wireless system security issues

Running Head : Wireless system security issues

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Background

To put the of wireless security and privacy in context , one should look no further than the negative press that wireless networks and communications have received over the past decades in the area of security . Overall , securing wireless networks is distinctly different from securing wired ' networks . In part , this is due to the fact that wireless networks are open : open because the radio medium is a broadcast medium , which means adversaries can easily witness anything

that is transmitted and open because wireless devices are commodity items - adversaries can easily purchase low-cost wireless devices and , with little effort , use these platforms to launch attacks . Further complicating matters is the fact that there are many types of wireless networks (ranging from cellular to WiFi to WiMax to MANET /sensor networks to cognitive radios , and each of these networks have varying security and privacy requirements . Further complicating matters is the fact that , generally , wireless networks lack a trusted infrastructure must inherently support mobility , and are subject to severe resource constraints (e .g . bandwidth and energy . HYPERLINK "http /www .apc .org /english /news /index .shtml ?x 5038261 http /www .apc .org /english /news /index .shtml ?x 5038261

These basic properties have led to a broad array of security challenges that , although they might exist in wired networks , are far easier to perform in wireless networks . Some notable security threats that face wireless networks include attacks at the physical layer (e .g . jamming attacks against network functionality (e .g . routing threats such as wormhole attacks , attacks against identity (e .g . Sybil attacks and identity spoofing , and collaborative attacks involving geographically distributed enemies . HYPERLINK "http /www .iep .gmu .edu /UnlicensedWireless .php http /www .iep .gmu .edu /UnlicensedWireless .php

Introduction

We will discuss the wireless technology of Wi-Fi , this is the trade name for a popular wireless technology used in home networks , mobile phones , video games and more . Wi-Fi is supported by nearly every modern personal computer operating system and most advanced game consoles

The purpose of Wi-Fi is to hide complexity by enabling wireless access to applications and data , media and streams . The main aims of Wi-Fi are to Enabled device such as a PC , game console , cell phone , MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet . The coverage of one or more interconnected access points - called a hotspot - can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points . Wi-Fi technology has served to set up mesh networks , both architectures can operate in community networks

In addition to restricted use in homes and offices , Wi-Fi can make access publicly available at Wi-Fi hotspots provided either free of charge or to subscribers to various providers . Organizations and businesses such as airports , hotels and restaurants often provide free hotspots to attract or assist clients . Enthusiasts or authorities who...