Geek School: Windows 7 Wireless Networking Tutorial

Wireless Network Configuration: A Comprehensive Guide

Having previously examined PC preparation for network connectivity, this article will focus on the specifics of wireless network configuration. We will explore the technologies and standards that enable cable-free communication.

For those seeking a more complete understanding, be sure to review the preceding articles within this Windows 7-focused Geek School series:

• Introducing How-To Geek School
• Upgrades and Migrations
• Configuring Devices
• Managing Disks
• Managing Applications
• Managing Internet Explorer
• IP Addressing Fundamentals
• Networking

Further installments of this series will be released throughout the week, so please remain attentive.

Understanding Wireless Networks

Wireless networks facilitate communication between computers without relying on physical cables. This technology is widely recognized as Wi-Fi. A connection is established between a device – typically a PC or laptop equipped with a wireless card – and a Wireless Access Point (WAP).

The WAP functions as a crucial intermediary, bridging the wireless network with existing wired networks. The standards governing wireless network operation are defined by IEEE 802.11.

802.11 Standards Explained

Numerous variations of the 802.11 standard exist, however, we will concentrate on four prominent ones. Each successive standard offers improvements in both range and data transfer speed.

The following table details the key characteristics of each standard:

Name	Speed	Distance	Frequency
802.11a	54 Mbps	30m	5 GHz
802.11b	11 Mbps	91m	2.4 GHz
802.11g	54 Mbps	91m	2.4 GHz
802.11n	540 Mbps	182m	5 and 2.4 GHz

As demonstrated, each standard presents a trade-off between speed and range. Selecting the appropriate standard depends on the specific needs of the network environment.

The frequency band utilized also impacts performance and interference susceptibility.

Wireless Security Considerations

Wireless signals, by their nature, are vulnerable to interception by anyone within their transmission range. Therefore, employing encryption is consistently advised to protect your data. Throughout the evolution of wireless technology, numerous encryption standards have emerged.

Common Encryption Protocols

Several protocols have been developed to secure wireless networks, each with varying levels of effectiveness. Understanding these is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture.

• WEP - Originally intended as a privacy equivalent to wired networks, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) has proven easily compromised. Numerous online resources detail methods for cracking WEP encryption. Consequently, it has been largely replaced by more secure alternatives like WPA2.
• TKIP - Developed by the IEEE and the Wi-Fi Alliance, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) aimed to address WEP’s vulnerabilities without necessitating hardware upgrades. However, TKIP itself has also been found to be susceptible to attacks, making stronger algorithms preferable when available.
• RADIUS - Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is a network protocol frequently utilized by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large organizations for managing network access, both to the internet and internal resources. RADIUS is typically implemented to secure wireless networks within corporate settings.
• WPA - The initial WPA standard leveraged TKIP for encryption. It was subsequently superseded by WPA2, which utilizes the more robust Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. WPA remains vulnerable to brute-force attacks if a weak passphrase is employed. WPA2 is generally the recommended choice for wireless security.

Selecting the appropriate encryption method is vital for safeguarding your wireless network. Prioritizing stronger algorithms like WPA2 with a strong passphrase will significantly enhance your security.

Establishing a Wireless Connection

Typically, connecting to a wireless network involves a simple click on the wireless status indicator and choosing the desired network. However, for examination purposes, understanding the process through the Control Panel is crucial. Initiate this process by accessing the Network and Sharing Center.

This center can be opened by right-clicking the network connectivity icon in the system tray and selecting "Open Network and Sharing Center" from the resulting menu.