WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES]?

Discussion in 'hardware' started by DasFox, May 13, 2009.

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  1. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    What gives better security and enycryption?

    WPA-PSK [TKIP] or WPA2-PSK [AES]?

    Also should 15 characters be long enough for firewall wireless security passphrase?

    THANKS

    P.S. I've personally always thought WPA2 is, just not sure about the TKIP or AES...
     
  2. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Registered Member

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    You can do AES or TKIP with WPA; however, I have always found TKIP to be usable by more devices and AES to be a bit more secure.
     
  3. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    My router only has it in these options and of course I wanted to use WPA2 for the most security...
     
  4. tipstir

    tipstir Registered Member

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    Better to use WPA2/AES you can now use that on both G/N routers. On N it's suppose to be better. That's if you can get N to be stable. Passcode an be any length though. Just make sure you can remember it. Router can generate a code but it's better to do it manually.
     
  5. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    Well this router just leaves the passphrase in readable text, I wish the router hid the text though...
     
  6. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    We need to be careful with our terminology to avoid confusion. There is NO SUCH THING as wireless routers!!!!

    A router is a simple network device used to connect two networks. A router has 1 input and 1 output. However, most home "routers" come bundled with a 4-port Ethernet "switch" in the same box. Two separate network devices using the same case and same power supply.

    "Wireless router" is simply a convenient, but inaccurate "marketing term". The device is really a router, switch, and a "wireless access point" (WAP) in the same box. Three separate network devices using the same case and same power supply.

    Routers do not support G or N or any wireless protocol. Routers do not support WPA, WEP or any other type wireless encryption protocols. Routers do not generate code. That is done in the WAP and the WAP connects to the router via an internal Ethernet connection. The WAP is not part of the router, but a discrete network device - even though most likely integrated into the same printed circuit board (PCB).

    Rather than saying the router is using G or N, or WPA2, we really should be saying the wireless network is using G or N, or WPA2. We need to be aware that from a networking standpoint, routers themselves are not wireless - they do not support 802.11x protocols. Home and small office Cable/DSL routers are Ethernet, and support 802.3 only.

    This is important because many folks use separate devices in their networks. They do not log into their router menus to change wireless settings, they log into the WAP.
     
  7. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    Hey I know all this already, plus you posted this on the forum already, LOL...

    What are you on some WAP Mission?

    Hey what do you want the industry to call them then? A Router/Switch/WAP?

    I don't think anyone is trying to deceive anyone by calling it a wireless router, it's just a simple term to try an explain what it is.

    Hey us Geeks know a router simply 'Routes'... ;)
     
  8. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    I don't think their is any deceit either - just want folks to understand they are different.
     
  9. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    Your avater makes me feel like, Duck Dogers is on the case! LOL... :)
     
  10. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Registered Member

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    In order, my choice would be WPA2 over WPA and AES over TKIP, but you'll have to take the least common denominator of your device pool.
     
  11. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    For WPA2, you want TKIP plus AES.

     
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