On completing this chapter, you will be able to
Explain the different WLAN configurations
Explain how WLANs work
Describe the risks of open wireless ports
Describe SAFE WLAN design techniques
This chapter covers wireless securitywhat it is, how it works, how it is configured, what threatens it, and what policies can be designed to secure it. Wireless networking has limitations, involves some risks, and requires defense techniques, as you learn in this chapter. All network architectures, including the wireless networking sector of an organization's network, should be based on sound security policies. These policies are designed to address all the weaknesses and threats that can occur in today's large, wireless TCP/IP-based networks.
There is no doubt that mobile computing is booming. Users want to keep their mobile devices connected to the network at all times so that productivity is no longer limited to areas where a physical network connection is located. Users can now move from place to place, computing when and where they want. This section should help you understand the basics of wireless local-area networks (WLANs) networking. WLANs are defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) organization with the 802.11 standard for wireless Ethernet. Standard WLANs that are based on the 802.11 IEEE standards provide mobility to corporate network users while maintaining access to network resources at all times and locations within the building or campus.
NOTE
The IEEE has established the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is the predominant standard for WLANs. IEEE standards can be downloaded at the following location: http://standards.ieee.org/.
Laptops connected to the wireless network are becoming the primary computing devices in the workplace, providing users with the advantage of much greater flexibility in meetings, conferences, and during business travel. Companies and organizations offering this type of network connectivity in venues previously unavailable will indisputably generate a higher productivity per employee because critical business information is available at any time and place during the business day. Furthermore, this technology is a solution for areas that are difficult to wire, such as older buildings with complex infrastructures and obstacles. In the United States, there are many homes and buildings on the National Historic Register (mostly older structures, some developed by famous modern architects). It is illegal to modify these buildings, which often includes running cables in walls. To comply with legal restrictions, networking these buildings can involve taping wires to the baseboards. Wireless networking is a happy solution for those who work and live in such buildings.