Secure Printing In WLANs With WPA

Published 17th October 2005

Brighton, UK, October 17, 2005 – Network specialist SEH announces that the external print server PS54-G for 54MBit Wireless LAN (802.11g) is now equipped with the encryption method Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). The print server PS54-G features the security standards WPA and WPA2, which provide secure network traffic with functions like dynamic keys and optimized authentication. The device is available at around GBP 212 plus taxes.

WPA has become the general security standard for WLAN access points as the older standard Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) according to IEEE standard 802.11 is judged to be insecure. With the implementation of WPA and WPA2 PS54-G is equipped with the most secure, most modern, and most widely spread WLAN security standards currently available. The device is also operable with WEP as well as with EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, and Cisco LEAP.

WPA and WPA2 Security Mechanisms:
The most important security function of WPA is the utilization of dynamic keys for protection. These are based on the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). In addition, further functions are included, such as per packet key mixing, a re-keying mechanism, and a message integrity check (MIC). In Personal Mode pre-shared keys (PSK) are used for authentication. WPA2 provides a stronger encryption mechanism through Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is mandatory for FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standard), a standard that describes US Federal government requirements for IT products implementing cryptography. WPA2 is increasingly gaining importance for the financial community and the insurance industry.

Performance, Security, and Service Included:
PS54-G with WPA/WPA2 is compatible with Wi-Fi certified WLAN components. The device is also operable with WEP, EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, and Cisco LEAP. The high speed WLAN print server for use in 54MBit WLANs (802.11g) adapts to the slower standard 802.11b as well. The device features a USB 2.0 high speed port and a parallel port. Up to five printers can be connected using a separate USB hub. In addition, the multiple protocol print server offers all features typical of the SEH print server portfolio: It works with all common operating systems, including Windows, Linux, UNIX, Apple, and Novell. PS54-G is managed easily via browser, via SEH’s own admin tool, or via SNMP-based tools of other vendors – e. g. HP WebJetAdmin – but also offers many other management options. The print server comes with a comprehensive security package including access protection, encryption, and authentication. The scope of supply and services includes free lifetime support via email and phone, regular firmware updates as well as a three years guarantee. This can be extended to five years with product registration.






About SEH:
Since the early nineties, SEH has been one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of network printing solutions. The company’s product portfolio divides into the high-end brand “InterCon” – renowned for more than 10 years – and the entry-level brand “BaseLine”. It comprises internal print server solutions and a range of external models suitable for use with all common network topologies and cabling types, including WLAN. All products are developed and produced in the company’s headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany. Worldwide distribution is via SEH’s UK and US subsidiaries, and an extensive network of partners, distributors and resellers. The installed base of SEH products exceeds 500,000 units worldwide.

In development and sales, SEH closely co-operates with many leading printer manufacturers, including: CITIZEN, ENCAD, EPSON, FUJITSU-SIEMENS, HP, KONICA MINOLTA, KYOCERA MITA, MUTOH, OCÉ, PANASONIC, PSi, RICOH, ROLAND, SAMSUNG,TOSHIBA TEC, and UTAX.





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