WEP Authentication Processes

WEP uses two methods for authentication:

• Open System authentication: In this method of authentication, users are not expected to enter their details to the Access Point (typically the router) during authentication. Any user can access the Access Point and try to use it. At that point, a WEP key would be requested to login. This type of authentication is normally used in campuses of schools and some internet cafes.

Shared Key authentication : Authentication occurs in a four step challenge response handshake:

The user sends an authentication request to the Access Point
The Access Point replies with a clear-text challenge
The user encrypts the challenge-text using the WEP key and sends it back in another authentication request
The Access Point decrypts the response. The Access Point sends a positive reply if it matches the challenge text.

It is recommended to use the Open System authentition where privacy is a major priority since it offers more privacy compared to the Shared Key authentication.