Security Fixes for 802.11

Security Fixes for 802.11
Another major objection to 802.11 is the misperception that it is inherently insecure. 802.11 contains a
number of security mechanisms; the most prominent is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Any network
security plan must use an equation that balances the value of information on the network (military
intelligence, bank records, or email jokes) with the threat to the network (foreign intelligence agencies
and inquisitive neighbors) with the cost of security measures in dollar terms (virtual private networks
[VPNs], firewalls, and so on). 128-bit WEP contained in 802.11 is probably adequate for most residential
and small enterprise applications. Users that need greater security can add VPNs, firewalls, and other
additional measures to strengthen security on their network.
QoS or fear of interference from other Part 15 wireless users is perhaps the chief objection to 802.11.
Major strides have been made in 802.11 QoS with the introduction of 802.11e, which is specifically aimed
at improving QoS in 802.11 networks. 802.11e is based on over a decade of experience in the design of
wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols and was built from the ground up for real-world wireless
conditions. 802.11e is backwards compatible with 802.11; that is, non-802.11e terminals can receive
QoS-enabled application streams.