• Work In Progress
• How does it work?
• Where can I get more basic WiFi information?
• I have a problem or question that is not listed here

The Wireless Security Forum and its FAQ were created in January '05. As the forum evolves over time, so the FAQ should also continuously update, keeping abreast of the state of the industry.

We encourage comments on the FAQ's contents. To do that, click on the author's "business card" at the bottom of the entry you wish to comment on. That generates an Instant Message screen by which you can send your thoughts directly to the FAQ author.

We also encourage FAQ submissions. To submit a suggested entry for the FAQ, click on the link at the bottom of the FAQ's index page. You may submit a question only if you like, but it's far better to post your question in the forum where it will get faster responses. Don't worry if your proposed entry isn't elegant, or even complete. If you submit a question and a proposed answer, it will be reviewed and edited as necessary. If it's considered a helpful addition, it will be added.

Thanks for your participation and interest.

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by KeysCapt
last modified: 2005-12-24 08:49:02

A substantial percentage of wireless network owners install wireless equipment with all of the factory defaults left in place. There is a huge number of access points in use today advertising a default SSID, that provide a direct connection to an Ethernet network, and use no encryption at all (or a WEP key left on the factory setting, easily defeated).

WEP, WPA and other wireless encryption methods operate specifically between your wireless client, or computer and your WiFi access point (WAP). When data from your computer gets to the access point or gateway, it is no longer encrypted and it is transmitted over the public Internet to its destination. The only exception to this is when you're using SSH, SSL (commonly employed when you make a purchase on the Internet) or VPN, in which case it is still encrypted.

While using an advanced tool like WPA will protect you to a degree from intruders, you might also consider additional protection techniques such as VPN.

See /faq/vpn

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by KeysCapt
last modified: 2005-12-24 08:54:21

This FAQ is intended to provide information and answers to help with the security of wireless networks.

If you'd like more basic information and definitions relating to Wi-Fi, see the /faq/wlan

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by KeysCapt

Because configuring wireless security is a normal part of configuring or troubleshooting a wireless network, you can often find information in the »Wireless Networking Forum FAQ or »Wireless Networking forum.

Furthermore, our system also has FAQs and Forums for each of the major equipment manufacturers. Click here for a listing: Hardware By Brand. Most of these forums have a FAQ and links to the manufacturer's support sites.

If you are considering providing commercial wireless services for the general public, apartments, or hotels, you can find that information in the »Wireless Service Providers forum.

If your wireless network is working correctly, except for file or printer sharing, that topic is covered by our »Networking forum.

You can search the entire system, but sometimes the number of responses are overwhelming or unorganized, and it is easier to visit the forums and FAQs.

Naturally, if you have a Wi-Fi security question that is not covered in the places above, you are in the right place!

Tips: This is the fastest way to get most answers. When you visit a forum, look for a FAQ (a feature of most forums), and perform a forum search (a feature of all forums) before posting.

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by funchords edited by KeysCapt
last modified: 2005-12-17 13:39:21