The Bottom Line
This book points out all the security vulnerabilities of wireless LANs, then offers specific techniques for making WLANs more secure. An extensive prior background in network security is not required.
Pros
- Tips for both home and business WLAN security
- Explains both theory and practical applications
- Concise - under 200 pages
Cons
- Could say more about the future of Wi-Fi
Description
- Chapter 1 lists the reasons why security is especially important on today's wireless LANs.
- Chapter 2 describes the 802.11 wireless networking standards and protocols.
- Chapter 3 presents WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy - and breaks down specifically where WEP is weak.
- In Chapter 4, the practice of "war driving" is explored, including a look at the tools of the trade.
- Chapters 5 and 6 delve deeper into wireless technologies like 802.11i, WPA, and 802.1x.
- Chapter 7 looks at the steps required to hook a WLAN to a wired network.
- How to deploy a VPN in a wireless environment is described in Chapter 8.
- Chapter 9 focuses on techniques for securing and managing home wireless LANs.
- Chapters 10 and 11 more closely study enterprise WLANs and Linux-based access points.
- Appendicies supply more detail on RF theory, 802.11 frame types, and how to build a Wi-Fi antenna.
Guide Review - How Secure is Your Wireless Network - Safeguarding Your Wi-Fi LAN
Author Lee Barken reveals practical tips for increasing the security of a wireless home or business network. The book packs a wealth of information about wireless network security into a small number of pages. Yet, it is easy to read and contains many helpful diagrams and photographs.
The early chapters describe the design of Wi-Fi communication standards and security technologies like WEP and WPA. Later chapters build on this foundation, providing step-by-step instructions for setting up and managing more secure WLANs. The tasks of connecting a WLAN to a wired network, and installing VPN servers and clients, are especially well described. The author even reveals how to build a Wi-Fi antenna from a potato chip can!
