Wi-Fi Security and Wireless Standards

This assignment delves into the world of Wi-Fi security and wireless networking standards. It examines various security protocols like WEP and WPA2, comparing their strengths and weaknesses. The document also explores different IEEE 802.11 standards (a, b, g, n, ac), highlighting their characteristics and performance capabilities. Finally, it provides an overview of VPNs and their role in enhancing network security.

Running head: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
Assignment
[Student Name Here]
[Institution’s Name Here]
[Professor’s Name Here]
[Date Here]

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 2
Question 1
Inner workings of the physical layer of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b
In both the standard highlighted in this question, the physical layer highlights the working
procedures of the protocols. In essence, this layer will detail the transmission and reception of
data frames i.e. the 802.11 frame (tonight, 2017).
IEEE 802.11a
The first unique item about the 802.11a standard is the use of the orthogonal frequency division
multiplexing technique (OFDM) to transmit data. Now, like most other wireless networking
technologies, the need to increase the available bandwidth is supported by multiple access
techniques that either spread or split common communication channel among many users
(signals) (Mitchell, 2017).
In its operations, the 802.11a standard uses the PLCP structure (Physical layer convergence
procedure) to convert transmitted frames into PLCP data units (PPDU). This unit will consist of
the fields such as the MAC layer, preamble, rate and parity value. Moreover, it is attributed with
the following characteristics:
 First, the standard through its physical layer is able to offer a 5 GHz wireless connection.
This connection has high data rates of up to 54 Mbps, a critical facility for modern
mobile systems that require high data rates.
 Secondly, the multiplexing technique used (OFDM) splits the communication channel
into 48 different segments from the original 20 MHz frequency band.
 Furthermore, on top of the original data rate (54 Mbps), the standard can offer varying
rate of either 6, 12 or even 24 Mbps.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 3
 Finally, different modulation techniques are used in conjunction with the standard
depending on the data rates. Therefore, application with 6 Mbps rates will use binary
phase shift keying (BPSK) and those of 54Mbps will use quadrature amplitude technique
(QAM) (Geier, 802.11a Physical Layer Revealed, 2003).
IEEE 802.11b
Similar to the IEEE 802.11a standard, the 802.11b offers a wireless alternative to wired
networking, where flexibility and mobility are enhanced. This standard defines a working
wireless system that supports functionalities within the short range area i.e. 300 meters.
Furthermore, its operations require minimal resources which minimizes the cost and power
consumption (IEEE, 2007).
Now, its physical layer and other related components diversify the structure of the original
standard IEEE 802.11, an outcome that increases the functionalities. In all, the following
attributes are exhibited in the workings of the physical layer:
 First, its operation around the world falls within the ISM frequency band category, which
ranges between the frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 2.4835 GHz. In some instances, the
values can change slightly to 2.471 and 2.497 GHz.
 Moreover, the operation band is split into 14 subsections of 22 MHz thickness. These
subsections overlap during operation which maximizes the space.
 Furthermore, the chip rate of the electromagnetic interface is usually 11 MHZ, an
outcome that supports transmission rates of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps.
 Finally, it uses both spread spectrum multiplexing technique (DSSS) and complementary
code keying (CCK) for its operations. DSSS is used for data rates of 1 and 2 Mbps, while
CC is used for 5.5 and 11 Mbps rates (Khan, 2013).

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 4
Highlights:
802.11a 802.11b
Freq band: 5 GHz Freq band: 2.4 GHz
Data rate: 54 Mbps Data rate: 11 Mbps
Modulation techniques: BPSK and QAM Modulation techniques: DSSS and CCK
Question 2
a. 802.11i
Like most standards seen today, the 802.11i standard is an advancement of an original standard
i.e. the 802.11. Now, this general standard (802.11) offers security to wireless systems through
data encryption and authentication. In the original protocol, the basic WPA (Wi-Fi protected
access) was used to restrict access to wireless LAN. However, as experienced today, this
protocol has very many limitations that expose the content used. Therefore, the 802.11i was
developed to address these shortcomings by employing the WPA2 protocol. This protocol
refined the security standards by increasing the authentication requirements and by supporting its
operations using AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard) (electronics, 2017).
For a client trying to access a server, the standard introduced new access mechanisms including
robust security network which uses a four-way handshake. This handshake is completed by a
group keying system that uses the extensible authentication protocol (EAP) (eTutorials, 2017).
Therefore, the following procedure is followed:
 The client initiates the access process by sending an EAP message (notification).
 Its access point also sends an EAP message to identify itself.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 5
 The client responds an outcome that encrypts its operations to both authenticator and the
server.
 The server challenges the client to prove its identity.
 Based on the response, the server either accepts or rejects the access request.
 Finally, if accepted, the access port is transformed into an authorized state (Latour,
2012).
b. Virtual private networks (VPNs)
While the internet offers a convenient medium to transfer and exchange data, its also poses many
security threats most of which are related to its access. Now, VPNs are industrial responses to
this limitation where secure and personalized channels are used to transfer content between two
parties across the open channels of the internet (Cisco, 2000). In all, VPNs are encrypted
channels that protect transmitted data by restricting those who access them. In their operations,
two main methods or types are used; site to site connections and remote access.
 Site to site connections establishes large-scale connections based on verified encryption
methods. These encryptions are implemented between two different points across the
internet.
 Remote access, on the other hand, allows remote parties to access networks such as
LANs.
VPNs support their operations by using special encryption keys which can be either be publicly
shared keys or private keys. These keys are then supported by a wide range of protocols
including IPsec which encrypts the networking infrastructure. It is through these structures, that
VPNs increases the security and convenience of wireless networks (Infosec, 2008).

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 6
Question 3
Application of Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs)
In this scenario, we highlight the requirement given by the case study at hand, where ZeeTech
requires a convenient solution for WMAN connection. In essence, the company requires an
optimal technology that will facilitate the services they offer to their clients across a wide
geographical area. Furthermore, the solution adopted should meet the company’s resource
requirement which includes cost, data capacity, installation area and security. In this case, three
technologies are considered; HiperMAN, HiperACCESS and the IEEE 802.16 standard
(WiMAX) (the preferred choice) (Jain, 2006).
HiperMAN
Like any other WMAN technology, this standard offers a broadband connection to the supported
devices based on the needs of the users. In terms of operational frequency, the technology will
offer a frequency range of between 2 GHz and 11 GHz, a range that enhances the functionalities
of wireless devices across low frequencies (ETSI, 2009). Furthermore, the standards offer an
optimal data rate of about 56.9 Mbit/s, which is averaged at 50 Mbit/s. In addition to these
features, HiperMAN also has improved point to multipoint configuration (PMP), an outcome that
optimizes the air interface which subsequently facilitates the application of mesh networks. This
optimization is also supported by strong security features that are implemented using strong
encryption and modulation instances. Finally, its implementation cost is manageable as minimal
resources are needed to expand its service quota (QoS) and operation metrics (works, 2017)..

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 7
HiperACCESS
The second alternative to WMAN implementation where broadband services are offered to
small to medium-sized systems. HiperACCESS also offers backhaul services and resources
where users can benefit from the application of mobile technologies such as GPRS and GSM.
Nevertheless, for the consideration of the case study at hand, HiperACCESS offers a high data
rate of about 100 Mbit/sec. This rate could easily satisfy the requirements at hand, moreover, this
rate is supplemented by high-frequency band applications ranging between 40.5 GHz and 43.5
GHz (ETSI, 2009). These bands offer wider coverage area for services which can increase the
users’ service area. Furthermore, its security features are characterized by advanced access
control solutions which protect the data and resources being used. Finally, the cost is amicably
low as minimal physical infrastructure are used. However, unlike HiperMAN, this technology
requires additional resources to meet the needs of low-frequency networks applications
(WMICH, 2015).
WiMAX (802.16 standards)
The most suitable alternative for the ZeeTech operations as it provides a wide range of solutions
and resources that are unmatched by the rest. To start with, the standard will combine both the
operations of first mile connections with those of the last mile system. This outcome increases
the overall service area which is an outlined requirement for the case study at hand. Moreover, its
functionalities are facilitated by a convenient bandwidth which has a wide frequency band of
either 10 GHz or 66 GHz (Omerovic). Therefore, during its operations, ZeeTech can be able to
offer extended services to its customers without the limitations of space. Furthermore, unlike the
previous two that either capitalize of low or high-frequency application, the technology at hand
incorporates both where low-frequency applications are facilitated by an ability work below the
11 GHz band.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 8
Now, to the data rate, 802.16 offers some of the highest rates ranging from 100 Mbit/s to 1
Gbit/s, an outcome that increases its overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, its security
features go beyond those of the other technologies combining authentication standards with high-
end air encryption. This technology will even offer end to end data encryption which improves
data control over the IP system. Finally, the cost, which is convenient based on the services and
resources needed (IEEE, 2016).
Question 4
2G technologies
TDMA (Time division multiple access): a wireless communication technique that maximizes the
bandwidth of transmission by diversifying and spreading the radio spectrum. This functionality
is facilitated by an allocation method that uses time to divide the frequency of transmission.
Therefore, a single channel is converted to a multiple access system.
Characteristics:
 Uses time to allocate transmission space.
 Suitable for both data and voice transmission.
 Data range between 64 kbps and 120 Mbps.
 Convenient for analog to digital transmission (point, 2017).
CDMA (Code division multiple access): a similar technique to TDMA, however, unlike the time
allocation scheme, CDMA uses pseudo codes to transmit signals. Moreover, it is based on the
spread spectrum technique, a technique that diversifies resources among many users.
Furthermore, it does not allocate space but allows all signal to use the entire radio spectrum but
with the necessary identification (point, 2017).
Characteristics:

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 9
 Pseudo-codes are used to identify signals.
 Facilitates the transmission of large volumes of information.
 Both data and voice can be transmitted.
GSM (Global system for mobile communications): a wireless technology that differs slightly
from the rest as it designed with digital and cellular objectives. Furthermore, its an open
technology that transmits both data and voice based on a circuit switching system. Therefore, a
connection must be established before transmission is done. It also splits its communication
channel (200 kHz) into 8 different sections which increase its transmission quota.
Characteristics:
 It’s a circuit switch technology.
 Suitable for both data and voice transmission (Education, 2012).

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 10
References
Cisco. (2000). Introduction to VPNs. Extending the Classic WAN, Retrieved 27 September,
2017, from: https://www.cisco.com/networkers/nw00/pres/2400.pdf.
electronics, R. (2017). IEEE 802.11i Wi-Fi Security: WEP & WPA / WPA2. Radio electronics,
Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:"
http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/wi-fi/ieee-802-11i-security-wpa2-
wep.php.
ETSI. (2009). Broadband Radio Access Networks (BRAN); HIPERACCESS; Packet based
Convergence Layer; Part 1. ETSI TS 102 117-1, REtrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/102100_102199/.../01.01.../ts_10211502v010101p.pdf.
eTutorials. (2017). IEEE 802.11i. Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
http://etutorials.org/Networking/Wireless+lan+security/Chapter+8.+WLAN+Encryption+
and+Data+Integrity+Protocols/IEEE+802.11i/.
IEEE. (2007). IEEE 802.11b Wireless LANs. Wireless Freedom at Ethernet Speeds, Retrieved
27 September, 2017, from:
https://www.cs.colorado.edu/~rhan/CSCI_7143_Fall_2007/Papers/IEEE_802_11b.pdf.
Infosec. (2008). VPN security . The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region, Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
https://www.infosec.gov.hk/english/technical/files/vpn.pdf.
Jain, R. (2006). Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs). Washington University in
Saint Louis, Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
http://www.cse.wustl.edu/~jain/cse574-06/ftp/j_6man.pdf.
Khan, R. (2013). Comparison of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g. Code project,
Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/13253/Comparison-of-IEEE-a-IEEE-b-and-IEEE.
Mitchell, B. (2017). Wireless Standards 802.11a, 802.11b/g/n, and 802.11ac. Lifewire, Retrieved
27 September, 2017, from: https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-standards-802-11a-802-
11b-g-n-and-802-11ac-816553.
Omerovic, S. (n.d.). WiMax Overview. Retrieved 27 September, 2017, from:
http://www.lait.fe.uni-lj.si/Seminarji/s_omerovic.pdf.
tonight, S. (2017). PHYSICAL Layer - OSI Model. COMPUTER NETWORKS, Retrieved 27
September, 2017, from: http://www.studytonight.com/computer-networks/osi-model-
physical-layer.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES 11