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Information Communication Technology
Wireless Networks
What is a Wireless Network?
A wireless netowrk, also known as WiFi is:
- A means of connecting devices in a network wirelessly.
- Will allow connection over distances up to about 100m / 300ft.
- Can connect up to 128 users.
The Standards
- 802.11b - capable of transmitting at up to 11Mbps.
- 802.11g - capable of transmitting at up to 54Mbps.
The Hardware
- Routers.
- Access Points.
- PCMCIA Cards.
Security
- SSID is short for Service Set Identifier a 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a network that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect. All access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific network must use the same SSID.
- WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, is the standard encryption for wireless networking. WEP provides the same level of security for wireless networks as a normal wired network. The need for encryption on wireless networks comes from the openness of a network over radio waves. Anyone with a WiFi enabled computer could access a network through an open access point and download sensitive data.
Advantages of WiFi.
- Easily integrated into existing wired-Ethernet networks.
- Access and accessibility improved.
- Backwards compatible as standards improve.
- Speed of installation.
- Cost Savings.
Disadvantages of WiFi.
- Transmission speeds can fluctuate.
- Conflict of ‘standards’.
- Security
- SSID can be sniffed in plain text from a packet.
- WEP keys can be cracked with simple de-algorithmic programs readily available from the internet.
- However both need a relatively high degree of competence from any hacker.
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