Wireless Networking

Presented by:
M.Vineeth Kumar
MS.,CCNA.,MCSA.,CQFS
Agenda
Introduction to Wireless
Technologies
Wireless Networking Overview
Non-Technical considerations
Other Comparable Technologies
Q&A
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

What is Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless
Fidelity and a catch all phrase for
the several different standards and
recommendations that comprise
wireless networking.
Wi-Fi enables the user to deploy a
computer network without needing
to run cable throughout the
facility.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz – 11Mbps
International standard for wireless networking that
operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to
2.4835 GHz) and provides a throughput of up to 11 Mbps
with a range of just over 300 feet indoors. This is a very
commonly used frequency. Microwave ovens, cordless
phones, medical and scientific equipment, as well as
Bluetooth devices, all work within the 2.4 GHz frequency
band.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz – 11Mbps
802.11b enables transfers of up to 11 Mbps.
Comparable to 10BaseT in speeds, 802.11b is the most
common wireless standard deployed today. In
comparison T1 speeds are 1.54Mbps and DSL is
normally in the 640Kbps range.

Most deployments of Wireless utilize 802.11b

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.a –5GHz – 11Mbps
International standard for wireless networking that
operates in the 5 GHz frequency range (5.725 GHz to
5.850 GHz) with a maximum 54 Mbps data transfer
rate. The 5 GHz frequency band is not as crowded as
the 2.4 GHz frequency, because the 802.11a
specification offers more radio channels than the
802.11b. These additional channels can help avoid
radio and microwave interference.
Cost of 802.11a equipment is approximately twice that
of 802.11b and current deployment is limited.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b –2.4GHz –
11Mbps
IEEE 802.11.a – 5GHz – 54
Mbps
IEEE 802.11g – 2.4Ghz – Hybrid
11/54Mbps
802.11g is in the final stages of
development. The current draft
(V5.0) is open for comments until
January 8, 2003.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Limitations
300 ft. effective range from access
point
 1400 ft maximum range
Structural interference
Interference from other devices
such as cordless phones.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Security Overview
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
40 bit vs. 128 bit
Is Encryption Necessary?
Open access vs. Secured
Other Security Measures
Content Filtering
Network Partitioning
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Applications
Any application currently used on a
traditional wired network can be
used on a wireless network.
New applications may be available
or can be developed to take
advantage of wireless, such as
Wireless PDA access to a card
catalog.
Agenda
Introduction to Wireless
Technologies
Wireless Networking Overview
 Wireless
Wireless NetworkingNetwork
Overview
Components
Access Points
NICs – Network Interface Cards
 PCMCIA
 USB
 PCI
 CompactFlash
Other Wireless Devices
 Bridges and Routers
 Print Servers
PCs, Laptops, PDAs
 Connecting
Wireless To a
Networking Overview Legacy
Network
Access
Points
connect the
wireless
network to
the legacy
network.
 Security
Wireless Networking(Encryption,
Overview Content Filtering,
Privacy, etc.)

Partition The Network

 A safe practice is to create two
separate networks. A private network
for day to day business and a network
for public access. Both can be
wireless. These networks can talk to
one another through a proxy server
that will protect the private network
from malicious attacks via the public
network.
 Security
Wireless Networking(Encryption,
Overview Content Filtering,
Privacy, etc.)

Encryption
Encryption on the pubic network can be
used but would create administrative
overhead. Encryption keys would have
to be changed regularly and anyone
using their own laptop would have to be
given the key.
Encryption works best in a network that
does not allow people to use their own
laptops.
Encryption increases privacy, but can be
thwarted, either by software, or by
gaining access to a PC configured with
 Security
Wireless Networking(Encryption,
Overview Content Filtering,
Privacy, etc.)

Content Filtering & Proxy Servers

Web content filtering that has generally been
software on the desktop would have to be
handled by a server if people are allowed to
use their own laptops.

Proxy servers allow you to control what

information people have access to. This is a
good practice anyway, allowing you to
control at a global level what information
travels over your network. It also allows
you to track usage.
 Security
Wireless Networking(Encryption,
Overview Content Filtering,
Privacy, etc.)

Viruses and Hacker

 Wireless does not add any additional
threat in the way of viruses.
 Anyone, anywhere can attack a
network that is connected to the
Internet. Wireless does not increase
that chance. Security measures such
as firewalls, can reduce the risk.
Wireless Networking Overview
Environment Assessment
Look at the structure of your
building.
 Steel, Concrete, Stone, Glass
 Open w/ few walls or many separate
rooms?
Current technologies used
 Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone?
Does it work throughout your
environment?
Agenda
Introduction to Wireless
Technologies
Wireless Networking Overview
Non-Technical considerations
Non-Technical Considerations
Why Deploy Wireless?
Cost savings over wireline.
Can not run wire to locations
needed.
To enable patrons to bring their
own laptop, therefore reducing the
cost of owning many PCs.
To enable you to easily move PCs.
To be on the leading edge.
Non-Technical Considerations

Cost
802.11b Wireless Access Points
start around $130.00 for basic
connectivity and run up to $500.00
for more management features.
802.11b Network Interface Cards
(NICs) cost between $50-$100 and
come in USB, PCI, PCMCIA and
CompactFlash versions.
Non-Technical Considerations
The A-B-Gs of Wireless
Which standard is right for
802.11.ayou?
54 Mbps @ 5MHz
Not widely adopted
802.11.b
11 Mbps @2.4GHz
Low Cost
802.11.g
New technology - Available late
2003
Compatible with 802.11b
Non-Technical Considerations
Security Planning
Develop a Security Plan. It should
include:
What are your special security
needs?
What known vulnerabilities exist?
How to safe guard against the
risks?
How do you recover from a
security breech?
Non-Technical Considerations
Virtual Hours
Your wireless network may not stop at
your door. This means anyone can
access your network after hours by
sitting outside with a laptop.
Non-Technical Considerations
Where to Start
Evaluate the need.
Assess current security and
future needs.
Assess the environment.
Choose a standard.
Ask for help.
Agenda
Introduction to Wireless
Technologies
Wireless Networking Overview
Non-Technical considerations
Other Comparable Technologies
Other Comparable Technologies
Wireline
If you have a network installed
today, wireline is what you. Does it
satisfy your needs?
There is not reason to abandon
your current infrastructure for
wireless if wireline currently serves
all your needs.
If it serves some, but not all of your
needs, Wireless may be a good
supplement.
Other Comparable Technologies
HPNA
HPNA is Phone Line Networking. HPNA
allows you to transmit data over normal
phone lines at the same time you use
that phone for voice calls and DSL.

HPNA v2.0 runs at 10Mbps over a

standard phone line. V3.0 is coming
soon and delivers 100Mbps. If you
currently have a lot of phone lines
running through your facility this may
be an option to consider.
Other Comparable Technologies
Bluetooth – 802.15
Bluetooth is the standard for
wireless personal area networks or
WPAN. It allows high speed
transmission of data over very
short distances. Bluetooth is
normally used for transferring data
between laptops, or in Internet
Kiosk type applications where
roaming is not needed.
Agenda
Introduction to Wireless
Technologies
Wireless Networking Overview
Non-Technical considerations
Other Comparable Technologies
Q&A