WLAN AUTHENTICATION METHODS

AUTHENTICATION:

Initial connection between the client and AP, basically ensuring they are both valid 802.11 devices

 IEEE 802.11 devices must use an " authentication process" in order to access   network resources.

This IEEE 802.11 authentication process differs from conventional authentication methods such as providing credentials, such as a username and password, to gain access to a network.

Two types of 802.11 authentication methods:

1) OPEN SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION 

2) PRE-SHARED KEY AUTHENTICATION 

✓Open System Authentication:

Two management frames are exchanged between the device and the AP during Open System Authentication.

✓Pre-Shared Key Authentication:

During shared key authentication, Four Management frames exchanges between AP and Client. 

It is used for both 802.11 auth and data encryption.