Overview
This lecture covers key concepts in wireless networking, including types of wireless connections, wireless network identification, security methods, antenna types, and management of wireless access points.
Types of Wireless Connections
- Wireless devices can connect directly without an access point using Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS), also called ad hoc mode.
- Ad hoc connections are commonly used for configuring Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Wireless Network Identification
- The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the visible name of a wireless network.
- Multiple access points can share the same SSID for seamless coverage across large areas.
- The Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is the unique hardware address of each access point.
- The Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID) is the SSID used across multiple access points for seamless roaming.
Wireless Network Security
- Captive portals require users to authenticate before accessing the network, often by agreeing to terms or entering credentials.
- Security can be set to open (no authentication), WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal (pre-shared key), or WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise (individual credentials, typically via 802.1X).
- Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) allows secure connections without user authentication, isolating clients from each other.
Antenna Types and Signal Coverage
- Omnidirectional antennas distribute signal evenly in all directions, good for central placement.
- Directional antennas focus the signal in one direction, increasing range and power (measured in decibels, dB).
- Yagi and parabolic antennas are examples of high-gain directional antennas used for long distances.
Access Point Types and Management
- Autonomous access points operate independently without external control.
- Lightweight access points separate functionality between the device and a central switch or controller.
- CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) protocol allows centralized management via a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC).
- Centralized management provides a single interface (single pane of glass) for deploying, configuring, and monitoring wireless networks.
Key Terms & Definitions
- IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) — direct device-to-device wireless connection without an access point.
- SSID (Service Set Identifier) — the name of a wireless network.
- BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) — the hardware MAC address of an access point.
- ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) — shared SSID across multiple access points for roaming.
- Captive Portal — authentication screen shown to users connecting to a network.
- PSK (Pre-shared Key) — shared password used in WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal security.
- 802.1X — authentication framework used in Enterprise wireless security.
- Omnidirectional Antenna — antenna radiating signal equally in all directions.
- Directional Antenna — antenna focusing signal in one direction to increase range.
- CAPWAP — protocol for managing access points via a central controller.
- Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) — central device managing wireless access points.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review antenna types and their best use cases in different environments.
- Study the differences in wireless security configurations (Personal vs. Enterprise).
- Familiarize yourself with the process and benefits of centralized wireless management.