Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
table 7.1 Wirele
ss terms
Term
Definition
Wireless
Wireless describes telecommunications in which
electromagnetic waves carry the signal over the
communication path. The communication occurs without
the use of wires.
RF wireless
Radio frequency (RF) is a rate of oscillation that corresponds
to alternating current electrical signals. An alternating
current input to an antenna generates an electromagnetic
field that emanates from that antenna.
IR wireless
Infrared radiation (IR) wireless is the use of wireless technology
in devices or systems that convey data through infrared
radiation. Infrared is “below red,” or below visible light.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range radio-frequency-based
communications technology intended for personal area
networks (PANs). Bluetooth supports intercommunications
among portable devices such as laptops, PDAs, mobile
phones, and headsets.
Wireless local
area network
(WLAN)
A WLAN is based on radio waves and provides the ability for
wireless computer networking. The standard IEEE 802.11
specifies the technologies for wireless LANs. The standard
includes the wired equivalent privacy (WEP) encryption
method.
Wired equivalent
privacy (WEP)
The IEEE wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) standard, 802.11b, specifies
WEP as a security protocol for WLANs; WEP security
encrypts WLAN data in transit.
7.4
Wireless networks: An example
Wireless technology offers an economical alternative to replace or extend a wired
LAN; however, a number of security risks accompany the economic advantages.
Managing these risks includes the use of proximity access controls, transmission
encryption, and continuous real-time scanning to monitor, detect, and notify
of malicious or unauthorized activity. Wireless LAN configurations include the
implementation of layers of security, including virtual private network (VPN), fire-
walls, and encryption.
7.4.1
Deinitions
Table 7.1 provides some useful definitions with respect to wireless technology.
