To WPA or WPA2…that is the question…

rasmasyean · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Use WPA or WPA2 mode to achieve a balance of strong security and best compatibility. This mode uses WPA for legacy clients while maintaining higher security with stations that are WPA2 capable. Also the strongest cipher that the client supports will be used. For best security, use WPA2 Only mode. This mode uses AES(CCMP) cipher and legacy stations are not allowed access with WPA security. For maximum compatibility, use WPA Only. This mode uses TKIP cipher. Some gaming and legacy devices work only in this mode.

To achieve better wireless performance use WPA2 Only security mode (or in other words AES cipher).

OK, I undersand that WPA2 is more secure and all, but the above sentences are kind of confusing.

Why does WPA Only offer “maximum compatability”? More “compatability” than WPA or WPA2 mode?

Why does WPA2 Only mode achieve “better performance”? You get more Mbps with WPA2 clients?

Mark Oney · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 01:25 AM

English the first language of manual writers not is.

that which your manual describes as "WPA or WPA2" is BOTH AES and TKIP. not the combination, the choice.

that which your manual describes as "WPA2 ONLY" is AES only

"WPA or WPA2" will let people in with either security method. TKIP has been broken. it's no better than WEP.

TKIP is both weaker and slower than AES.

bottom line: don't use WPA or WPA2 if you don't have any older devices that don't support AES. use WPA2 ONLY

rasmasyean · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 04:17 AM

So when selecting WPA or Auto(WPA or WPA2) from the dropdown, I only get the option of AES. There's no TKIP.

So what is that? A bug? Does the WPA setting ignore the AES selection and is actually TKIP?