Network Adapter Card Requirements (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)
1/6/2010
Use of 802.1x in infrastructure and ad hoc network modes can be greatly enhanced by reducing the complexity in network adapter configuration. Microsoft recommends that you configure network adapters automatically to eliminate user interaction.
The following key configuration issues require resolution prior to configuration of your network adapters:
- Configuration of the client under different operating scenarios.
- Reconfiguration of the client when moving between operating scenarios.
- Configuration of the client to secure WLAN access.
In addition, the 802.1x network adapter will include the following enhancements if automatically configured:
- In addition to the open system and shared key authentication, the 802.1x network adapter will support a third authentication method as the default setting. The default authentication algorithm first attempts to perform an 802.1x shared key authentication if the network adapter has been pre-configured with a WEP shared key. If authentication fails or the network adapter is not configured with a WEP key, the network adapter should use open system authentication.
- An 802.1x network adapter will support two power settings: AC power and battery power. In the default mode, the AC power should be configured to maximize the device speed, while the battery power should be configured to limit battery use.
- The client name will be passed to the 802.1x network adapter to use for various purposes. By default, the client name will be set to the device name.
- The 802.1x network adapter must support Media Sense and indicate a media connect event when associating with a new access point. No disconnect event is required unless the network adapter has completely lost its connection. The connect event tells the transport to look for a potential subnet transition.