Common Wireless Network Problems And How To Solve Them.There are a number of common wireless network problems that are experienced by most users at one time or another. Some of the most common wireless network problems are:- the incorrect configuration of the encryption settings- run down batteries on mobile wireless devices- attempts to connect to the wrong wireless network- interference from other nearby equipment. The usual culprit is a cordless telephone base station. Modern wireless network equipment is generally very reliable and the greater number of wireless network problems are related to incorrect configuration of the equipment components rather than to hardware failure. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States of America recently condemned wireless networking technology as being completely insecure making users vulnerable. Organisations for whom security is an issue should be aware of the inbuilt weaknesses in wireless networking systems and consider their position carefully before deciding to install such a network. There is no doubt that a wired network provides greater security to the Internet user. Not only that but a wired network offers greater bandwidth to users. Because of their dynamic and insecure nature, wireless networks present many challenges to network administrators making traditional network management techniques useless. Wherever there is a problem, someone will come up with a solution and wireless network problems are no different from any others. New solutions are appearing every week that offer to solve the wireless LAN problems that exist. Some of these products will actively scan a system and report on possible weaknesses whilst others patrol looking for problems as they occur. There are known weaknesses in Wireless LAN intruder detection systems (WIDS) that make them unable to offer protection against the security threats known as 'layer 1'. Devices can be added to a wireless network that will help with the detection of poor signal coverage areas as well as in locating unauthorized access points. They will also seek out possible interference sources within the network in order that these can be eliminated. In a wireless LAN, network segments can be assigned to any of the available 11 radio channels. When managing an organization wide wireless LAN the organization of the security WEP keys becomes difficult not least because the encryption model is flawed. Wireless LANs are tricky to design, install and maintain in a way that ensures good performance and a secure environment. For this reason they are not favoured by professional network administrators. For security reasons, wifi must be encrypted. With the increasing use of wifi on the mobile or cellular telephone networks, the security issues are becoming more demanding. Experiencing a wifi network problem is, unfortunately not a unique experience any more. Whilst there is a temptation amongst some to be early adopters of new technology, it may be worth waiting before embracing wireless networking. Given time the technicians will undoubtedly iron out most of the current problems a wireless network poses. |