Wireless Network Security 2nd Edition by Wolfgang Osterhage ISBN 1351603949 9781351603942

1. Introduction

This section provides an introduction to the main topics of the document, which deals with various aspects of communication networks, security protocols, and mobile technologies. It sets the stage for the detailed exploration of specific technologies and their associated security concerns.

2. Network Security

• 2.1 Introduction: This subsection introduces the concept of network security, addressing the importance of safeguarding data, devices, and communications in the interconnected world.

• 2.2 Weaknesses in Network Security: Focuses on common vulnerabilities in network systems, such as weak encryption, unpatched software, and inadequate access controls that expose networks to cyber threats.

• 2.3 Relevant Resources

  • 2.3.1 Danger Potentials: Identifies potential dangers to network security, including cyber-attacks like malware, denial of service (DoS), and phishing.

• 2.4 Objectives of a Security Strategy: Outlines the goals of a network security strategy, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services.

• 2.5 Security Aspects Concerning the Internet: Examines how internet-specific threats such as hacking, data breaches, and cybercrimes are managed within a broader network security framework.

3. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks)

• 3.1 WLAN Basic Principles

  • 3.1.1 Advantages of Wireless Networks: This section discusses the benefits of WLANs, including mobility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

    • 3.1.1.1 Mobility and Portability: Emphasizes the ability to use devices on the move without the need for physical cables.
    • 3.1.1.2 Security: Analyzes the challenges and advancements in securing wireless networks.

  • 3.1.2 General Features of Wireless Networks: Explains the key characteristics of wireless networks, such as their reliance on radio frequencies for communication.

    • 3.1.2.1 Radio Frequencies Available: Provides an overview of the radio frequency spectrum used by WLANs.

  • 3.1.3 Standards: Discusses the important standards defining WLAN functionality.

    • 3.1.3.1 ISO and 802.11: Introduces ISO and IEEE 802.11 standards that govern WLAN operations.
    • 3.1.3.2 PHY: Describes the Physical Layer (PHY) specification.
    • 3.1.3.3 Connection Control: Outlines how connections are managed within WLANs.
    • 3.1.3.4 MAC: Discusses the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer.
    • 3.1.3.5 WLAN as Part of LAN: Shows how WLANs integrate into broader Local Area Networks (LANs).

  • 3.1.4 Connecting to Computers: Explores how WLANs connect to computing devices, including protocols like 802.11.

    • 3.1.4.1 802.11 and ISM: Discusses the 802.11 standard and its use of the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio band.

  • 3.1.5 Antennas: Examines the types of antennas used in WLANs, their designs, and their performance.

    • 3.1.5.1 Antenna Types and Antenna Gain: Looks at different antenna types and their signal strength, measured as gain.

• 3.2 IEEE 802.11 Overview: A deeper dive into the 802.11 standards.

  • 3.2.1 The Standard 802.11 and its Extensions: A detailed review of various versions and extensions of the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, and more.

3.3 Wireless Fidelity

• 3.3.1 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): Explores WPA security protocols and their role in securing WLANs from unauthorized access.

3.4 WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network): Introduces WMANs, which provide wireless connectivity over larger geographical areas compared to WLANs, often using WiMAX technology.

3.5 Key Terminology

• 3.5.1 WLAN Components: Describes key components such as access points and routers that are essential for WLAN operation.
  • 3.5.1.1 Access Points: An overview of devices that facilitate wireless connections in WLANs.
• 3.5.2 Bandwidth: Discusses the data transmission rate available on a wireless network.
• 3.5.3 Range: Describes the coverage area of a WLAN.
• 3.5.4 Channels: Outlines the different communication channels available for WLAN operation.
• 3.5.5 Channel Separation: Discusses the need to separate channels to avoid interference.

3.6 Architecture and Components

• 3.6.1 Data Transmission and Synchronization: Describes how data is transmitted and synchronized across a wireless network.

  • 3.6.1.1 Networks and Routers: Details the role of routers in managing network traffic.
  • 3.6.1.2 Packet Switching: Explains how data is split into packets for efficient transmission.

• 3.6.2 Network Topologies: Examines various network configurations, including point-to-point and mesh topologies.

• 3.6.3 Special Aspects

  • 3.6.3.1 Modulation and Demodulation: Outlines how data is encoded and decoded in wireless networks.

• 3.6.4 WLAN Architectures: Details the different network architectures used in WLANs.

  • 3.6.4.1 Cells and Stations: Discusses the cellular structure of wireless networks.
  • 3.6.4.2 Ad hoc Networks: Describes networks formed by direct communication between devices without a central infrastructure.
  • 3.6.4.3 Infrastructure Networks: Covers networks that rely on access points for communication.
  • 3.6.4.4 Mobile Internet Access: Describes how WLANs facilitate mobile internet access.
  • 3.6.4.5 Hotspots: Defines areas with public Wi-Fi access.
  • 3.6.4.6 Open Networks: Discusses networks with minimal or no encryption.
  • 3.6.4.7 Roaming: Explains how devices move between access points seamlessly.

• 3.6.5 WLAN Components: Describes the different physical components needed to set up a WLAN, such as adapters and access points.

3.7 Security Requirements

• 3.7.1 Assuring Availability: Ensuring that the network is operational and accessible when needed.

• 3.7.2 Assuring Data Integrity: Ensuring that the data sent over the network is accurate and unaltered.

• 3.7.3 Assuring Authenticity: Verifying the identity of devices and users on the network.

• 3.7.4 Assuring Confidentiality: Ensuring that data is kept private and protected from unauthorized access.

• 3.7.5 Security Risks: Discusses risks such as spying and decoding of communication.

3.8 Recent Developments

• 3.8.1 White Spaces: Explores the use of unused radio frequencies for wireless communication.
• 3.8.2 Mobile Hotspots: Looks at the growing use of mobile hotspots for internet access.

3.9 Applications

• 3.9.1 A Small Home WLAN: Details how to set up a basic WLAN for personal use.
• 3.9.2 Hot Spot Services: Explores the provision of Wi-Fi services in public spaces.
• 3.9.3 WLAN Solutions for a Hospital: Examines how WLANs can be implemented in healthcare settings.

3.10 Checklist: Provides a summary of key points and steps to follow when configuring and securing WLANs.

4. Mobile Phones

• 4.1 Context: Provides an overview of the role of mobile phones in modern communication networks.

• 4.2 Basic Principles

  • 4.2.1 Communication Structure: Describes the network architecture and communication methods used by mobile phones.
  • 4.2.2 Device Architecture: Looks at the internal structure of mobile devices.
  • 4.2.3 Smartphones: Focuses on modern smartphones and their capabilities.
  • 4.2.4 iPhone and BlackBerry: Compares popular mobile phone brands in terms of features and security.

• 4.3 Communication Protocols: Explains the various protocols used by mobile phones, such as GSM, GPRS, and UMTS.

• 4.4 Services: Outlines the range of services offered by mobile phones, including SMS, MMS, and WAP.

• 4.5 Mobile Phones and WLAN: Describes how mobile phones integrate with WLANs.

• 4.6 Threats and Protection: Discusses security risks to mobile phones and countermeasures, such as data encryption and firewalls.