Monday, February 18, 2008

McAfee Wireless Network Security

McAfee Wireless Network Security

Wireless Network Security provides industry standard, automatic protection against data theft, unauthorized network access, and broadband "freeloading" through an easy and intuitive one-click interface. Wireless Network Security encrypts your personal and private data as it is sent over Wi-Fi and blocks hackers from accessing your wireless network.

Wireless Network Security blocks hackers from attacking your wireless network by:

  • Preventing unauthorized connects to the Wi-Fi network
  • Preventing capture of data that is transmitted over a Wi-Fi network
  • Detecting connection attempts to a Wi-Fi network

Wireless Network Security combines ease-of-use features, such as instant network lockdown and the ability to quickly add legitimate users to the network, with robust security features such as automatic encrypted key generation and scheduled key rotation.

In this chapter

Features

Wireless Network Security offers the following features.

Always-on protection

Wireless Network Security automatically detects and protects any vulnerable wireless network that you connect to.

Intuitive interface

Protect your network without having to make difficult decisions or knowing complex technical terms.

Strong automatic encryption

Only let your friends and family have access to your network and protect your data as it travels back and forth.

Software only solution

Wireless Network Security works with your standard wireless router or access point and security software. You do not need to buy additional hardware.

Automatic key rotation

Even the most determined hackers cannot capture your information because the key is continuously rotating.

Addition of network users

You can easily grant your friends and family access to your network. You can add users wirelessly or by transferring software via a USB drive.

Intuitive connection tool

The wireless connection tool is intuitive and informative, with details about signal strength and security state.

Event logging and alerts

Easy to understand reports and alerts offer advanced users more information on your wireless network.

Suspend mode

Temporarily suspend key rotation so that particular applications can run without interruption.

Compatibility with other equipment

Wireless Network Security automatically updates itself with the latest wireless router or access point modules from the most popular brands including: Linksys®, NETGEAR®, D-Link®, Belkin®, TRENDnet®, and others.

Starting Wireless Network Security

After installation, Wireless Network Security is automatically enabled; you are not required to start it manually. Optionally, however, you can manually enable and disable wireless protection.

After you install Wireless Network Security, your computer attempts to establish a connection to the wireless router. Once the connection is established, the computer programs the encryption key into the wireless router. If the default password has been changed, you are prompted for the password so that Wireless Network Security can configure the wireless router with the shared encryption key, and a strong security mode. Your computer is also configured with the same shared key and encryption mode, establishing a secure wireless connection.

In this section

Start Wireless Network Security

Wireless Network Security is enabled by default; however, you can manually enable and disable wireless protection.

Enabling wireless protection defends your wireless network against intrusion and data interception. However, if you are connected to an external wireless network, your protection varies based on its level of security.

To manually enable wireless protection:

  1. On the McAfee SecurityCenter pane, do one of the following:
    • Click Internet & Network, and then Configure.
    • Click Advanced Menu, then Configure on the Home pane, and then point to Internet & Network.
  2. On the Internet & Network Configuration pane, under Wireless protection, click On.

Note: Wireless Network Security is automatically enabled if you have a compatible wireless adapter installed.

Stop Wireless Network Security

Wireless Network Security is enabled by default; however, you can manually enable and disable wireless protection.

Disabling wireless protection leaves your network vulnerable to intrusion and data interception.

To disable wireless protection:

  1. On the McAfee SecurityCenter pane, do one of the following:
    • Click Internet & Network, and then Configure.
    • Click Advanced Menu, then Configure on the Home pane, and then point to Internet & Network.
  2. On the Internet & Network Configuration pane, under Wireless protection, click Off.

Protecting wireless networks

Wireless Network Security protects your network by implementing wireless encryption (either through WEP, WPA, or WPA2 depending on your equipment). It automatically programs clients and wireless routers with the valid encryption key credentials, so that the wireless router authorizes computers to connect.Wireless networks protected with encryption block unauthorized users from accessing the wireless network and protects data that is sent over a wireless network. Wireless Network Security accomplishes this by:

  • Creating and distributing a long, strong, random, and shared encryption key
  • Rotating the encryption key on a scheduled basis
  • Configuring each wireless device with encryption keys

In this chapter

Setting up protected wireless networks

When Wireless Network Security is installed, it automatically prompts you to protect the insecure wireless network that you are connected to or to join a previously protected wireless network.

If you are not connected a wireless network, Wireless Network Security scans for a McAfee-protected network with a strong signal strength and prompts the user to join the network. If no protected networks are available, Wireless Network Security scans for insecure networks with strong signals and when one is found, prompts you to protect that network.

Unless a wireless network is protected by Wireless Network Security, McAfee considers the network unprotected, even it it employs a wireless security mechanism such as WEP and WPA.

In this section

About access types

Any wireless computer with Wireless Network Security installed can create a protected wireless network. The first computer to protect a router and create a protected wireless network is automatically granted administrative access on that network. Computers that join later can be granted administrative, full, or guest access by an existing user with administrative access.

Computers with administrative and full access types can perform the following tasks:

  • Protect and remove a router or access point
  • Rotate security keys
  • Change network security settings
  • Repair networks
  • Grant computers access to the network
  • Revoke access to the protected wireless network
  • Change a computer's administration level

Computers with guest access types can perform the following tasks on the network:

  • Connect to a network
  • Join a network
  • Modify settings specific to the guest computer

Note: Computers can have administrative access on one wireless network but guest or full access on another. A computer which has guest or full access on a network can create a new network.

Related topics

Create protected wireless networks

To create a protected wireless network, you must first add the wireless network's wireless router or access point.

To add a wireless router or access point:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Protection Tools pane, under Protect Wireless Router/AP, click Protect.
  4. On the Protect Wireless Router/AP pane, select a wireless network to protect, and then click Protect.

    Protecting Your Wireless Network pane appears as Wireless Network Security attempts to protect your computer, router, and network connection.

    Successful protection of all these components results in the total protection of your wireless network.

  5. Click Done.

Note: After you protect a network, the Your Next Steps dialog reminds you to install Wireless Network Security on each of your wireless computers to allow them to join the network.

If you had previously manually configured a pre-shared key for your router or access point and you were not connected when you tried to protect the router or access point, you must also enter the key in the WEP Key box, and then click Connect. If you had previously changed your wireless router's administrative user name or password, you are prompted to enter this information prior to protecting a router or access point.

Related topics

Join protected wireless networks

A protected network prevents hackers from intercepting data that is transmitted across the network and from connecting to your network. Before an authorized computer can access a protected wireless network, they must first join it.

When a computer requests to join the managed network, a message is sent to the other computers on the network who have administrative access. As the administrator, you are responsible for deciding which type of access to grant the computer: guest, full, or administrative.

Before you can join a protected network, you must install Wireless Network Security and then connect to the protected wireless network. An existing network user with administrative access on the protected wireless network must allow you to join. After you join the network, you do not have to rejoin it in the future. Both the grantor and the joiner must have an active wireless connection. The grantor must be an administrator computer that is connected to the network.

To join a protected wireless network:

  1. On the unprotected computer, right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, select a network, and then click Connect.
  4. On the Join Protected Wireless Network dialog, click Yes to join the network.

    As Wireless Network Security attempts to request permission to join the network, the Joining a Protected Wireless Network pane appears on the computer attempting to join the network.

  5. The Join the Network pane appears on the the administrator computer from which guest, full, or administrative access can be granted.

    On the Join the Network dialog, select one of the following options:

    Options

    Description

    Grant guest access

    Allows the computer to send files to other computers on the wireless network, but not share files with McAfee EasyNetwork.

    Grant full access to all managed network applications

    Allows the computer to send and share files with McAfee EasyNetwork.

    Grant administrative access to all managed network applications:

    Allows the computer to send and share files with McAfee EasyNetwork, grant access to other computers, and adjust other computers' access levels on the wireless network.

  6. Click Grant Access.
  7. Confirm that the cards displayed on the Granting Network Access pane match those displayed on the computer attempting to join the wireless network. If the cards match, click Grant Access.

    If the computers do not display identical playing cards, a potential security breach has occurred. Granting this computer access to the network could put your computer at risk. To prohibit the computer from accessing the wireless network, click Reject Access.

  8. The Granting Network Access pane confirms that the new computer is protected by Wireless Network Security. To monitor the security settings of, and to be monitored by, other computers, select Allow this computer and other computers on this network to monitor each other's security settings.
  9. Click Done.
  10. The Available Wireless Networks pane shows that you are connected to the protected wireless network.

Related topics

Connect to protected wireless networks

If you have already joined a protected wireless network, but later disconnected and your access was not revoked, you can reconnect any time without having to rejoin.

To connect to a protected wireless network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, select a network, and then click Connect.

Grant computers administrative access

Computers with administrative privileges can protect wireless routers, change security modes, and grant new computers access to the protected wireless network.

To configure administrative access:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Configure pane, select Administration Settings.
  4. On the Wireless Administration Options pane, select Yes or No to allow or disallow administrative access.
  5. Click Apply.

Related topics

Protect other wireless devices

Wireless Network Security allows you to add other wireless devices to the network, including wireless printers, print servers, or game consoles.

To add other wireless devices:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Protection Tools pane, under Protect Non-AP Devices, click Protect.
  4. On the Protect a Wireless Device pane, select a wireless device, and then click Protect.
  5. The Non-AP Device Protected alert confirms that the device has been added to the network.

Connect to Broadcast SSID-disabled networks

You can connect to wireless networks that have Broadcast SSID disabled. When routers have Broadcast SSID disabled, they do not appear on the Available Wireless Networks pane.

McAfee recommends that you do not protect wireless routers that have disabled Broadcast SSID with Wireless Network Security.

To connect to a wireless network with Broadcast SSID disabled:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, click Advanced.
  4. On the Wireless Networks pane, click Add.
  5. On the Add Wireless Network pane, specify the following settings, and then click OK:

Setting

Description

Network

The name of your network. If you are modifying a network, you cannot change the name.

Security Settings

The security for your unprotected network. Note that if the wireless adapter does not support the mode you select, you cannot connect. Security modes include: Disabled, Open WEP, Shared WEP, Auto WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK.

Encryption Mode

The encryption associated with the security mode you selected. Encryption modes include: WEP, TKIP, AES, and TKIP+AES.

Note: McAfee recommends that you do not protect wireless routers that have disabled Broadcast SSID with Wireless Network Security. If you must use this feature, only do so when broadcast SSID is disabled.

Add computers to the protected wireless network

You can add computers to the protected wireless network using a removable device, such as a USB flash drive, writable CD, or Windows Connect Now technology.

In this section

Add computers using a removable device

Wireless Network Security allows you add additional computers to the protected wireless network that are not running Wireless Network Security, using a USB flash drive or a writable CD.

To add a computer:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Protection Tools pane, under Protect a Computer, click Protect.
  4. On the Protect Another Computer pane, select Copy Wireless Network Security to a removable device, such as a USB key.
  5. Select a location of the CD Drive or USB flash drive on which to copy Wireless Network Security.
  6. Click Copy.
  7. After all the files are copied to the CD or USB flash drive, insert the removable device into the computer that you want to protect. If the program does not automatically launch, browse the contents of the removable medium from Windows Explorer, and then click Install.exe.
  8. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Note: You can also add a computer to the protected wireless network using Windows Connect Now technology.

Related topics

Add computers using Windows Connect Now technology

Wireless Network Security allows you add additional computers to your network that are not running Wireless Network Security, using Windows Connect Now technology.

To add a computer using Windows Connect Now technology:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Protection Tools pane, under Protect a Computer, click Protect.
  4. On the Protect Another Computer pane, select Create a Windows Connect Now disk
  5. Select a location to copy the Windows Connect Now information.
  6. Click Copy.
  7. Insert the Windows Connect Now disk in to the computer you want to protect
  8. If the disk does not start automatically, do one of the following:
    • Install Wireless Connect Now technology: Click Start from the Windows taskbar, and then click Control Panel. If you're using the Category view of Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. If you're using the Classic view of Control Panel, click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. Follow the instructions on your screen.
    • Open setupSNK.exe on the Windows Connect disk and copy and paste the key into your wireless network selection client.

Note: Suspend key rotation if you use Windows Connect Technology to connect to the wireless network, otherwise your network connection will fail. The connection fails because key rotation creates a new key that differs from the key used by Windows Connect Now Technology.

You can also add computers to the protected wireless network using a removable device, such as a writable CD or USB flash drive.

Related topics

Administering wireless networks

Wireless Network Security provides a full set of administration tools to help you manage and maintain your wireless network.

In this chapter

Managing wireless networks

When you are connected to a protected wireless network, the information that is sent and received is encrypted. Hackers cannot decrypt the data that is transmitted over the protected network and cannot connect to your network. Wireless Network Security provides a number of tools to help you manage your network to prevent further intrusion.

In this section

About Wireless Network Security icons

Wireless Network Security displays icons to represent various network connection types and signal strengths.

Network status icons

The following table describes the icons commonly used by Wireless Network Security in the Wireless Network Status panes and the Protection Tools and Available Wireless Networks panes. The icons represent various network connection and security states.

Icon

Status panes

Protection Panes

Your computer is connected to the selected protected wireless network.

The device is protected by Wireless Network Security.

Your computer can access the protected wireless network, but is not currently connected.

The device uses WEP or WPA security.

Your computer is a former member of the protected wireless network, but access was revoked when the computer was disconnected from the network.

The device has Wireless Network Security disabled.

Signal Strength icons

The following table describes the icons commonly used by Wireless Network Security to represent various network signal strengths.

Icon

Description

Excellent signal strength

Very good signal strength

Good signal strength

Low signal strength

Related topics

List preferred networks

Wireless Network Security allows you to specify preferred wireless networks. This allows you to specify the order of networks that your computer automatically connects to. Wireless Network Security attempts to connect to the first network that appears on the list.

This features is useful when, for example, you want to automatically connect to your friend's wireless network when you are in his area. You can promote another network to the top of the list.

To list preferred networks:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, click Advanced.
  4. Select the network whose order you want to adjust, and click Move Up or Move Down.
  5. Click OK.

Related topics

Remove preferred wireless networks

You can use Wireless Network Security to remove preferred networks.

This is useful when, for example, you would like to remove an obsolete network from the list.

To remove preferred networks:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, click Advanced.
  4. On the Wireless Networks pane, select a network, and then click Remove.
  5. Click OK.

Related topics

Rename protected wireless networks

You can use Wireless Network Security to rename your existing protected wireless network.

Renaming the network can be helpful if its name is similar or identical to one used by your neighbor or if you want to create a unique name so that it is easier for you to distinguish.

Computers connected to the protected wireless network may be required to manually reconnect and are notified when the name changes.

After the network has been renamed, the new name appears on the Protected Wireless Router/AP pane.

To modify your protected wireless network name:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Network Security pane, type the new name in the Protected Wireless Network Name box.
  4. Click Apply.

    The Updating Network Security Settings dialog is displayed as Wireless Network Security changes the name of your protected wireless network. Depending on the your computer's settings and signal strength, the name of the network changes in less than one minute.

Note: As a security measure, McAfee recommends that you rename the router's or access point's default SSID. Although Wireless Network Security supports default SSIDs such as "linksys," or "belkin54g" or "NETGEAR," renaming SSIDs protects you against rouge access point threats.

Configure alert settings

Wireless Network Security allows you to configure alert settings to show alerts when certain events occur, such as when a new computer connects to your network.

To configure alert behavior:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. Click Alert Settings.
  4. Select or clear one or more of the following events, and then click Apply:

Alert Setting

Description

The security key for your protected wireless network is rotated

Displays the Security Key Rotated alert after you manually or automatically rotate the security key. Rotating the key protects your network from hackers attempting to intercept your data or connecting to your network.

Another protected computer connects to or disconnects from the network

Displays the Computer Connected or Computer Disconnected alert after a computer connects to or disconnects from the protected wireless network. Data on connected computers is now protected against intrusion and data interception.

Another computer is granted access to your protected wireless network

Displays the Computer Granted Network Access alert after an administrator computer allows another computer to join the protected wireless network. Granting a computer access to the protected network protects it against hackers attempting to intercept your data.

Key rotation for your protected wireless network is suspended or resumed

Displays either the Key Rotation Suspended or Key Rotation Resumed alert after you manually suspend or resume key rotation. Key rotation protects your network from hackers attempting to intercept your data or connecting to your network.

Access is revoked for all disconnected computers

Displays the Access Revoked alert after access for computers not connected to the network is revoked. Disconnected computers must rejoin the network.

A router is added to or removed from your protected wireless network

Displays the Router/AP Added to Network or the Router/AP Unprotected alert after the wireless router or access point is added to or removed from the protected wireless network.

The logon information for a protected wireless router changes

Displays the Router/AP Logon Changed alert after the Wireless Network Security administrator changes the user name or password for a router or access point.

The name or security setting of your protected wireless network changes

Displays the Network Settings Changed or Network Renamed alert after you rename the protected wireless network or adjust its security setting.

The settings for your protected wireless network are repaired

Displays the Network Repaired alert the security settings on your network's wireless routers or access points are fixed.

Note: To choose or clear all alert settings, click Select All or Clear All. To reset Wireless Network Security's alert settings, click Restore Defaults.

Related topics

Display connection notifications

You can configure Wireless Network Security to notify you when your computer connects to a wireless network.

To display notification when you connect to a wireless network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. Click Other Settings.
  4. Select Display notification message when connected to a wireless network.
  5. Click Apply.

Related topics

Remove wireless routers or access points

Wireless Network Security allows you to remove one or more routers or access points from your protected network.

To remove a wireless router or access point:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Protection Tools pane, under Unprotect a Device, click Unprotect.
  4. On the Unprotect Wireless Router/AP pane, select a wireless router or access point to remove from the protected network, and then click Unprotect.
  5. Click OK on the Wireless Router/AP Unprotected dialog to confirm that the wireless router or access point was removed from the network.

Related topics

Disconnect from protected wireless networks

Wireless Network Security allows you to disconnect your computer from the network.

This task is useful when, for example, your computer has connected to a network using a name that is identical to your network name. You can disconnect from the network, and then reconnect to yours.

This feature is useful, as well, when you accidently connect to the wrong network either because another access point's signal strength is strong or as a result of radio interference.

To disconnect from a protected wireless network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, select the network, and then click Disconnect.

Related topics

Revoke network access

Wireless Network Security allows you to revoke access for computers that are not connected to the network. A new security key rotation schedule is established: computers not connected will lose access to the protected wireless network, but can regain it by rejoining the network. Access for connected computers is preserved.

For example, you can revoke the access of a visitor's computer with Wireless Network Security after it disconnects. In addition, an adult can revoke access of a computer used by a child as a form of parental control to Internet access. Access for a computer that was accidently granted can be revoked also.

To revoke access for all disconnected computers from the protected network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Tools pane, click Maintenance Tools.
  4. On the Maintenance Tools pane, under Revoke Access, click Revoke.
  5. On the Revoke Access pane, click Revoke.
  6. Click OK in the Wireless Network Security dialog.

Related topics

Leave protected wireless networks

You can use Wireless Network Security to cancel your access rights to a protected network.

To leave a network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Configure pane, click Other Settings.
  4. On the Other Settings pane, under Protected Network Access, select the network that you want to leave, and then click Leave Network.
  5. On the Disconnect from the Network pane, click Yes to leave the network.

Note: When you leave a network, another user must grant you access to the protected network before rejoining it.

Related topics

Managing wireless network security

Wireless Network Security provides a complete set of tools to help you manage the security features of your wireless network.

In this chapter

Configuring security settings

After you connect to a protected wireless network, Wireless Network Security automatically protects your network; however, you can configure additional security settings at any time.

In this section

Configure security modes

You can specify the security mode of your protected wireless network. Security modes define the encryption between your computer and the router or access point.

When you protect your network, WEP is automatically configured. However, McAfee recommends that you change the security mode to WPA2 or WPA-PSK AES. Wireless Network Security uses WEP initially because this mode is supported by all routers and wireless network adapters. Most new routers and wireless network adapters, however, work in WPA mode, which is more secure.

To change the security mode for a protected wireless network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Network Security pane, select the type of security you want to implement from the Security Mode box, and then click Apply.

    The following table describes available security modes:

Strength

Mode

Description

Weakest

WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is part of the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking standard to secure IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. WEP provides a level of security that can prevent unsophisticated snooping, but is generally not as secure as WPA-PSK encryption. Although Wireless Network Security provides a strong (hard to guess and long) key, McAfee recommends that you use a WPA security mode.

Average

WPA-PSK TKIP

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is an early version of the 802.11i security standard. TKIP is designed for WPA to enhance WEP. TKIP provides message integrity, re-keying mechanism, and per packet key mixing

Strong

WPA-PSK AES

This security mode combines WPA and AES modes. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a block cipher adopted as an encryption standard by the US government.

Stronger

WPA2-PSK AES

This security mode combines WPA2 and AES modes. WPA2 is the next advancement to the ratification of the 802.11i security standard. WPA2 employs Counter Mode CBC MAC Protocol (CCMP), which is a more secure and scalable solution compared than TKIP. This is the strongest security mode available for consumers.

Strongest

WPA2-PSK TKIP+AES

This security mode combines WPA2 and AES, and WPA-PSK TKIP, modes. It allows for greater flexibility so that both old and new wireless adapters can connect.

Note: After the security mode is changed, you may be required to manually reconnect.

Related topics

Configure network security settings

You can modify network properties of networks that are protected by Wireless Network Security. This is useful when, for example, you want to upgrade the security from WEP to WPA.

McAfee recommends that you modify network security settings if an alert suggests that you do so.

To configure unprotected network properties:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Wireless Networks.
  3. On the Available Wireless Networks pane, click Advanced.
  4. On the Wireless Networks pane, click Properties.
  5. On the Wireless Network Properties pane, you modify the following settings, and then click OK:

Setting

Description

Network

The name of your network. If you are modifying a network, you cannot change the name.

Security Settings

The security for your unprotected network. Note that if the wireless adapter does not support the mode you select, you cannot connect. Security modes include: Disabled, Open WEP, Shared WEP, Auto WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK.

Encryption Mode

The encryption associated with the security mode you selected. Encryption modes include: WEP, TKIP, AES, and TKIP+AES.

Change credentials for wireless devices

You can change the user name or password for a device on your wireless network. The list of devices appear under Protected Wireless Network Devices.

McAfee recommends that you change your credentials because the majority of wireless devices made by a single manufacturer have the same logon credentials. Changing login credentials helps prevent others from accessing your wireless router or access point, and changing its settings.

To change the user name or password for a protected wireless network device:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Network Security pane, under Protected Wireless Network Devices, select a wireless router or access point, and then click Change User Name or Password.
  4. Click OK on the Wireless Network Security dialog after entering your logon information.

    The new user name and password appear under Protected Wireless Network Devices.

Note: Some routers do not support user names and therefore a user name will not appear under Protected Wireless Network Devices.

Repair network security settings

If you are experiencing problems with your security settings or configuration, you can use Wireless Network Security to repair your router or access point settings.

To repair your security settings:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Tools pane, click Maintenance Tools.
  4. Under Repair Network Security Settings, click Repair.
  5. On the Repair Network Security Settings pane, click Repair.

    A Wireless Network Security alert indicates whether the network has or has not been repaired.

Note: If the attempt to repair your network is unsuccessful, connect to the network using a cable, and then retry. If the router or access point password has changed, you must reenter your password to connect.

Administering network keys

Wireless Network Security generates a long, strong, and random encryption keys with a random key generator. With WEP, the key is translated to a 26-digit hexadecimal value (for 104 bits of entropy, or strength, the maximum strength supported by 128 bit WEP), while with WPA, the key is a 63-character ASCII string. Each character has 64 possible values (6 bits), yielding 384 bits of entropy, which exceeds the WAP key strength of 256 bits.

When you manage network keys, you can display keys in plain text or asterisks for non-protected access points, discard saved keys for non-protected access points, enable or disable key rotation, change the key rotation frequency, manually rotate the key, and suspend key rotation.

When keys automatically rotate, hacker's tools cannot capture your information because the key is continuously changing.

However, if you are connecting wireless devices that Wireless Network Security does not support (for example, connecting a wireless handheld computer to your network), you must write down the key, stop key rotation, and then enter it on the device.

In this section

View current keys

Wireless Network Security provides quick access to wireless security information, including the current key for a protected wireless network.

To view the current key:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. On the Wireless Network Status pane, under the Protected Wireless Network pane, click Current Key.

    The key configured for your network appears in the Key Configuration dialog.

Related topics

Rotate keys automatically

Automatic key rotation is enabled by default, however, if you suspend key rotation, a computer with administrative access can re-enable it later.

You can configure Wireless Network Security to automatically rotate protected wireless network's security key.

Wireless Network Security automatically generates an infinite series of strong keys, which is synchronized across the network. The wireless connection can be briefly interrupted as the wireless router reboots with the new security key configuration, but this is usually undetected by network users.

To enable automatic key rotation:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Network Security pane, check Enable automatic key rotation.

    You can also resume key rotation from the Wireless Network Status pane.

  4. Click Apply.

Note: Key rotation automatically occurs every three hours by default, but you can adjust the frequency of key rotation to meet your security requirements.

Related topics

Resume key rotation

Although automatic key rotation is enabled by default, a computer with administrative access can resume key rotation after suspending it.

To resume key rotation:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. On the Wireless Network Status pane, click Resume Key Rotation.

    The Key Rotation Started and Security Key Rotated alerts confirms key rotation started and was successful.

Related topics

Adjust key rotation frequency

If Wireless Network Security is configured to automatically rotate the protected wireless network's security key, you can adjust the period in which key rotation takes place, ranging from every fifteen minutes to fifteen days.

McAfee recommends that the security key be rotated daily.

To adjust automatic key rotation frequency:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Network Security pane, confirm that automatic key rotation is enabled, and then move the Frequency slider to one of the following settings:
    • every 15 minutes
    • every 30 minutes
    • every 1 hour
    • every 3 hours
    • every 12 hours
    • every 1 day
    • every 7 days
    • every 15 days
  4. Click Apply.

Note: Ensure that automatic key rotation is enabled before setting the key rotation frequency.

Related topics

Suspend automatic key rotation

Key rotation can be suspended by any computer connected to the wireless network. You may want to suspend key rotation to do the following:

  • Allow a guest to access the network and who does not have Wireless Network Security installed
  • Allow a non-Windows system, such as a Macintosh, Linux, or TiVo to gain access. After you stop key rotation, note the key, and enter it on the new device.
  • Allow a wireless connection that is uninterrupted by key rotations for certain programs such as online games.
  • You should resume automatic key rotation as soon as possible to ensure that your network is fully protected from hackers.

To view the current key:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. On the Wireless Network Status pane, under the Protected Wireless Network pane, click Current Key. Note the key that appears on the Key Configuration dialog. Other computers that do not have Wireless Network Security installed can use this key to connect to the protected wireless network.
  4. On the Key Configuration dialog, click Suspend Key Rotation.
  5. On the Key Rotation Suspended dialog, click OK to continue working.

Warning: If key rotation is not suspended, unsupported Wireless devices that are manually connected to the network disconnect when the key rotates.

You can create a Windows Connect Now disk and then use the text file to copy and paste the key onto the other computer and device.

Related topics

Manually rotate network keys

Wireless Network Security allows you to manually rotate a network key, even when automatic key rotation is enabled.

To manually rotate a network key:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Tools.
  3. On the Tools pane, click Maintenance Tools.
  4. On the Maintenance Tools page, under Manually Rotate Security Key, click Rotate.

    The Key Rotation Started alert appears and confirms that key rotation has begun. After the security key is rotated, the Security Key Rotated alert appears, confirming that the key rotation was successful.

Note: To ease management of your security keys, you can automatically enable key rotation on the Network Security pane.

If no computers are connected to your wireless network, key rotation automatically occurs when the first computer connects.

Related topics

Display keys in asterisks

Keys are, by default, displayed as asterisks, but you can configure Wireless Network Security to display keys in plain text on networks that are not protected by Wireless Network Security.

Networks protected by Wireless Network Security display the key in plain text.

To display keys in asterisks:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. Click Other Settings.
  4. Clear the Display keys in plain text box.
  5. Click Apply.

Related topics

Display keys in plain text

Keys are, by default, displayed as asterisks, but you can configure Wireless Network Security to display keys in plain text on networks that are not protected by Wireless Network Security.

Networks protected by Wireless Network Security display the key in plain text.

To display keys in plain text:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. Click Other Settings.
  4. Select the Display keys in plain text box.
  5. Click Apply.

Related topics

Delete network keys

Wireless Network Security automatically saves your WEP and WPA Preshared keys, which you can delete at any time.

To delete all your network key(s):

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Configure.
  3. On the Configure pane, click Other Settings.
  4. On the Other Settings pane, under WEP and WPA Preshared Keys, click Delete Keys.
  5. On the Clear Keys dialog, click Yes if you are sure you want to delete all stored WEP and WPA Preshared keys.

Warning: Deleting keys permanently removes them from your computer. After you delete your network keys, you must enter the correct key to connect to a WEP and WPA network.

Monitoring wireless networks

Wireless Network Security allows you to monitor the status of your wireless network and protected computers.

In this chapter

Monitoring wireless network connections

You can view the status of your network connection, security mode, speed, duration, signal strength, and a security report on the Wireless Network Status pane.

The following table describes status indicators for wireless network connections.

Status

Description

Information

Status

Displays whether your computer is connected to a network and which network it is connected to

View the connection status

Security

Displays the security mode of the network you are connected to. Wireless Network Security is displayed if you are protected by Wireless Network Security.

View the network security mode

Speed

Displays the speed of your computer's connect to the network.

View the network connection speed

Duration

Displays the the period of time your computer has been connected to the network.

View the duration of your network connection

Signal Strength

Displays the relative signal strength of the network.

View the network's signal strength

Security Scan

Clicking Security Scan displays security information, such as wireless security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and the status of your wireless network.

View the online security report

In this section

View the connection status

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to review the status of you network connection, to confirm whether you are connected or disconnected from the network.

To view the wireless connection status:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The computers connected to the protected wireless network and the time and date when each connected is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane, under Computers.

Related topics

View the network security mode

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to review the network connection's security mode.

To view the network security mode:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The security mode is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane in the Security box.

    Wireless Network Security is displayed if the wireless network is protected by Wireless Network Security.

Related topics

View the network connection speed

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to review the speed of your computer's connection to the network.

To view the network connection speed:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The connection speed is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane in the Speed box.

Related topics

View the duration of your network connection

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to review the length of time you have been connected to the network.

To view the duration of your connection to the network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The length of time that your commuter has been connected to the wireless network is displayed in the Duration box.

Related topics

View the network's signal strength

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to review the signal strength of the network.

To view the signal strength:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The quality of your signal is displayed in the Signal Strength box.

Related topics

View the online security report

You can use the Wireless Network Status pane to view a report about the your wireless connection, whether it is safe or insecure.

The McAfee wi-fiscan Web page displays information about your wireless security vulnerabilities, performance issues, information about your wireless connection, a recommended security solution, and indicates whether your connection is secure.

Before you view the security report, ensure that you have an Internet connection.

To view an online security report about your network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. On the Wireless Network Status pane, click Security Scan.

    After your browser opens, you must download and install an ActiveX component. Depending on your browser's configuration, the browser may block the control. Allow your browser to download the component and then run it to begin the scan. Depending on your Internet connection speed, the scan can take some time.

Note: See your browser's documentation for information about downloading ActiveX components.

McAfee's wi-fiscan supports Internet Explorer 5.5 and above.

Related topics

Monitoring protected wireless networks

Wireless Network Security allows you to view the number of connections, key rotations, and protected computers on the Wireless Network Status pane. You can also view network events, current key, and currently protected computers.

The following table describes the status indicators for protected wireless network connections.

Status

Description

Information

Key rotations today

Displays the daily number of key rotations on the protected wireless network.

View the number of key rotations

Connections today

Displays the daily number of connections to the protected network.

View the number of daily connections

Computers protected this month

Displays the number of computers protected for the current month.

View the number of monthly protected computers

Network events

Clicking Network Events displays network, connection, and key rotation events.

View protected wireless network events

Computers

Displays the number of computers connected to the protected wireless network and when each computer connected.

View currently protected computers

In this section

View the number of key rotations

Wireless Network Security allows you to view the daily number of key rotations that have occurred on your protected network, and when key rotation last took place.

To view the daily number of key rotations:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The total number of connections and the most recent key rotation is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane, under Protected Wireless Network, in the Key rotations today field.

Related topics

View the number of daily connections

Wireless Network Security allows you to view the daily number of connections to the protected network.

To view the connections of your protected wireless network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.

    The total number of connections is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane, under Protected Wireless Network, in the Connections today box.

Related topics

View the number of monthly protected computers

Wireless Network Security allows you to view the number of computers protected for the current month.

To view the number of computers protected for the current month:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. The number of computers protected during the current month is displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane, under Protected Wireless Network, in the Computers secured this month box.

Related topics

View protected wireless network events

Wireless Network Security logs events on the wireless network such as when security keys are rotated, when other computers connect to the McAfee-protected network, and when other computers join the McAfee-protected network.

Wireless Network Security allows you to view a report that describes events that have occurred on your network. You can specify the types of events to display and can sort event information based on date, event, or computer.

To view network events:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Do one of the following:

    To...

    Do this...

    View network events from the Wireless Network Status pane

    1. Select View Status.

    2. On the Wireless Network Status pane, under Protected Wireless Network, click Network Events.

    View network events from the Wireless Network Status pane

    1. Click View Tools.

    2. On the Tools pane, click Maintenance Tools.

    3. On the Maintenance Tools pane, under View Event Log, click View.

  3. Select one or more of the following events to display:
    • Network Events: Displays information about network activity, such as the protection of a wireless router or access point.
    • Connection Events: Displays information about network connections, such as the date and time of a computer connected to the network.
    • Key Rotation Events: Displays information about the dates and times of security key rotations.
  4. Click Close.

Related topics

View currently protected computers

You can view the number of computers connected to the protected wireless network and when each last connected.

To view computers connected to the protected network:

  1. Right-click the Wireless Network Security icon in the Windows Notification area.
  2. Select View Status.
  3. Computers that are connected to the protected wireless network, and the time and date that each most recently connected, are displayed on the Wireless Network Status pane, under Computers.

Related topics

Troubleshooting

You can troubleshoot problems when using Wireless Network Security and third-party equipment, including:

  • Difficulties with installation
  • Unable to protect or configure your network
  • Unable to connect computers to your network
  • Unable to connect to a network or the Internet
  • Other issues

In this chapter

Installing Wireless Network Security

You can troubleshoot the following installation problems.

  • Which computers to install this software on
  • Wireless adapter not detected
  • Multiple wireless adapters
  • Unable to download on wireless computers because the network is already secure

In this section

Which computers to install this software on

Install Wireless Network Security on every wireless computer in your network (unlike other McAfee programs, you can install this software on multiple computers). Adhere to the license agreement of your purchased software. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional licenses.

You can (but are not required to) install on computers that do not have wireless adapters, but the software is not active on these computers because they do not need wireless protection.

Wireless Network Security is currently supported on Windows XP or Windows 2000.

Compatible Wireless adapter not detected

If your wireless adapter is not detected when it is installed and enabled, restart your computer. If the adapter is still not detected after restarting your computer, follow these steps.

  1. Launch Windows' Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box.
  2. Using Windows' Classic Start menu, view, click Start, point to Settings, and then select Network Connections.
  3. Click the Wireless Network Connection icon.
  4. On the Wireless Network Connection Status dialog, click Properties.
  5. On the Wireless Network Connection Properties pane, clear MWL Filter and then re-select it.
  6. Click OK.

    If this does not solve the problem, verify by running the WiFi Scan. If the wi-fi scan works, then your adapter is supported. If not, then update your adapter's driver (use Windows Update or visit the manufacturer's Web site) or purchase a new device.

Related topics

Multiple wireless adapters

If an error states that you have multiple wireless adapters installed, you must disable or unplug one of them. Wireless Network Security only works with one wireless adapter.

Download fails on secure network

If you have an installation CD, install Wireless Network Security from the CD on all your wireless computers.

If you installed the software on one wireless computer and protected your network before installing the software on all the other wireless computers, you have these options.

  • Unprotect your network. Then, download the software and install it on all the wireless computers. Protect your network again.
  • View the network key. Then, enter the key on your wireless computer to connect to the network. Download and install the software, and join the network from the wireless computer.
  • Download the executable on the computer that is already connected to the network and save it on a USB flash drive or write it to a CD so you can install it on the other computers.
  • Run Windows Connect Now technology.

Related topics

Protecting or configuring your network

You can troubleshoot the following problems when protecting or configuring your network.

  • Unsupported router or access point
  • Update router or access point firmware
  • Duplicate administrator error
  • Network appears unsecured
  • Unable to repair
Unsupported router or access point

If an error states that your wireless router or access point may not be supported, Wireless Network Security was unable to configure your device because it did not recognize it or find it.

Verify that you have the latest version of Wireless Network Security by requesting an update (McAfee constantly adds support for new routers and access points). If your router or access point appears on the list of supported routers and you still receive this error, you are experiencing communication errors between your computer and the router or access point.

Related topics

Update router or access point firmware

If an error states that the firmware revision of your wireless router or access point is not supported, your device is supported, but the firmware revision of the device is not. Verify that you have the latest version of Wireless Network Security by requesting an update (McAfee constantly adds support for new firmware revisions).

If you have the latest version of Wireless Network Security, refer to the manufacturer's Web site or support organization for your router or access point and install a firmware version that is listed on the list of supported routers.

Related topics

Duplicate administrator error

After you configure your router or access point, you must log off the administration interface. In some cases, if you do not log off, the router or access point acts as if another computer is still configuring it and an error message appears.

If you cannot log off, unplug the power from the router or access point and then plug it in again.

Key rotation failed

The key rotation failed because:

  • The login information for your router or access point has been changed.
  • The firmware version of your router or access point has been changed to a version that is not supported.
  • Your router or access point is not available. Ensure that the router or access point is turned on, and that it is connected to your network.
  • Duplicate administrator error.
  • For some wireless routers, if another computer is manually logged into the wireless router's web interface, the McAfee client may not be able to also access the management interface to rotate the encryption key.

Related topics

Unable to repair the router or access point

If the repair fails, try the following. Note that each procedure is independent.

  • Connect to your network using a cable, then try repairing again.
  • Unplug the power from the router or access point, plug it in again, then try connecting.
  • Reset the wireless router or access point to its default setting and repair it. Doing so resets the wireless settings to its original settings. Then, reset your Internet connection settings.
  • Using the advanced options, leave the network from all the computers and reset the wireless router or access point to its default settings, then protect it. This resets the wireless settings to its original settings. Then, reset your Internet connection settings.

Related topics

Network appears unprotected

If your network is showing as unsecured, it is not protected. You must protect the network to secure it. Note that Wireless Network Security only functions with compatible routers and access points.

Related topics

Connecting computers to your network

You can troubleshoot the following problems when connecting computers to your network.

  • Waiting for authorization
  • Granting access to an unknown computer
Waiting for authorization

If you try to join a protected network and your computer remains in waiting for authorization mode, verify the following.

  • A wireless computer that already has access to the network is turned on and connected to the network.
  • Someone is present to grant access on that computer when it appears.
  • The computers are within wireless range of each other.

If Grant Access does not appear on the computer that already has access to the network, try granting from another computer.

If other computers are not available, unprotect the network from the computer that already has access, and protect the network from the computer that did not have access. Then, join the network from the computer that originally protected the network.

You can also use the Protect Another Computer feature.

Related topics

Granting access to an unknown computer

When you receive a request from an unknown computer to grant access, deny it until you can verify its legitimacy. Someone might be trying to illegitimately access your network.

Connecting to the Internet and network

You can troubleshoot the following problems when connecting to a network or the Internet.

  • Bad connection to the Internet
  • Connection briefly stops
  • Devices (not your computer) lose connection
  • Prompted to enter the WEP, WPA, or WPA2 key
  • Unable to connect
  • Update your wireless adapter
  • Weak signal level
  • Windows cannot configure your wireless connection
  • Windows shows no connection

In this section

Cannot connect to the the Internet

If you cannot connect, try accessing your network using a cable, and then connect to the Internet. If you still cannot connect, verify the following:

  • Your modem is turned on
  • Your PPPoE settings are correct
  • Your DSL or cable line is active

Connectivity problems such as speed and signal strength can also be caused by wireless interference. Try the following methods to fix the problem:

  • Change the channel of your cordless telephone
  • Eliminate possible sources of interference
  • Change the location of your wireless router, access point, or computer
  • Change the router or access point channel. Channels 1, 4, 7, and 11 are recommended for North and South America. Channels 1, 4, 7, 13 are recommended for other countries. Many routers are set to channel 6 by default
  • Ensure that your router and wireless adapter (especially a wireless USB adapter) are not against a wall
  • Ensure that your USB wireless adapter is not beside a wireless AP/router.
  • Position the router away from walls and metal
Connection interrupted

When your connection is briefly interrupted (for example, during an online game), key rotation can be the cause. To prevent this, you can suspend key rotation.

McAfee recommends that you resume key rotation as soon as you can to ensure that your network is fully protected from hackers.

Related topics

Devices lose connectivity

If some devices are losing their connection when you are using Wireless Network Security, try to fix the problem using the following methods:

  • Suspend the key rotation
  • Update the driver for the wireless adapter
  • Disable the adapter's client manager

Related topics

Prompted to enter the WEP, WPA, or WPA2 key

If you have to enter a WEP, WPA, or WPA2 key to connect to your protected wireless network, you probably did not install the software on your computer.

To function correctly, Wireless Network Security must be installed on every wireless computer in your network.

Related topics

Unable to connect to wireless network

If you are unable to connect, try the following. Note that each procedure is independent.

  • If you are not connecting to a protected network, verify that you have the correct key and enter it again.
  • Unplug the wireless adapter and plug it in again, or disable it and re-enable it.
  • Turn off the router or access point, and turn it on again, then try connecting.
  • Verify that your wireless router or access point is connected, and repair the security settings.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Update your wireless adapter or buy a new one. For example, your network could be using WPA-PSK TKIP security, and your wireless adapter might not support the network's security mode (the networks show WEP, even though they are set to WPA).
  • If you are unable to connect after you upgraded your wireless router or access point, you might have upgraded it to an unsupported version. Verify that the router or access point is supported. If it is not supported, downgrade it to a supported version, or wait until a Wireless Security update is available.

Related topics

Update your wireless adapter

You may be required to update your wireless adapter so that you can use Wireless Network Security.

To update your adapter:

  1. From your desktop, click Start, point to Settings, and then select Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties dialog box appears.
  3. Select the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
  4. In Device Manager list, double-click your adapter.
  5. Select the Driver tab and note the driver you have.
  6. Go to the Web site of the adapter's manufacturer to locate an update. Drivers are usually found in the Support or Downloads section. If you are using a miniPCI card, navigate to the computer's, not the card's manufacturer.
  7. If a driver update is available, follow the instructions on the Web site to download it.
  8. Go back to the Driver tab and click Update Driver. A Windows wizard appears.
  9. To install the driver, follow the instructions on the Web site.
Weak signal level

If your connection drops or is slow, your signal level might not be strong enough. To improve your signal, try the following:

  • Ensure that your wireless devices are not blocked by metal objects such as furnaces, ducts, or large appliances. Wireless signals do not travel well through these objects.
  • If your signal is going through walls, make sure that it does not have to cross at a shallow angle. The longer the signal travels inside a wall, the weaker it gets.
  • If your wireless router or access point has more than one antenna, try moving the two antennas perpendicular to each other (one upright and one horizontal, at a 90 degree angle).
  • Some manufacturers have high-gain antennas. Directional antennas provide longer range, while omni-directional antennas offer the most versatility. Consult your manufacturer's installation instructions for installing your antenna.

If these steps are not successful, add an Access Point to your network that is closer to the computer you are trying to connect to. If you configure your second AP with the same network name (SSID) and a different channel, your adapter automatically finds the strongest signal and connects through the appropriate AP.

Related topics

Windows does not support wireless connection

If a Windows error message indicates that it cannot configure your wireless connection, you can ignore it. Use Wireless Network Security to connect to, and configure wireless networks.

In the Windows Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, under the Wireless Networks tab, ensure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network setting box is clear.

Wireless Network Security allows:

  • Adapters installed on computers running Windows 2000 to connect to WPA networks, even though the card client manager is not supported.
  • Adapters on computers running Windows XP to connect to WPA2 networks without having to find and install the Win XP SP2 hotfix
  • Adapters under Windows XP SP1 to connect to WPA and WPA2 networks without having to locate and install a hotfix, which is not supported by Windows XP SP1.
Windows shows no connection

If you are connected, but the Windows Network icon is showing an X (no connection), ignore this. You have a good connection.

Other issues

You can troubleshoot the following problems:

  • Network name is different when using other programs
  • Problem when I configure wireless routers or access points
  • Replace computers
  • Select another security mode
  • Software does not work after upgrading operating systems

In this section

Network name differs when using other programs

If the name of the network is different when viewed through other programs (for example, _SafeAaf is part of the name), this is normal.

Wireless Network Security marks networks with a code when they are protected.

Configuring wireless routers or access points

If an error appears when configuring your router or access point or adding multiple routers on the network, verify that all the routers and access points have a distinct IP address.

If the name of your wireless router or access point appears in the Protect Wireless Router or Access Point dialog box, but you get an error when you configure it: Verify that your router or access point is supported.

If your router or access point is configured, but does not seem to be on the correct network (for example, you cannot see other computers attached to the LAN), verify that you configured the appropriate router or access point, and not your neighbor's. Unplug the power from the router or access point, and ensure that the connection drops. If the wrong router or access point was configured, unprotect it and then protect the correct router or access point.

If you are unable to configure or add your router or access point, but it is supported, some changes you performed might be preventing it from being properly configured.

  • Follow the manufacturer's directions to configure your wireless router or access point to DHCP, or to configure the correct IP address. In some cases, the manufacturer provides a configuration tool.
  • Reset your router or access point to factory defaults and try repairing your network again. You might have changed the administration port on the router or access point, or turned off wireless administration. Ensure that you are using the default configuration, and that wireless configuration is enabled. Another possibility is that the http administration is disabled. In this case, verify that the http administration is enabled. Ensure you use port 80 for administration.
  • If your wireless router or access point does not appear in the list of wireless routers or access points to protect or connect to, enable broadcast SSID and verify that you can see your router or access point in the Wireless Network Security's available wireless networks list.
  • If you get disconnected, or cannot establish a connection, MAC filtering might be enabled. Disable MAC filtering.
  • If you cannot perform network operations (for example, share files or print to shared printers) across two computers with wireless connection to the network, verify that you have not enabled AP Isolation. AP Isolation prevents wireless computers from being able to connect to each other over the network.
  • If you are using a firewall program other than McAfee Personal Firewall, ensure the subnet is trusted.

Related topics

Replace computers

If the computer that protected the network has been replaced and there are not any computers that have access (you cannot access the network), reset the wireless router or access point to its factory defaults and protect your network again.

Select another security mode

If an error states that you selected a security mode that is not supported by the wireless adapter, you must select a different security mode.

  • All adapters support WEP.
  • Most adapters that support WPA implement both WPA-PSK TKIP and WPA-PSK AES security modes.
  • Adapters that support WPA2 implement WPA security modes and WPA2-PSK TKIP, WPA2-PSK AES, and WPA2-PSK TKIP/AES.

Related topics

Software fails after upgrading operating systems

If Wireless Network Security fails after upgrading operating systems, remove and then reinstall the program.

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