ENWW HP Jetdirect 802.11b Wireless Print Servers 257
Network Access and Data Security
Unlike a wired network which requires a physical connection, 
wireless networks can be accessed by devices and computers that 
are in range of the network's radio signals. It is not difficult for an 
intruder to eavesdrop on wireless network traffic to gain access to 
the network or observe network data.
To inhibit unauthorized access, authentication and data encryption 
options for wireless networking are available. 
● Authentication is a process in which devices must validate their 
identity before accessing or communicating on a network.
● Encryption provides data privacy by modifying data frame bits 
before transmission, and restoring data frame bits when 
received. The HP Jetdirect wireless print server supports 
several authentication options and encryption. 
Network Name (SSID)
Wireless devices are configured with the name of the network to 
which they will connect. The Network Name is also called the SSID 
(Service Set Identifier) and identifies the ESS (Extended Service 
Set) that is normally associated with larger Infrastructure Mode 
networks. 
The Network Name/SSID should not be considered a security 
feature because it is usually easily identified. However, as a 
network administration or management feature, it does provide 
basic network access control. 
HP Jetdirect print servers support a broadcast SSID, sometimes 
called a zero-length or “blank” SSID. If a blank SSID is configured 
in Infrastructure mode, the print server will attempt to associate 
with the network SSIDs detected, starting with the strongest 
signal. Successful association will be based on encryption and 
authentication settings.