Building Secure Wireless Networks With 802 11

Provides a step-by-step approach for planning and implementing a wireless LAN based on 802.11 Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology Authors are Wi-Fi security experts who are able to address the firestorm of concerns about security for 802.11b networks Offers a clear perspective of interoperability with related wireless standards like 802.11a, HomeRF, and Bluetooth Explains how to achieve the same performance as a wired Ethernet connection and deliver flexibility and high speed

This unique and practical text introduces the principles of WLANs based upon the IEEE 802.11 standards, demonstrating how to configure equipment in order to implement various network solutions. The text is supported by examples and detailed instructions.

Focusing on wireless LANs in general and 802.11-based networks in particular, Potter (VeriSign) and Fleck (Secure Software) outline strategies and implementations for deploying a secure wireless network. They explain how the 802.11 protocols work and how an attacker will attempt to exploit weak spots within a network, and suggest methods for locking down a wireless client machine and securely configuring a wireless access point. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

1. INTRODUCTION With the increasing deployment of wireless networks (802. 11 architecture) in enterprise environments, IT enterprises are working to implement security mechanisms that are equivalent to those existing today for wire-based networks. An important aspect of this is the need to provide secure access to the network for valid users. Existing wired network jacks are located inside buildings already secured from unauthorized access through the use of keys, badge access, and so forth. A user must gain physical access to the building in order to plug a client computer into a network jack. In contrast, a wireless access point (AP) may be accessed from off the premises if the signal is detectable (for instance, from a parking lot adjacent to the building). Thus, wireless networks require secure access to the AP and the ability to isolate the AP from the internal private network prior to user authentication into the network domain. Furthermore, as enterprises strive to provide better availability of mission-critical wireless data, they also face the challenge of maintaining that data's security and integrity. While each connection with a client, a supplier or a enterprise partner can improve responsiveness and efficiency, it also increases the vulnerability of enterprise wireless data to attack. In such an environment, wireless network security is becoming more important every day. Also, with the growing reliance on e-commerce, wireless network-based services and the Internet, enterprises are faced with an ever-increasing responsibility to protect their systems from attack.

Gain a practical understanding of the underlying concepts of the 802.11n standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation Practical, start-to-finish guidance for successful deployment of 802.11n wireless LANs With the ratification of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard, thousands of companies are moving rapidly toward implementation. However, 802.11n is very different from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, and successful deployment requires new knowledge and techniques. In this book, leading wireless expert Jim Geier systematically presents all the information and guidance that network architects, engineers, administrators, and managers need to maximize the performance and business value of new 802.11n networks. Drawing on extensive experience with real-world 802.11n deployments, Geier guides you through the entire project lifecycle: planning, design, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. Each phase of wireless LAN deployment is organized into clearly defined steps, and multiple case studies and hands-on exercises show how to apply each technique. You’ll find practical guidance for deploying in enterprises without existing wireless infrastructure, as well as migrating from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g networks. For convenient reference, Geier also provides an extensive, up-to-date wireless networking glossary. Understanding 802.11n MAC, physical layer, and related standards Designing 802.11n wireless networks for diverse scenarios: considering architecture, range, performance, roaming, and RF issues Migrating from 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks Choosing the right tools and equipment, and using them effectively Planning effectively: scoping projects; creating work breakdown structures; organizing teams, schedules, and budgets; defining requirements, and more Securing WLANs via encryption, authentication, rogue access point detection, RF shielding, and polices Performing site surveys and identifying optimum access point locations Installing and configuring wireless LANs: planning, staging, deployment, documentation, and more Systematic testing to improve signal coverage, performance, and security Managing wireless LANs: help desk support, network monitoring, maintenance, engineering, configuration management, security, tools, and more Troubleshooting 802.11n networks: identifying issues with connectivity, performance, and more

Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks As wired networks are increasingly replaced with 802.11n wireless connections, enterprise users are shifting to centralized, next-generation architectures built around Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC). These networks will increasingly run business-critical voice, data, and video applications that once required wired Ethernet. In Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals, three senior Cisco wireless experts bring together all the practical and conceptual knowledge professionals need to confidently design, configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot 802.11n networks with Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) technologies. The authors first introduce the core principles, components, and advantages of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco offerings. Drawing on their pioneering experience, the authors present tips, insights, and best practices for network design and implementation as well as detailed configuration examples. Next, they illuminate key technologies ranging from WLCs to Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP), Fixed Mobile Convergence to WiFi Voice. They also show how to take advantage of the CUWN’s end-to-end security, automatic configuration, self-healing, and integrated management capabilities. This book serves as a practical, hands-on reference for all network administrators, designers, and engineers through the entire project lifecycle, and an authoritative learning tool for new wireless certification programs. This is the only book that Fully covers the principles and components of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco WLCs and Cisco 802.11n AP Brings together real-world tips, insights, and best practices for designing and implementing next-generation wireless networks Presents start-to-finish configuration examples for common deployment scenarios Reflects the extensive first-hand experience of Cisco experts Gain an operational and design-level understanding of WLAN Controller (WLC) architectures, related technologies, and the problems they solve Understand 802.11n, MIMO, and protocols developed to support WLC architecture Use Cisco technologies to enhance wireless network reliability, resilience, and scalability while reducing operating expenses Safeguard your assets using Cisco Unified Wireless Network’s advanced security features Design wireless networks capable of serving as an enterprise’s primary or only access network and supporting advanced mobility services Utilize Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to plan, deploy, monitor, troubleshoot, and report on wireless networks throughout their lifecycles Configure Cisco wireless LANs for multicasting Quickly troubleshoot problems with Cisco controller-based wireless LANs This book is part of the Cisco Press® Fundamentals Series. Books in this series introduce networking professionals to new networking technologies, covering network topologies, sample deployment concepts, protocols, and management techniques. Category: Wireless Covers: Cisco Controller-Based Wireless LANs

As we all know by now, wireless networks offer many advantages over fixed (or wired) networks. Foremost on that list is mobility, since going wireless frees you from the tether of an Ethernet cable at a desk. But that's just the tip of the cable-free iceberg. Wireless networks are also more flexible, faster and easier for you to use, and more affordable to deploy and maintain.The de facto standard for wireless networking is the 802.11 protocol, which includes Wi-Fi (the wireless standard known as 802.11b) and its faster cousin, 802.11g. With easy-to-install 802.11 network hardware available everywhere you turn, the choice seems simple, and many people dive into wireless computing with less thought and planning than they'd give to a wired network. But it's wise to be familiar with both the capabilities and risks associated with the 802.11 protocols. And 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition is the perfect place to start.This updated edition covers everything you'll ever need to know about wireless technology. Designed with the system administrator or serious home user in mind, it's a no-nonsense guide for setting up 802.11 on Windows and Linux. Among the wide range of topics covered are discussions on: deployment considerations network monitoring and performance tuning wireless security issues how to use and select access points network monitoring essentials wireless card configuration security issues unique to wireless networks With wireless technology, the advantages to its users are indeed plentiful. Companies no longer have to deal with the hassle and expense of wiring buildings, and households with several computers can avoid fights over who's online. And now, with 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition, you can integrate wireless technology into your current infrastructure with the utmost confidence.

This book describes new approaches to wireless security enabled by the recent development of new core technologies for Wi-Fi/802.11. It shows how the new approaches work and how they should be applied for maximum effect. For system administrators, product designers, or advanced home users.