In this guide I will show you how to access WPA or WPA-2 based wireless networks with EAP authentication on your Symbian phone.
Encrypted Networks
Most workplaces use wireless networks that are encrypted with WPA or WPA enterprise along with a EAP authentication mechanism. Some of the methods used are LEAP, PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA and EAP-TTLS. If you face any difficulties in getting your Symbian phone to work with a wireless network employing any of these EAP based authentication mechanisms, check out the guide below.
How To
Make sure you have already setup an Access Point for the wireless network. You can use the WLAN wizard for setting up an access point for the wireless network.
Step 1 : Go to your Home Menu.
Step 2 : Go to Tools > Settings > Connection > Access point
Step 3 : Select the Create/edit option for the access point that you created for the wireless network.
Step 4 : Scroll down the available options till you reach WLAN security settings
Step 5 : Go to the WPA/WPA2 option and change the encryption type to EAP
Step 6 : Select the EPA plug-in settings. Make sure it is enabled.
Step 7 : Based on the EAP mechanism used in the desired network ,raise the priority of EAP-PEAP and disable the other two mechanisms - EAP-SIM and EAP-AKA.
Step 8 : Choose User name in use as User defined
Step 9 : Enter your wireless network’s username.
Step 10 : Choose Realm in use as User defined
Step 11 : Enter the active directory under Realm.
Step 12 : Make sure EAP-MSCHAPv2 is enabled, disable the other two default access mechanisms.
Step 13 : Enter your user name as- active directory\username. Enter your password and select No under Prompt Password.
Step 14 : Go to the Cipher page and enable all the options for the ciphers.
Conclusion
The Symbian OS provides functionality for it to be used with almost any Wireless network; though some of the functionality is hidden under a maze of menu’s. Some of the EAS authentication mechanisms may may not work with this method.
I was able to use my E51 at an office thanks to its ability to use EAP based authentication with WPA based wireless networks. You may need to figure out some of the required settings from your Network administrator.
