Challenges posed by 802.11 wireless
Lisa Phifer
12.15.2005
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Over the past two years, 802.11 challenges have changed, from satisfying basic necessities like security and coverage, to addressing broader deployment issues like management and quality. Our Wireless Advisor tips have tracked that evolution, serving as an on-going resource for WLAN planners and administrators. This month, we pause to review the ground that we have covered together, and to solicit your input for future tips.
Long and winding road to 802.11i and WPA2
In the summer of 2004, the big news was ratification of the 802.11i MAC Security Enhancements standard. After years of WLAN security woes, 802.11i was expected to lay those concerns to rest. The Wi-Fi Alliance test program for 802.11i, WPA2, started to churn out products in 3Q04. But product upgrades take time; Windows XP support for WPA2 did not become available until mid-2005. Although most new 802.11 products now include 802.11i, many companies have legacy equipment that cannot be upgraded to WPA2. Charting a practical 802.11i/WPA2 migration path therefore remains a challenge for many. Tips that address related issues include the following:
When standards are not enough
802.11i was a major milestone for WLAN security, but one standard does not make an entire network secure. WPA2 may secure data in transit, but it doesn't prevent wireless device compromise. WPA2 may define two options for wireless authentication, but deploying those options safely requires care. WPA2 improves security for authorized users, but does not find or stop rogue intruders. Tips that describe how to meet these additional WLAN security needs include the following:
Bigger, better WLANs
As security has improved, other challenges have risen to the top of most WLAN administrator to-do lists. Limited-purpose pilot WLANs have grown into larger production WLANs, running head-long into prime-time issues. How can you expand your WLAN's reach? How can you p
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rovide for seamless roaming when users move from AP to AP? How can you configure and control wireless clients on an enterprise scale? Tips that delve into these thorny issues include the following:
Managing WLAN performance and quality
As Wi-Fi usage evolves from mail checking and web browsing to other business applications, including real-time services like voice and video, WLANs are expected to not only connect but to meet performance and quality requirements. WLAN administrators are increasingly faced with challenges like phantom radio interference and collisions between old and new WLANs. WLAN planners are being asked to develop workable plans to support more demanding wireless applications. Tips that touch on these emerging needs include the following:
What's next?
In a recent Wireless Advisor tip, we broke from our usual tactical advice to discuss WLAN deployment motivations, benefits, and ROI justifications. Last month, we took a brief diversion from 802.11 to consider security threats against Bluetooth. And what do we have up our sleeves for next month?
Well, as 2005 draws to a close, we'd really like to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about in Wireless Advisor tips? Are there new WLAN challenges that you'd like to see us address? Other wireless technologies that you'd like us to tackle? Please send any topic suggestions to mailto:editor@searchmobilecomputing.com. On behalf of all those who write tips for Wireless Advisor, we thank you for your interest -- past, present and future!
-- Lisa Phifer, December 2005
[TABLE]About the author:
Lisa Phifer is vice president of Core Competence Inc., a consulting firm specializing in network security and management technology. Phifer has been involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of data communications, internetworking, security, and network management products for nearly 20 years. She teaches about wireless LANs and virtual private networking at industry conferences and has written extensively about network infrastructure and security technologies for numerous publications. She is also a site expert to SearchMobileComputing.com and SearchNetworking.com.
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