Objective 4 --> Wireless Networks

IEEE 802.11

• Sets the wireless ethernet standard

  • Latest standard —> 802.11be (WiFi 7)

    • Max data rate of 9.6 Gbps

WLAN Advantages and Characteristics

• Less susceptible to interference from other transmissions

• Reduced vulnerability to jamming

• Operates in multiple frequency bands (2.4/5 GHz)

• Uses radio frequencies (RFs) that are radiated into the air from an antenna that transmits radio waves

Access Point

• A device connecting the physical LAN to a wireless access point (WAP)

  • Receives and transmits RF to a wireless device and interfaces to a wired LAN

Basic Service Set (BSS)

• Single WAP

• Most common configuration

• Used in homes

Extended Service Set (ESS)

• More than one WAP

• More efficient and for larger buildings

Wireless Operations - Wireless lAN controller

• Wireless LAN controllers: device for management of APs

• Simplifies network deployments

• Provides user roaming while connected to the LAN

• Allows for central configuration

SSID

• The wireless network’s unique name

• All wireless networks have a SSID in infrastructure mode

• WAPs broadcast a wireless network’s SSID, so it is viewable by devices with a wireless network adapter

Basic Security

• Do not broadcast an SSID

• AAA —> verify users, authorize access, and keep track of what they accessed on the network

• Use encryption to keep info private —> WPA + WPA2 and WPA3