Wireless and Mobile Device Security, 2nd Edition

Peer-to-Peer Hacking over Ad Hoc Networks

Wireless networks configured using the 802.11 standard take two forms:

• Infrastructure networks—These require a central access point to serve as the hub of all access and communications. Client stations must communicate with each other via the access point. The same is true for communication beyond the access point via the distribution medium.
• Ad hoc networks—With ad hoc networking, peer-to-peer relationships are formed directly between client stations to form informal networks.

Ad hoc networks are typically used to connect peripherals to devices—for example, a printer to a laptop. However, they can also be used to temporarily connect laptops to create an impromptu network—for example, during a presentation ...