Introduction to Wireless LAN Analysis
increase and applications change. For example, analysis would indicate
whether or not 802.11b is getting the job done or if 802.11g or 802.11a
might be needed to handle the current capacity adequately.
Improve Security
Passive monitoring of data frames, unauthorized access to resources,
and denial of service attacks are major security issues of wireless
LANs. The fact that a wireless network uses radio waves for
connecting users makes wireless LANs vulnerable to attack by hackers.
If a company ignores these threats, that company is risking substantial
losses.
The only way that a company can guard against potential security
attacks is to implement effective security mechanisms. Solid
encryption and authentication go a long way for securing a wireless
LAN, but it is important to perform regular security analysis. Regular
security analysis ensures that changes made to the network, such as
updating firmware, do not leave the wireless network open to attacks.
Today’s leading-edge wireless LAN intrusion detection systems (IDS)
are basically wireless protocol analyzers with detailed alarms and
notification procedures. Thoroughly understanding protocol analysis
will allow you to be proficient at using both stand-alone analyzers and
distributed analyzers aimed at intrusion detection.
Improve RF Coverage
When deploying a wireless LAN, installers install access points in
strategic locations in order to provide required RF coverage. A
problem with this type of configuration is that the coverage pattern
generally changes as the layout of the facility changes and users find
new areas to make use of the wireless LAN. The result is spotty RF
coverage, which disrupts connections to network applications. In some
cases, the loss of connectivity is acceptable, such as when browsing the
Internet. The user can readjust the position of their laptop or PDA until
they receive an acceptable signal and association with an access point.
However, many corporate applications, especially those developed
initially to operate over wired networks, may incorporate errors in
databases if wireless connections are lost in the middle of a transaction.
