| IntroductionThis document explains topics | | | | WLANs are easy to understand and use. With |
| relating to wireless networks. The main | | | | few exceptions, everything to do with wired |
| topics discussed include, what type of | | | | LANs applies to wireless LANs. They function |
| vulnerabilities exist today in 802.11 | | | | like, and are commonly connected to, wired |
| networks and ways that you can help prevent | | | | Ethernet networks.The Wireless Ethernet |
| these vulnerabilities from happening. | | | | Compatibility Alliance [WECA] is the industry |
| Wireless networks have not been around for | | | | organization that certifies 802.11 products |
| many years. Federal Express has been using a | | | | that are deemed to meet a base standard of |
| type of wireless networks, common to the | | | | interoperability. The first family of |
| 802.11 networks used today, but the general | | | | products to be certified by WECA is that |
| public has recently just started to use | | | | based on the 802.11b standard. This set of |
| wireless networking technology. Because of | | | | products is what we will be studying. Also |
| weak security that exists in wireless | | | | more standards exist such as 802.11a and |
| networks, companies such as Best Buy have | | | | 802.11g.The original 802.11 standard was |
| decided to postpone the roll-out of wireless | | | | published in 1999 and provides for data rates |
| technology. The United States Government has | | | | at up to 2 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, using either FHSS |
| done likewise and is suspending the use of | | | | or DSSS. Since that time many task groups |
| wireless until a more universal, secure | | | | have been formed to create supplements and |
| solution is available.BackgroundWhat is | | | | enhancements to the original 802.11 |
| Wireless?Wireless LANs or Wi-Fi is a | | | | standard.The 802.11b TG created a supplement |
| technology used to connect computers and | | | | to the original 802.11 standard, called |
| devices together. Wireless LANs give persons | | | | 802.11b, which has become the industry |
| more mobility and flexibility by allowing | | | | standard for WLANs. It uses DSSS and |
| workers to stay connected to the Internet and | | | | provides data rates up to 11 Mbps at 2.4 Ghz. |
| to the network as they roam from one coverage | | | | 802.11b will eventually be replaced by |
| area to another. This increases efficiency | | | | standards which have better QoS features, and |
| by allowing data to be entered and accessed | | | | better security. |
| on site.Besides being very simple to install, | | | | |