Shared Key Authentication

The shared key authentication encryption mechanism uses the “challenge-
response” mechanism. The idea is that each wireless client has an
understanding of what is commonly referred to as a “shared secret.”
The access point creates a random type of challenge that is transmitted
to the wireless workstation. The wireless workstation then uses the
encryption or WEP key it shares with the access point. The challenge is
itself encrypted and then replies with the answer to the access point,
which then deciphers that answer sent by the client. Based on the
result, the client is granted access only if the deciphered answer is the
same expected value as the random challenge.