Wireless Technology

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Wireless technology has become the wave of the future. From cellular phones to wireless point of sale devices, wireless networks and technology is all around us. In order to jump on the wireless train, one must first understand the different standards. To properly and safely utilize wireless technology the user also must understand the various types of wireless security. Once grasping these technologies and standards, anyone can implement a wireless network in their home.

First, the 802.11b wireless networking standard, which is the most common consumer based standard. The 802.11b standard's frequency is in the 2.4 GHz range which is common with most cordless land line telephones and some microwave ovens. There are not really many problems with interference however because you can choose between one of 11 different channels. The speed that is supported by this standard is pretty average at 11mbps but is relatively slow compared to a 100mbps or 1000mbps that is common amongst wired networks. All of this really is not an issue as most consumer broadband internet connections are in the 4-6mbps range anyway. Most wireless hotspots, domestic wireless broadband gateways and company LANs have been using the 802.11b standard for years now but are slowly moving to stronger and faster wireless networking standards.

The 802.11a wireless networking standard is not as common as 802.11b but is still utilized in many wireless networks. Primarily used in Europe and other foreign countries, 802.11a operates at a higher frequency than 802.11b at 5 GHz and at a higher speed as well at 55mbps. There are some advantages and disadvantages however to using the 802.11a wireless networking standard. The first advantage is that it operates...

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... http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,2132483,00.htm?r=1 Arstechnica - 802.11n spec moves closer to completion

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070119-8662.html

Device Forge - Quadrupling Wi-Fi speeds with 802.11n

http://www.deviceforge.com/articles/AT5096801417.html

WI-FI Planet - 802.11 WEP: Concepts and Vulnerability

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/1368661

WI-FI Planet – Say No to WEP, And Yes to WPA

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3672711

Network World – Explaining WPA2

http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2006/091106-wireless-security.html?page=2

Wikipedia.org – RADIUS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RADIUS

An Analysis of the RADIUS Authentication Protocol

http://www.untruth.org/~josh/security/radius/radius-auth.html

Wikipedia.org – DIAMETER

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIAMETER

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