Router wireless algorithm different than shown for wifi network adapter
by LenHoff from LinuxQuestions.org on (#5HASJ)
Where do the security modes & algorithm options come from that Linux (Mint) Network Connections or Network Manager display? (or don't show in a manager's GUI, but used)?
Mint 19 XFCE (32bit), Network Connections (the manager), has no field to select a wifi algorithm. Guessing it chooses the algorithm, based on the selected mode (WPA2, etc)??
Are they from the linux kernel used, the wifi network controller adapter, the controller's drivers or other source?
My router WRT54GL (w/ latest firmware) only offers WPA2 Personal and WPA2 Enterprise. (Other modes listed are older -not recommended).
Selecting "WPA2 Personal" in router wireless security, it offers separate algorithm options: "AES" and "AES+TKIP." (AES is selected).
Problem is, an older laptop with Intel Pro Wireless 3945ABG adapter & driver iwl3945, the Linux wifi connection setup only offers mode: "WPA / WPA2" - together as shown. It has other, older modes.
Running "iwlist wlp5s0 scanning," shows when "WPA / WPA2 Personal" is selected in Network Connections, it uses
"IE: IEEE 802.11i / WPA2 ver.1";
"Group cipher = CCMP" - (only one shown);
"Pairwise ciphers(1) CCMP" (only one shown);
Does mixing & matching AES - in the router - & CCMP in the wireless device really work as it should? No problem w/ laptop inet connection operation.
That doesn't mean wifi security is best it can be.
Contrast: If for router wireless security mode, I select WPA/WPA2 and algorithm TKIP + AES, then running "iwlist wlp5s0 scanning," the laptop's wireless network controller shows it's using AES (I believe).
Note: iPhones warn using "TKIP+AES" is a security issue - use only AES.
But in the router, if I select TKIP+AES, the command above (& others) shows the laptop's using AES & another - as a pair. I assume it defaults to using the highest algorithm of a pair like TKIP+AES?
Mint 19 XFCE (32bit), Network Connections (the manager), has no field to select a wifi algorithm. Guessing it chooses the algorithm, based on the selected mode (WPA2, etc)??
Are they from the linux kernel used, the wifi network controller adapter, the controller's drivers or other source?
My router WRT54GL (w/ latest firmware) only offers WPA2 Personal and WPA2 Enterprise. (Other modes listed are older -not recommended).
Selecting "WPA2 Personal" in router wireless security, it offers separate algorithm options: "AES" and "AES+TKIP." (AES is selected).
Problem is, an older laptop with Intel Pro Wireless 3945ABG adapter & driver iwl3945, the Linux wifi connection setup only offers mode: "WPA / WPA2" - together as shown. It has other, older modes.
Running "iwlist wlp5s0 scanning," shows when "WPA / WPA2 Personal" is selected in Network Connections, it uses
"IE: IEEE 802.11i / WPA2 ver.1";
"Group cipher = CCMP" - (only one shown);
"Pairwise ciphers(1) CCMP" (only one shown);
Does mixing & matching AES - in the router - & CCMP in the wireless device really work as it should? No problem w/ laptop inet connection operation.
That doesn't mean wifi security is best it can be.
Contrast: If for router wireless security mode, I select WPA/WPA2 and algorithm TKIP + AES, then running "iwlist wlp5s0 scanning," the laptop's wireless network controller shows it's using AES (I believe).
Note: iPhones warn using "TKIP+AES" is a security issue - use only AES.
But in the router, if I select TKIP+AES, the command above (& others) shows the laptop's using AES & another - as a pair. I assume it defaults to using the highest algorithm of a pair like TKIP+AES?