Patent attributes
An authentication method and apparatus at a wireless LAN (local area network) system based on the IEEE 802.11, in which many STAs (terminal stations) are connected to APs (access points), and which can keep the security in authentication, is provided. At the authentication method, an authentication request from one of the STAs composed of a data terminal and a wireless LAN card is transmitted to one of the APs. The AP transmits a MAC (media access control) address of the STA to an authentication server by converting the authentication request to a protocol adaptable to the authentication server. The authentication server checks the MAC address and transmits a challenge message to the AP 2. The AP 2 executes encryption authentication with the STA based on a WEP (wired equivalent privacy) algorithm stipulated in the IEEE 802.11.
