WLAN Usage Types

Each WLAN must be configured as one of the following usage types:
  • Standard Usage: To create a WLAN with specific options, choose "Standard Usage." For more information, see Creating a New Wi-Fi Network.
  • Guest Access: Use this WLAN type for a guest WLAN. Guest access policies and access controls will be applied. For more information, see Guest WLANs.
    Note: Beginning with Unleashed 200.7, Social Media WLANs are a subset of guest WLANs, and are configured using the guest WLAN settings. Social media WLANs require a visitor to log in using a social media account before being granted Internet access. For more information, refer to Social Media WLANs.
  • Hotspot Service: Use this WLAN type for a Hotspot (also known as, WISPr) WLAN. If Hotspot is used, a Hotspot Service must first be configured on the Services > Wireless Hotspot page (or you can create a new Hotspot service from the Create Wi-Fi Network wizard (Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Networks > Wi-Fi Network List > Add) and select Hotspot Service as the Usage Type. For more information, see Wireless Hotspot Services.

Authentication Methods

Each WLAN must be configured using one of the following authentication methods:

  • Open: No authentication method is used. Open authentication allows the use of WPA2, WPA3, WPA2/WPA3-Mixed, OWE, or None encryption. Open authentication and WPA2 encryption (also known as WPA-PSK) is the most common type of WLAN encryption method and should be the default configuration if there are no special requirements for authentication or encryption.
  • 802.1X EAP: Authenticates against either the internal database or an external RADIUS server. The 802.1X EAP authentication method (also known as WPA2-Enterprise) provides effective authentication regardless of the encryption method, and requires a back-end (RADIUS) authentication server. WPA2-Enterprise provides secure connectivity by ensuring that every device must authenticate to an authentication server before it is allowed access to network resources. Authentication can be based on digital certificates, and granular policies can be designed to govern the level of access and to provide visibility and control over devices on the network. 802.1X EAP authentication allows the use of WPA2, WPA3, or WPA2/WPA3-Mixed encryption.
  • MAC Address: Authenticates using the client MAC address against an external RADIUS server or internal database.
    Note: Beginning with Unleased 200.7, MAC address authentication using the local database is available.
Parent topic: WLAN Configuration