AOSS is a system by Buffalo Technology which allows a secure

Network security

In the field of networking, the area of network security consists of the provisions and policies adopted by the network administrator to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of the computer network and network-accessible resources...

 wireless connection

Wireless network

Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind. It is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment...

 to be set up with the push of a button. Recent AirStation

AirStation

Buffalo AirStation is the name given to a series of wireless LAN equipment sold by Buffalo Technology.- Products :* Residential gateways* Wireless LAN cards- Use with third party firmware :...

 residential gateways incorporate a button on the unit to let the user initiate this procedure. AOSS is designed to use the maximum level of security available to both connecting devices including both Wired Equivalent Privacy

Wired Equivalent Privacy

Wired Equivalent Privacy is a weak security algorithm for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. Introduced as part of the original 802.11 standard ratified in September 1999, its intention was to provide data confidentiality comparable to that of a traditional wired network...

 (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access

Wi-Fi Protected Access

Wi-Fi Protected Access and Wi-Fi Protected Access II are two security protocols and security certification programs developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless computer networks...

 (WPA).

Connection Process

1. Association Phase: Once AOSS has been initiated on both devices via the AOSS button, the access point will change its SSID to "ESSID-AOSS" and the client will attempt to connect to it. Both devices will attempt connection for two minutes. Connection will be made using a secret 64-bit WEP key known to both devices.
2. Key Generation Phase: With both devices connected, the AP generates and transfers a unique key to the client where an RC4
   RC4
   In cryptography, RC4 is the most widely used software stream cipher and is used in popular protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer and WEP...
   
    tunnel is created. The AP creates four SSIDs and encryption keys for AES, TKIP, WEP128, and WEP64 generated from a random key script. These keys are available in the user interface of the AOSS AP to be used with non-AOSS clients.
3. Information Exchange Phase: The client notifies the AP of its encryption support.
4. Key Transfer Phase: All four encryption keys are transmitted to the client regardless of encryption support allowing the client to change the SSID if needed. The user does not have access to the keys through the client device.
5. Reboot Stack: The AP applies the SSID and key for the highest level of encryption supported by the client and reboots. The previously used WEP64 and RC4 tunnel are no longer used. The client adapter will automatically reboot or re-initialize and connect to the SSID using the proper encryption key.

If a subsequent AOSS process connects with a lesser wireless encryption standard, the AP will apply the lesser standard and the Reboot Stack phase will be repeated for all connected devices.

Compatible products

The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

The is an online multiplayer gaming service run by Nintendo to provide free online play in compatible Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS and Wii games. The service includes the company's Wii Shop Channel, DSi Shop, and Nintendo eShop game download services...

 used by the Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS

The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...

, Nintendo DS Lite

Nintendo DS Lite

The is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It is a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight redesign of the Nintendo DS, designed to be aesthetically sleeker, while taking styling cues from the Game Boy Advance SP, and to appeal to broader commercial audiences...

, Nintendo DSi

Nintendo DSi

The is a handheld game system created by Nintendo and launched in 2008 and 2009 in Japan, North America, PAL territories, and other regions. It is the third iteration of the Nintendo DS, and its primary market rival is Sony's PlayStation Portable...

 and Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS

The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...

 is AOSS compatible. AOSS was also included in the PlayStation 3

PlayStation 3

The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...

 and in system software 2.00 for the PlayStation Portable

PlayStation Portable

The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...

 and was available for automatic setup with the PSP with firmware 2.80. AOSS functionality for all Wii

Wii

The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...

models was included in version 3.0U of the Wii System software, released in August 2007 along with PAL version 3.0E.

External links

• Buffalo Technology's AOSS Website