Wireless Security Protocols, Research Paper Example

Wi-Fi Protected Access

In the year 1999 the standard was created for the WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). For the Wi-Fi wireless computer systems, the WPA works as a security technology. In addition, this technology was created in response for some vulnerabilities regarding WEP in networking industry. The two standard technologies i.e. Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) are used along with WPA to provide stronger encryption as compared to WEP (Wi-fi protected access.2007). Moreover, the WPA comprises an authentication support. On the contrary, WEP does not contain any authentication code. WPA is easy to use and provides security to VPN tunneling along with WEP.

In order to utilize WPA in home networks, several variations are made and are known as Pre-Shared Key or WPA-PSK. This is considered an easy form of WPA but still very powerful for home networks. In fact, a static key is defined in order to use WPA-PSK. Moreover, this will make more difficult for the hackers to damage any information. There are several other WPA variations available that contains technical enhancements. In an organization, the WPA is utilized as an authentication server. The role of this server is to supply central access control and management system within the organization. The WPA can also be used as a pre-shared key mode in small companies or in houses. Moreover, in small organization the WPA does not require any authentication server (WiWi-fi protected access.2007).

Temporary Key Internet Protocol

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) specification is defined by IEEE as 802.11i, as it addresses the encryption algorithm of wireless connectivity. Likewise, the other part supervises integrity of messages. TKIP was constructed with a limitation factor i.e. the hardware on which it operates and therefore, there is no requirement of advanced encryption. Likewise, TKIP forms a wrapper that transmits within the established WEP encryption (Temporal key integrity protocol.2007). Moreover, this protocol comprises of RC4 algorithm engine similar to WEP. However, there is one change i.e. the TKIP key is 128 bits long that may lead to a resolution of issues related to short key length.

Wired Equivalent Privacy

Wired Equivalent Privacy is categorized as security protocol that is defined by IEEE 802.11b standards, as it is constructed to provide adequate level of security to a Wireless Local Area Network. In general, a wired local area network is safeguarded by wall channels and protective coating on CAT 5 cable. Whereas, WLAN operates on radio waves and it is accessible anywhere within the given radius. Moreover, WEP searches for the same level of security that is presented by Wired LAN via deploying encryption over data transmission on WLAN. Data encryption encapsulates the data and passes it through a secure tunnel from source to destination. In this way, vulnerable loop holes are prevented along with unauthorized access, man in the middle attacks, hacking etc. furthermore, for end to end protection of data, Virtual Private Networks are also used via a dialer and user credentials. The VPN also establishes a secure tunnel via Point to Point tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

References

Temporal key integrity protocol. (2007). Network Dictionary, , 484-484.

Wi-fi protected access. (2007). Network Dictionary, , 526-526.