WPA-PSK Rekey

T

The_Techie

Resident Techie
Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Messages
11,242
Reaction score
84
Location
Netherlands
Attention all tech wizards!

What does WPA-PSK Rekey do? Will it disconnect you from the network at that time? If so, will you need to reconnect to the network for the changes to take effect? If not, will it slow the network down at that time? And what is your recommended time for WPA-PSK Rekey (in minutes) for the best security with WPA-PSK?

Thanks
 
In simple terms, WPA-PSK is extra-strong encryption where encryption keys are automatically changed (called rekeying) and authenticated between devices after a specified period of time, or after a specified number of packets has been transmitted. This is called the rekey interval. WPA-PSK is far superior to WEP and provides stronger protection for the home/SOHO user for two reasons. The process used to generate the encryption key is very rigorous and the rekeying (or key changing) is done very quickly. This stops even the most determined hacker from gathering enough data to break the encryption.


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_03july28.mspx
 
Not at all. WPA will rekey regardless of the underlying encryption/hashing sceme.
 
Very interesting is this almost the same as a 802.1X authentication server? (well a downgraded version because you have a PSK)
 
Not really, your only way of authentication is the PSK, not certificates. I just want someone to answer these simple questions: Should I turn it on and will it disconnect me from my network when it rekeys?

Anybody?
 
Well, I took the plunge and enabled it. I set the rekey time to 5 minutes.

I saw that programs such as Skype and Steam would disconnect and reconnect randomly during this time, my surfing was disrupted (web pages wouldn't load properly) and my wireless network disconnected and reconnected randomly.

I have disabled it, since I see no reason to have it enabled, especially if it causes the problems it did with me.

Anybody have a good reason why it should be enabled?
 
WKJ?:beanie said:
Well, I took the plunge and enabled it. I set the rekey time to 5 minutes.

I saw that programs such as Skype and Steam would disconnect and reconnect randomly during this time, my surfing was disrupted (web pages wouldn't load properly) and my wireless network disconnected and reconnected randomly.

I have disabled it, since I see no reason to have it enabled, especially if it causes the problems it did with me.

Anybody have a good reason why it should be enabled?
Click to expand...


Quite simple, enhanced security, a new shared key will be generated on every rekey. Based on the theoretical time it would take to crack a key, a connection hacker wouldnt be able to grab the key and use it before your rekey. I have mine set to 30 mins, and I dont drop anything during the rekey. And that includes online games.
 
WKJ?:beanie said:
So there isn't much of a difference between WEP and WPA that doesn't rekey?
Click to expand...


Well No. WPA generates more secure keys than WEP does. WEP's key generation algorithm is flawed and its easy to predict a key once you have a certain number of packets.
 
Thats difficult to answer as a bruteforce attempt could be lucky. But I would say 30 mins is fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X