Eleven Myths About 802.11 Wi-Fi Networks

Outline:

• Myth #1: If you leave your Wi-Fi adapter turned on, someone could easily hijack your notebook and take control of your computer.
• Myth #2: Even with 802.11i, you still need a VPN to provide enterprise-class security for a wireless network.
• Myth #3: Captive Portals are an effective way to prevent unauthorized users from accessing a network via Wi-Fi.
• Myth #4: Disabling the SSID broadcast will hide your wireless network from wardrivers and hackers.
• Myth #5: You need a wireless IDS to prevent rogue access points.
• Myth #6: A wireless IDS is unnecessary if other rogue AP prevention measures are in place.
• Myth #7: Assigning low Wi-Fi data rates is a good way to make sure that every station gets equal bandwidth.
• Myth #8: If channels 1, 6, and 11 are already being used, it's best to choose another channel somewhere in the middle.
• Myth #9: When an 802.11b station connects to an 802.11g network, the entire network is reduced to 802.11b speeds.
• Myth #10: If you need more Wi-Fi coverage, replace the antenna on your access point with one that has a higher gain.
• Myth #11: You can point two antennas in different directions to get more area covered with one access point.
• Question & Answer Session

Who Should Watch and Why?

• Administrators: network, systems, infrastructure, security, and LAN/WLANs
• Support professionals: technical assistance and field support
• Designers: network, systems, and infrastructure
• Developers: wireless software and hardware products
• Consultants and integrators: IT and security
• Decision makers: infrastructure managers, IT managers, security directors, chief security officers, and chief technology officers