Wireless Networking 3

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to wireless networks, including hardware, software, encryption, and security protocols.

Wireless Network

A network made up of nodes.

Node

A device that acts as a point in a network, which must have the ability to connect. eg. PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet (hardware)

Network Interface Card

A hardware component that enables devices to communicate over a network (connect) via radio waves. ie bluetooth, wifi (hardware)

Wireless Router (Modem)

A device that acts as a connection point in a wireless network, often referred to as a Wireless Access Point (WAP). (hardware)

Wireless Repeater

A device used to extend the range of a wireless network. (hardware)

Operating System

Software that manages network-related resources, protocols, hardware, and applications. (software)

Drivers

Software that ensures the operating system and applications can communicate with the network. (software)

Security Software/Firewall

Software that prevents unauthorized access to a network or blocks certain connections. (software)

Browser

Software used to find and retrieve content on the World Wide Web. (software)

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A protocol that assigns IP addresses to devices within a network. (software)

WiFi

Short for Wireless Fidelity, a popular technology for home networks connecting multiple devices (PCs, laptops, printers). They typically have a small operating radius.

1G and 2G

Generations of wireless communication that used analog transmission, introduced in 1981 and 1992 respectively. slow

3G

A generation of wireless technology introduced in 2001 that utilized digital data transmission, offering more speed and security.

4G

Introduced in 2006, a wireless network generation that introduced the ability to transmit multimedia. also used digital

LTE

An evolution of 3G technology, often referred to as 3.95G, not as advanced as 4G.

5G

The successor to 4G, designed to provide significantly faster wireless network capabilities. (2019)

WiMAX

A 4G network alternative to wired connections, offering a cost-effective solution for a larger number of clients. Not as popular as LTE, which is more widespread.

Encryption

The process of altering data to make it unintelligible to unauthorized users, requiring keys for encryption and decryption.

Symmetric Encryption

An encryption method where the same key is used for both encrypting and decrypting data.

Public Key Encryption

An encryption method where different keys are used for encryption and decryption.

Authentication

The process of verifying a user's identity.

• single factor: a password or other credential (user ID)

• two-factor: additional authetication is achieved via another account or device that the user has

• three-factor: refers to biometrics (fingerprint, speech pattern)

• MAC address

MAC Address

The unique identifier (ID) of a device, which can be whitelisted for security.

WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy)

The most common data encryption method for wireless networks, introduced in 1999.

WPA/WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access)

Improved security protocols introduced in 2003-2004, WPA2 uses a special block cipher.

WPA3

The latest security protocol for wireless networks, introduced in 2018, offering 192-bit cryptographic strength.

Physical Security

Measures taken to protect physical devices and network infrastructure from potential threats.

Examples: Access controls, surveillance systems, and environmental controls.