Configure a Wireless Router

LAN Switching and Wireless Chapter 7

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Objectives
Describe the components and operations of basic wireless LAN topologies. Describe the components and operations of basic wireless LAN security. Configure and verify basic wireless LAN access. Configure and troubleshoot wireless client access.

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless LANs are a popular choice for small business LAN implementations

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless LANs are a popular choice for small business LAN implementations

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless LANs are a popular choice for small business LAN implementations

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

The 802.11 wireless standards

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

The 802.11 wireless standards (source: Wikipedia)

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

The 802.11 wireless standards

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Components of a 802.11-based wireless infrastructure

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless Access Points:

Connect wireless clients to the wired LAN Converts packets from their 802.11 to 802.3 frame encapsulation Layer 2 device acting as an 802.3 hub
Shared medium Half duplex

Avoids collisions (CSMA/CA)

Request to send (RTS) Clear to send (CTS)

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless networks operation: hidden node

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless operation: modes, SSID (service set identifier)

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless networks operation: channel

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless networks operation: topologies
Independent Basic Service set: no AP Basic Service set: one AP Extended Service set: many APs

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless networks operation: client-AP association

Discovering a WLAN
Beacons Probes

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Wireless networks operation: client-AP association
Authentication Association

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Topologies

Planning a wireless LAN:

Common Distribution System provides roaming

Multiple APs appear as a single BSS A common SSID 10-15% overlap between cells Non-overlaping channels

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Security

Threats to wireless LAN security

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Security

Wireless Security Protocols

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Security

Wireless Security Protocols:

WEP (wired equivalent privacy): deprecated

RC4 stream cipher WEP-40 uses a 40 bit key; WEP-104 uses a 104-bit key Uses CRC-32 checksum for integrity

WPA (Wi-Fi protected access):

Encryption using TKIP (128-bit per-packet key) Replaces CRC with MIT (message integrity check)

WPA2:
Full compliance with IEEE 802.11i AES (advanced encryption standard) WPA2 Personal uses a set-up password WPA2 Enterprise uses a server

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Components and Operations of Basic Wireless LAN Security

Securing a wireless LAN from the key security threats

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Basic Wireless LAN Access

Configure a wireless access point

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Configure and Troubleshoot Wireless Client Access

Solving access point and firmware issues

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Configure and Troubleshoot Wireless Client Access

Solving common RF interference issues

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Configure and Troubleshoot Wireless Client Access

Solving antenna misplacement problems

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Configure and Troubleshoot Wireless Client Access

Solving authentication problems associated with wireless LANs

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Summary
Wireless LANs use standards such as
IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n

Basic Service set

Mobile clients use a single access point for connectivity

Extended service set

Multiple access point that share an SSID

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Summary
WLAN security practices/methods include
MAC address filtering SSID making Implementing WPA2

Configuration of wireless NIC and access point

Configure both of them the same way
SSID

Ensure that the latest firmware is installed

Troubleshooting WLANs include doing the following:

Check channel setting Check for interference

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