Maximum Wireless Security

Access Points

There are many different manufacturers of access points (APs), and all of them perform essentially the same function. However, there are substantial differences in security and features among the various vendors. For example, as we discuss in this chapter, some access points are capable of restricting user connections based on the MAC address of the wireless network card, while others have the capability to turn off the beacon broadcast, thus making the access point invisible to hacking programs. Fortunately, advanced security features such as these are becoming more common in SOHO (small office/home office) access points.

In our field survey of more than 1,300 access points in five cities, Cisco was the leader with 39.7%. Lucent ...