Wireless Network By Mohammed AL Amoudi

Overview Definition of Wireless Reliability Speed Security Conclusion

Wireless Definition The term wireless networking refers to technology that enables two or more computers to communicate using standard network protocols, but without network cabling.

Wireless Definition (cont): Ethernet (networking) capability over radio waves instead of physical wires. A tool for convenience, for when mobility is required in computing A solution for when short-term connections are needed.

Wireless Network Types There are two types of wireless network 1) Ad-Hoc pr Peer-to Peer networking. 2)Hardware Access Point.

Ad-Hoc pr Peer-to Peer networking consists of a number of computers each equipped with a wireless networking interface card. Each computer can communicate directly with all of the other wireless enabled computers

Hardware Access Point In this type of network the access point acts like a hub, providing connectivity for the wireless computers. It can connect (or "bridge") the wireless LAN to a wired LAN, allowing wireless computer access to LAN resources.

Reliability Easy to blocked

Blocked by Human hand This shows how the strength of the signal is decreased by placing a hand over the wireless card. Green is good signal, Red is interference, Purple is dropped signal

Reliability (Cont) Lots of Interference

Interference by other technology This shows how much inter-ference is added by using a 2.4GHz cordless phone near the wireless card. Green is good signal, Red is interference, Purple is dropped signal.

Speed

Speed (cont) Wireless is considerably slower than wires. It’s a shared resource, so the more people use it, the less there is for you. If there are other users, the available bandwidth is split between them. So, it create more interference and speed goes down even further.

Speed (Cont) SpecificationConnection SpeedRadio Frequency or 2Mbps2.4 GHz aUp to 54 Mbps5 GHz b5.5 and 11 Mbps2.4 GHz gUp to 54 Mbps2.4 GHz

Security Because of the unrestricted nature of their transmission, wireless networks have inherent security issues.

Security Threats Broadcasting: All data over the wireless connection is being broadcast on an open radio channel, like walkie-talkie or other short wave radio. Encryption: Wireless comes with substandard encryption such as WEP (wired equivalent protection) which is easy crackable. Therefor anyone with permission to be on the network can read anything on the network.

Security Threats (cont) Ways to Attack Pretending to be someone/something else - SSID Attack -Mac Spoofing -Man in the Middle Attack Direct and denial of Service attacks - Insertion Attack -Encryption Attack -Jamming

Insecure: Easily Sniffed “Sniffing” a connection means listening in (much like a tap on a phone) and pulling useful information out of the data stream. Most data is sent “clear text” which means that the sniffer can read it with little effort.

How To Secure Wireless Network  Secure your wireless router / Access Point - Your router or Access Point should require a password to access its Admin features  Use Encryption - VPN, SSH (Secure Shell), SSL (Secure Socket Layer)  Disable the Wireless card unless it is in use  Use WEP for data and Authentication

simple steps to help protect your wireless network Position wireless components away from windows and toward the center of your home to decrease the strength of the radio signal outside your intended coverage area. Do not give your wireless security settings to anyone not authorized to use your network, and avoid leaving WEP key, WPA passphrase, or password information in an obvious place (for example, taped to your monitor). Make sure you follow general security guidelines to protect all parts of your network, not just the wireless segment.

Conclusion Wireless security is a work in progress. The protocols are evolving to meet the needs of serious users. Until the protocols have proven themselves, the best course of action for network engineers is to assume that the link layer offers no security. Treat wireless stations as you would treat an unknown user asking for access to network

References tworkingwww.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandne tworking