Member of the Just Ducky network security team
Scenario
You are a member of the Just Ducky network security team. Your company is considering expanding their wireless network and connecting their two buildings. Also, you need to provide wireless access to employees and visitors in the outside areas. Review the attached map for reference. You have been tasked to research the following elements to help in the design project.
Radio Frequency Characteristics
• Amplitude
• Wavelength
• Frequency
• Phase
Radio Frequency Behaviors
• Absorption
• Reflection
• Scattering
• Refraction
• Diffraction
• Loss (attenuation)
• Free Space Path Loss
In your opinion, what technology/tools could the company implement to prevent unauthorized access to the network and still provide wireless access to employees and clients in the common outside areas?
Provide definitions, examples, and graphics of the above concepts.
Sample Solution
Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and they have a number of characteristics that are important to understand when designing a wireless network.
- Amplitude: The amplitude of a radio wave is the height of the wave, and it determines the strength of the signal.
- Wavelength: The wavelength of a radio wave is the distance between two peaks of the wave, and it determines the frequency of the signal.
- Frequency: The frequency of a radio wave is the number of waves that pass a point in a second, and it determines the speed of the signal.
- Phase: The phase of a radio wave is the position of the wave relative to a reference point, and it determines the direction of the signal.
Radio Frequency Behaviors
When radio waves interact with the environment, they can exhibit a number of behaviors. These behaviors can affect the strength and range of the signal, and they need to be taken into account when designing a wireless network.
- Absorption: Absorption is the loss of energy from a radio wave as it passes through a material. The amount of absorption depends on the material, the frequency of the wave, and the thickness of the material.
- Reflection: Reflection is the bouncing of a radio wave off of a surface. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.
- Scattering: Scattering is the redirection of a radio wave in many different directions after it interacts with a surface. The amount of scattering depends on the surface, the frequency of the wave, and the wavelength of the wave.
- Refraction: Refraction is the bending of a radio wave as it passes through a material. The amount of refraction depends on the material, the frequency of the wave, and the angle of incidence.
- Loss (attenuation): Loss is the overall decrease in the strength of a radio wave as it travels through the environment. The amount of loss depends on the materials that the wave passes through, the frequency of the wave, and the distance that the wave travels.
- Free Space Path Loss: Free space path loss is the loss of signal strength that occurs as a radio wave travels through free space. The amount of free space path loss depends on the frequency of the wave and the distance that the wave travels.
Preventing Unauthorized Access
There are a number of technologies and tools that can be used to prevent unauthorized access to a wireless network. These include:
- Authentication: Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device before they are allowed access to the network.
- Encryption: Encryption is the process of scrambling data so that it cannot be read by unauthorized users.
- Firewalls: Firewalls are devices that filter traffic between the wireless network and the rest of the internet.
- Intrusion detection systems: Intrusion detection systems monitor the network for unauthorized activity.
Conclusion
Radio waves are a complex topic, but understanding the basic characteristics and behaviors of radio waves is essential for designing a wireless network. By taking into account the factors that can affect the strength and range of the signal, you can design a network that is secure and reliable.
In addition to the technologies and tools mentioned above, there are a number of other things that can be done to prevent unauthorized access to a wireless network. These include:
- Keeping the wireless network firmware up to date: Firmware updates often include security patches that can help to protect the network from unauthorized access.
- Using strong passwords: Strong passwords should be used for all network devices and accounts.
- Educating employees about security: Employees should be educated about the importance of security and how to protect their devices from unauthorized access.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect your wireless network from unauthorized access.
