What does 'auto' mode mean for wireless WPA testvars?

CDRouter supports the concept of auto mode for many WPA related testvars. In auto mode CDRouter will select and use the strongest security options advertised by the DUT.

Auto mode is the easiest way to configure a wireless interface and is enabled by default for all testvars that support this feature. Auto mode also eliminates potential wireless configuration mismatches between the DUT and CDRouter.

The following selection algorithm is used by CDRouter when WPA is enabled with auto mode for specific testvars:

  • If the testvar wpaMode is set to auto CDRouter first looks for an RSN IE in the scan list and then a WPA IE if no match is made. If wpaMode is not set to auto CDRouter uses the specified mode.

  • If the testvar wpaCipher is set to auto CDRouter parses the selected IE and uses the IE’s strongest advertised pairwise cipher. If wpaCipher is not set to auto CDRouter uses the specified pairwise cipher.

  • If the testvar wpaGroupCipher is set to auto CDRouter parses the selected IE and uses the IE’s strongest advertised group cipher. If wpaGroupCipher is not set to auto CDRouter uses the specified group cipher.

  • If the testvars wpaCipher or wpaGroupCipher are both set to auto CDRouter selects the strongest cipher combination based on the selected IE’s advertised options. CDRouter assumes the pairwise cipher must be stronger or equal to the group cipher.

  • If the testvar wpaPMF is set to auto CDRouter will enable protected management frame (PMF) support if supported by the DUT. Note that WPA3 requires PMF support while it is optional for WPA2. If wpaPMF is not set to auto CDRouter will explicitly enable or disable PMF support and attempt to connect to the DUT.