WIRELESS NETWORKINGTOT AK 2012

Agenda• Introduction to Wireless Technologies• Wireless Networking Overview • Non-Technical considerations • Other Comparable Technologies • Q&A

What is Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity and a catch all

phrase for the several different standards and recommendations that comprise wireless networking.

Wi-Fi enables the user to deploy a computer network without needing to run cable throughout the facility.

StandardsIEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz – 11MbpsInternational standard for wireless networking that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a throughput of up to 11 Mbps with a range of just over 300 feet indoors. This is a very commonly used frequency. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, medical and scientific equipment, as well as Bluetooth devices, all work within the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

StandardsIEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz – 11Mbps802.11b enables transfers of up to 11 Mbps. Comparable to 10BaseT in speeds, 802.11b is the most common wireless standard deployed today. In comparison T1 speeds are 1.54Mbps and DSL is normally in the 640Kbps range.

Most deployments of Wireless utilize 802.11b

StandardsIEEE 802.11.a –5GHz – 11MbpsInternational standard for wireless networking that operates in the 5 GHz frequency range (5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz) with a maximum 54 Mbps data transfer rate. The 5 GHz frequency band is not as crowded as the 2.4 GHz frequency, because the 802.11a specification offers more radio channels than the 802.11b. These additional channels can help avoid radio and microwave interference.

Cost of 802.11a equipment is approximately twice that of 802.11b and current deployment is limited.

Standards• IEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz – 11Mbps• IEEE 802.11.a – 5GHz – 54 Mbps• IEEE 802.11g – 2.4Ghz – Hybrid 11/54Mbps

• IEEE 802.11n – 2.4/5Ghz – Hybrid

Limitations • 300 ft. effective range from access point

• 1400 ft maximum range• Structural interference• Interference from other devices such as cordless phones.

Security Overview WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy

40 bit vs. 128 bitIs Encryption Necessary?

Open access vs. SecuredOther Security Measures

Content FilteringNetwork Partitioning

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Applications • Any application currently used on a traditional wired

network can be used on a wireless network. • New applications may be available or can be developed to

take advantage of wireless, such as Wireless PDA access to a card catalog.

Agenda• Introduction to Wireless Technologies• Wireless Networking Overview

Wireless Network Components• Access Points• NICs – Network Interface Cards

• PCMCIA• USB• PCI• CompactFlash

• Other Wireless Devices• Bridges and Routers• Print Servers

• PCs, Laptops, PDAs

Wireless Networking Overview

Connecting To a Legacy Network

Access Points connect the wireless network to the legacy network.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security (Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Partition The Network• A safe practice is to create two separate networks. A private

network for day to day business and a network for public access. Both can be wireless. These networks can talk to one another through a proxy server that will protect the private network from malicious attacks via the public network.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security (Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Encryption• Encryption on the pubic network can be used but would create administrative overhead. Encryption keys would have to be changed regularly and anyone using their own laptop would have to be given the key.

• Encryption works best in a network that does not allow people to use their own laptops.

• Encryption increases privacy, but can be thwarted, either by software, or by gaining access to a PC configured with wireless and writing down the key.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security (Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Content Filtering & Proxy ServersWeb content filtering that has generally been software

on the desktop would have to be handled by a server if people are allowed to use their own laptops.

Proxy servers allow you to control what information people have access to. This is a good practice anyway, allowing you to control at a global level what information travels over your network. It also allows you to track usage.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security (Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Viruses and Hacker• Wireless does not add any additional threat in the way of

viruses. • Anyone, anywhere can attack a network that is connected to

the Internet. Wireless does not increase that chance. Security measures such as firewalls, can reduce the risk.

Wireless Networking Overview

Environment Assessment

• Look at the structure of your building.• Steel, Concrete, Stone, Glass• Open w/ few walls or many separate rooms?

• Current technologies used• Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone? Does it work

throughout your environment?

Wireless Networking Overview

Agenda• Introduction to Wireless Technologies• Wireless Networking Overview • Non-Technical considerations

Why Deploy Wireless?• Cost savings over wireline.• Can not run wire to locations needed.• To enable patrons to bring their own laptop, therefore

reducing the cost of owning many PCs.• To enable you to easily move PCs.• To be on the leading edge.

Non-Technical Considerations

Cost• 802.11 Wireless Access Points start around $13.00 for

basic connectivity and run up to $50.00 for more management features.

• 802.11 Network Interface Cards (NICs) cost between $7-$70 and come in USB, PCI, PCMCIA and CompactFlash versions.

Non-Technical Considerations

The A-B-G-N-s of WirelessWhich standard is right for you?

Non-Technical Considerations

802.11.a 54 Mbps @ 5MHzNot widely adopted

802.11.b11 Mbps @2.4GHzLow Cost

802.11.gAvailable late 20036, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps

802.11.nNew–Available late 20072.4GHz : 7.2, 14.4, 21.7, 28.9, 43.3, 57.8, 65, 72.2

Mbps5 GHz : 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 135, 150 Mbps

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009

Security Planning

Develop a Security Plan. It should include:• What are your special security needs?• What known vulnerabilities exist?• How to safe guard against the risks?• How do you recover from a security breech?

Non-Technical Considerations

Virtual Hours

Your wireless network may not stop at your door. This means anyone can access your network after hours by sitting outside with a laptop.

Non-Technical Considerations

Where to StartNon-Technical Considerations

Evaluate the need.Assess current security and

future needs. Assess the environment.Choose a standard.Ask for help.

Agenda• Introduction to Wireless Technologies• Wireless Networking Overview • Non-Technical considerations • Other Comparable Technologies

WirelineOther Comparable Technologies

If you have a network installed today, wireline is what you. Does it satisfy your needs? There is not reason to abandon your current infrastructure for wireless if wireline currently serves all your needs. If it serves some, but not all of your needs, Wireless may be a good supplement.

Bluetooth – 802.15Other Comparable Technologies

Bluetooth is the standard for wireless personal area networks or WPAN. It allows high speed transmission of data over very short distances. Bluetooth is normally used for transferring data between laptops, or in Internet Kiosk type applications where roaming is not needed.

Agenda• Introduction to Wireless Technologies• Wireless Networking Overview • Non-Technical considerations • Other Comparable Technologies • Q&A