What are "closed networks" in a cellular wireless network and why are they needed?

What are "closed networks" in a cellular wireless network and why are they needed?

What are "closed networks" in a cellular wireless network and why are they needed?

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The phrase "closed network" has been used to mean several different things:
  • A "closed network" can refer to a private telephone network that has no external (public switched telephone network) connectivity.
  • A "closed network" can refer to a network that employs proprietary technology that is not directly interoperable with other standards-based networks.
  • A "closed network" can refer to a private network that can only be used by authenticated, authorized devices; outsider use is prohibited and enforced through cryptographic means.
  • A "closed network" can refer to a WLAN that does not send its name (SSID) in beacon frames; stations must know the SSID in order to connect to access points in that network.

You are probably looking for the first definition; an example of that kind of closed network can be seen in this online tutorial.

This was first published in January 2005

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