### Authentication

Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting access to the network.

Authentication is not the same as encryption. However, authentication can be used in conjunction with encryption.

Select the authentication method used on your wireless network:

- Open System (No Authentication): Select if your wireless network does not require authentication.
- Shared Key: Select if each device on the network uses a WEP key for network access. On the next screen you will enter the WEP key that the printer will use for authentication.
- Pre-Shared Key: Select Pre-Shared Key (EAP/PSK) authentication if your network uses a pre-shared key typically generated by a pass-phrase. Pre-Shared Key uses Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption for wireless communication and offers improved security. You can obtain the pass-phrase from the ‘Properties’ or ‘Settings’ dialog of your access point, gateway, or router online utility. The pass-phrase must be from 8 to 63 characters in length. Valid characters for a pass-phrase are 0-9, a-z, A-Z, and the set of symbols in the table below.

If you are not sure if your network uses authentication, click here.

! | @ | # | $ | % | ^
& | * | ( | ) | _ | +
= | - | { | } | [ | ]
| | \ | " | : | ; | '
< | > | ? | , | . | /
~ | ` |  |  |  |