Wireless Update: Security Concerns Won't Slow Rapid WLAN
Growth
Rapid Growth for Wireless Networks to Continue
According to top computer industry consultant Gartner Group,
wireless local area networks (WLANs) will grow their unit sales
by a whopping 73% in 2002, and 2003 is expected to maintain
the blistering pace.
Wireless-capable notebook computers and PDAs (personal digital
assistants) are driving the growth. As recently as 2000, less
than 10% of mobile PCs were equipped for wireless communication.
This percentage is expected to rise to nearly 50% by the end
of 2003, and 90% by 2007. One measure of the ubiquity of wireless
networking is the expected increase in integration of the wireless
communications component on the PC motherboard.
According to Kerry Fisher, Wireless Systems Engineer at
CompStar Technologies, there are a few pitfalls for new
adopters of wireless technology. "Even though all equipment
is built to published standards," says Fisher, "different brands
don't always play well together." Fisher recommends limiting
hardware to a single brand or at least using brands that are
known to be completely cross-compatible. Of course, Fisher notes,
as the technology becomes pervasive, such concerns are bound
to diminish.
Wireless Security: "Wardriving" & Hardening
Your Wireless Network
Security is another major concern of wireless adopters. In
recent months, there have been frequent press reports of the
vulnerability of wireless networks. Certain aspects of these
are true - unlike hardwired networks, which usually require
physical access to the cabling to log in, wireless communication
can allow signals to pass outside the building walls to, say,
a parking lot. In fact, "wardriving" has become a popular
wireless hacker pastime - it refers to the practice of driving
around with a wireless-equipped mobile computer looking for
insecure networks
According to CompStar's Fisher, though, these problems can
be overcome. The wireless signal itself can be encrypted, and
communications restricted to specific, unique hardware identifiers.
Thus, someone with a wireless computer not part of the authorized
user group would not even be aware a wireless network was present.
In addition to the wireless security safeguards, using the security
build into the network operating system (e.g., users, passwords,
and rights restrictions) also serves as a deterrent to outsiders
gaining access to company data.
Resources:
WLAN Shipments to Grow Based on Mobile PCs
Drive-by
spam hits wireless LANs .
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CompStar Technologies is a leading Indiana-based provider of networking, technology, and communications services. With offices in Mishawaka (serving South Bend, Elkhart, Warsaw, Michigan City, Fort Wayne, Niles, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor, Michigan) and Indianapolis, CompStar provides network design / support, network security, wireless networking, business telephone systems, VoIP (voice over IP), and cctv / video surveillance systems. CompStar is the Technology Division of Direct Line Communications, headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana.
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