Recent Development in WLAN Security

Abstract

This chapter is a topical overview of wireless local area network security evolution. WLAN security threats are surveyed. Covered standards include 802.11/WEP, 802.1X/EAP, 802.11i/WPA and 802.11i/WPA2. Special attention is given to user authentication schemes and to protection of data communication. WPA is also compared with the present WLAN security protocol WEP. Other covered issues are available WPA supported technology and open source WLAN security software. A WPA secured WLAN test network is described and tested. A WLAN designed according to the new security standards is a real alternative to a secure enterprise LAN and also a reliable platform for e-commerce. Finally, WLAN security management and current research related to WLAN security are surveyed.