WIPS vendors tell us all about the problems of ad hoc networks and the dangers of hackers, but perhaps they should remind us of the dangers of ad hoc networks and Russian spies. You may have read in recent news that the FBI detained several individuals who were suspected of being Russian spies. During the investigation, some telling evidence was collected by means of Wi-Fi sniffing. As it turns out, one of the suspects would set up shop with a laptop in a coffee shop. Another suspect would drive by in a van, transferring files with the person in the coffee shop via an ad hoc network with “amateurish” security. The FBI caught onto this and was able to sniff the traffic and recover the data. If only the Russian spies had heard marketing messages from WIPS vendors explaining that ad hoc networks are bad. Apparently they’re bad for everyone, spies included.
After an initial and timely onslaught of press about integrated spectrum analysis, it looks like Aruba now has something to show.
The Wi-Fi market is healthy and growing. To keep you apprised of the comings and goings you may have missed, here are five notable Wi-Fi happenings from the month of June. You might call this a newsletter blog.
As I have been working closely with wireless security over the last several years of my life, I have demonstrated a clear tendency towards blogging about security issues. However, once an enterprise starts moving towards a secure WLAN, the problems naturally shifts towards performance. This blog is dedicated to WLAN performance issues. Several dozens of WLAN performance problems are common. However, in a typical enterprise scenario, what are the Top 5 issues that bother the WLAN operations team the most? In my experience working with customers, these 5 issues are at the top of the list. Let me know if you disagree.
My wife has a book on her bedside stand called So Long Insecurity, by Beth Moore. I [figuratively] have a press release on my bedside stand called “So Long Insecurity,” by the Wi-Fi Alliance. You may have already read or heard that the compass of the Wi-Fi Alliance is pointed due north on a path to prevent support of insecure security solutions on Wi-Fi certified (read: any Wi-Fi device in the competitive marketplace) devices.
Today, Starbucks announced that, effective July 1, they will offer free (1 click) Wi-Fi internet access at all their locations. Wow, what took you so long? You were one of the first to offer in-store Wi-Fi. Chick-Fil-A gave it away from the get go. So did nearly every other little independent coffee shop everywhere. McDonalds made the move a long time ago. What did Starbucks finally see that many, many others saw so long ago? Starbucks employs a lot of very smart money numbers type people. Seriously, who else would think to charge $6 for a large cup of coffee…and get away with it?
This WWDC Wi-Fi fiasco has gotten far more traction in the press than I would have ever expected. So, with a modicum of jest and a modicum of sincerity, here’s more fuel for the fire.
That may be Steve Jobs’ question after today’s WWDC mishap. I’m not an Apple fanboy, so I have to chuckle about Steve Jobs’ (actually, it was someone else’s responsibility, but he should’ve known) slightly embarrassing blunder this morning. Relying on 2.4 GHz conference Wi-Fi to do a much anticipated and incredibly important keynote speech…oy!
I’m usually a pretty level-headed guy, but today I’ve got the itch. I need to rant. Every now and again my calm and collected (ok, I’m stoic) nature undergoes a metamorphosis and becomes obnoxious and irascible. So, here’s my scattergun rant about the things that bother me.
I read an article the other day that spoke of an increasing need for differentiation in the WLAN space, especially as commoditization occurs and feature parity between vendors is stabilizing. Because they’re the big kid on the block, Cisco has gotten a lot of press about their new CleanAir technology. Some folks doubt the usefulness of integrated spectrum analysis, but in my opinion, CleanAir is a good example of the kind of differentiation factor that is important in today’s WLAN marketplace.
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