Wireless Fidelity

Abstract - Wireless Fidelity

The technologies used in this field are one of the best in the wireless space. When compared with other fast improving technologies like Bluetooth and 3G, Wi-Fi is seen to have many advantages. We can set up networks at home and office using Wi-Fi. It is fairly easy to set up a Wi-Fi enabled network at home or a small office. Wi- Fi is several times faster than Bluetooth and operates like a high-speed modem.

        There are many security issues that come under Wi-Fi . The main problem that it has till now is that it is easy for hackers to attack the network. The security method that is used now is the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).The new VPN (Virtual Private Network) method seems to correct everything that is wrong with WEP.

The ad-hoc network structure in the 802.11 protocol

 Contents

1.     INTRODUCTION                                                  

2.     IEEE 802.11 ARCHITECTURES                        

3.     BASIC COMPONENTS                                           

4.     OPERATION BASICS                                             

5.     TECHNOLOLGY                                                  

6.     SECURITY                                                          

7.     SPECIAL FEATURES OF Wi-Fi                        

8.     CONCLUSION                                                     

9.     REFERENCES                                                      

Introduction

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo is your only assurance that the product has met rigorous interoperability testing requirements to assure products from  different vendors will work together. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo means that it  is a “safe” buy.

Wi-Fi    certification  comes from  the Wi-Fi  Alliance, a non profit international trade organisation that tests 802.11 based wireless equipment to make sure that it meets the Wi-Fi standard and works with all other manufacturer’s Wi-Fi equipment on the market. The Wi-Fi Alliance (WELA) also has a Wi-Fi certification program for Wi-Fi products that meet interoperability standards. It is an international organisation devoted to certifying interoperability of 802.11 products and to promoting 802.11as the global wireless LAN std across all market segment.

Operation Basics

        When a wireless adapter is turned on, it begins to scan across the wireless frequencies for wireless APs and other wireless clients in ad hoc mode. Assuming that the wireless client is configured to operate in infrastructure mode, the wireless adapter chooses a wireless AP with which to connect. This selection is made automatically by using an SSID and signal strength and frame error rate information. Next, the wireless adapter switches to the assigned channel of the selected wireless AP and negotiates the use of a port. This is known as establishing an association.

Technology

        Wi-Fi uses radio technology called IEEE 802.11b to provide secure ,reliable,fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the internet and to the wired networks.

Wi-Fi Security Options

        IEEE 802.11 contains an encryption option intended to provide confidentiality. The Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) option is defined in the 802.11 standard as "protecting authorized users of a Wi-Fi from casual eavesdropping." Recently, this security scheme has come under a great deal of criticism, accompanied by a number of papers which uncover weaknesses and outline how WEP can be defeated. Additionally, tools to exploit these weaknesses are now freely available over the Internet.

Virtual Private Networks

        It provide the most robust security solutions for corporate LANs and are already widely used for intranets and remote access. A VPN typically utilizes a dedicated server that provides both authentication and confidentiality.

CONCLUSION

Wi-Fi use is growing fast in homes, public access areas and business –both large and small. The Wi-Fi alliance is active with many industry organisations and is working closely with manufacturers to make sure that  existing Wi-Fi  gear  is compatable  with wireless technologies developed in the future .

There are real and measurable benefits to using a wireless network Vs a standard wired network. For a home installation customer, the greatest benefit is that there are no wires needed: you don’t need to drill holes in walls and floors; you don’t need to drag cables across rooms or hide them under rugs. One Wi-Fi access point can provide network access for any typically sized home . And if you live in a rental or a historical building, you may not be allowed to drill holes- that makes wireless your only solution.