is transferred during the 'handshake' process. There is no straightforward way to derive a plain text password from the hash, but the password may still be retrieved by performing a brute-force or dictionary attack.