Introduction to Wireless LAN Analysis
should also be conducted periodically using tools to detect incorrectly
configured access points and access control vulnerabilities. Intrusion
detection systems should be kept up-to-date to stay abreast of new
attacks against wireless LANs.
Troubleshooting Problems
Through analysis techniques, it is possible to systematically
troubleshoot problems that may be occurring on the wireless LAN.
Symptoms offer clues of what the underlying problem may be.
Capturing frames and measuring RF signals provide data that you can
analyze in order to determine the root causes of the problems.
Wireless LANs are generally part of a much larger enterprise
information system. In addition to wireless LAN access points and
radio cards in client devices, the system may consist of a wired LAN,
servers, routers, and WAN communications links. An administrator
usually must manage the larger system, not just the wireless LAN. As
a result, it is often necessary to determine whether problems are
resulting from the wireless or wired side of the network.
With effective analysis, it is possible to determine whether the wireless
LAN is the problem. An administrator armed with wireless LAN
analysis skills can take some measurements and determine whether
issues with low performance, security threats, or limited RF coverage
are causing the problems. If not, then the problems likely fall within
the wired network. Thus, analysis can isolate network segments when
diagnosing problems on the network.
Types of Wireless LAN Analysis
Analysis of wireless LANs falls into several categories. Each one,
however, follows the same steps of measuring, interpreting, and
reporting results.
RF Propagation Analysis
Propagation analysis verifies the coverage of the wireless LAN, which
is critical in order for users to associate with an access point from any
