Set 10 — Wireless Networking (Standards and Security)

802.11a

5 GHz, 54 Mbps

802.11b

2.4 GHz, 11 Mbps

802.11g

2.4 GHz, 54 Mbps

802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)

2.4 & 5 GHz, up to 600 Mbps, introduced MIMO

802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)

5 GHz, up to 6.9 Gbps, introduced MU-MIMO

802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

2.4 & 5 GHz

Wi-Fi 6E

Same as Wi-Fi 6 but adds the 6 GHz band

MIMO

Multiple antennas send/receive data at the same time

MU-MIMO

Lets an access point talk to multiple devices at once (less congestion)

2.4 GHz band

Longer range, more interference, fewer non-overlapping channels

5 GHz band

Faster, shorter range, more channels, less interference

WEP

Original wireless security (1997) - obsolete, easily cracked

WPA

Replaced WEP, used TKIP + RC4 encryption

WPA2

Replaced WPA, uses AES encryption (128-bit, 256-bit optional)

WPA3

Current standard, 192-bit keys, SAE, forward secrecy

PSK (Pre-Shared Key)

Same password on AP and client - good for small networks

SAE

Simultaneous Authentication of Equals - protects WPA3 from offline brute force

Forward Secrecy

Past sessions stay secure even if the password is leaked later

PMF (Protected Management Frames)

Protects wireless control messages from eavesdropping/hijacking

MAC filtering

Allows/denies devices based on their MAC address

Disabling SSID broadcast

Hides the network name from casual users (not a strong security measure)

Bluetooth

Short-range wireless (PAN), pairing-based

NFC

Very short range (touch/tap), used for payments/quick pairing

RFID

Tag + reader tech, used for inventory/access badges

IR (Infrared)

Line-of-sight only, legacy remote control technology