How does a wifi router work. How to Improve Home Wi-Fi Performance: Tips for Dummies! What gives wi-fi

Wi-Fi… oh so much in that sound! And how many these sounds created myths among the people, which is scary to imagine. Hi all! Today there will be a central article about Wi-Fi itself on our portal about wireless technologies. Only without much wisdom, in simple words, well, you understand) Let's go!

Central problem

Having run down the street, people answer the question of what Wi-Fi is in different ways. I leave several options below, I give the meanings themselves, and not verbatim statements:

• The Internet - well, in terms of Wi-Fi - this is the Internet itself, in which sites, favorite VKontakte and YouTubers look
• Router / Router - the device itself.
• Wireless transmission of information - in the meaning of technology.
• Connecting a smartphone / laptop - as one of the functions of the devices.

A few people simply "hung", apparently considering the answer either stupid, or not at the time they were asked this) Oh well. Everyone has heard of Wi-Fi. But what is it really? Do you have the correct answer?

By the way, my comments are always open. Have a question - ask it below, and we'll figure it out)

Definition, or what is it?

So the correct answer and the only smart term here is:

Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network technology with devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.

The essence for dummies is the TECHNOLOGY of WIRELESS data transmission.

It is the technology itself, and it is without wires. Other well-known technologies in the same vein are Bluetooth, Infrared transmission (TV remote, infrared on older phones), radio, technology mobile operators. And somewhere among them, Wi-Fi ran, and the features of its technology are just described in the standard from the definition of IEEE 802.11. Who wants to - he will look for him.

Origin of the word

Another issue is the meaning of the term "Wi-Fi". Indeed, from all of the above, this question remains open. So this is short for:

WiFi -WirelessFidelity - translated as "wireless accuracy" or "wireless data transmission".

Pronunciation

There is nothing complicated: WiFi is read as [Wi-Fi]- can be quickly in one word, you can separate it a little.

No need to pronounce this word as [wi fi] - quite wildness.

Parsing confusion

The answers of the people above arose due to the frequency of use in everyday life. Let's take a closer look and see the differences:

• Internet. Wi-Fi as technology creates local network to which other devices can be connected. But on the network, all these devices may not have the Internet at all. It is more correct in this sense to understand that you are connecting to a device that distributes the Internet using Wi-Fi technology. The Internet, on the other hand, is a global network to which everyone is trying to connect using various technologies.
• Router/Router. These are just devices, and even today they can be without Wi-Fi, but perform their functions via wires.
• Smartphone/laptop connection- and it happens that the laptop is connected by wire, and the smartphone through the operator's technology. The bottom line is that Wi-Fi is not a feature here, but they do have the feature of using Wi-Fi connectivity.

That's it… that's enough nonsense. All myths and legends considered. Let's go more nuances.

How does it work and how to use it?

In general terms, I will outline how the Internet is delivered via Wi-Fi to your end consumer - a laptop, smartphone, tablet. Yes, it can also be connected via adapters to a desktop computer, but usually the latter still clings to the wire.

To connect a PC toWi-Fi you can always purchase an adapter - good device you can find no more than $10.

But for mobile technology at home, this is already the standard. So, let's look.

1. You connect the Internet service with your Internet provider (Rostelecom, or whatever you have).
2. The provider usually already has a cable in your house and even an entrance. When connected, the master only brings it from the shield to your apartment.
3. Your apartment now has a cable that connects to the device (the same router).
4. The router has the function of creating a Wi-Fi network. Through which he distributes the Internet to everyone.
5. All devices connect to it and use the Internet.

Another possible scheme is based on the use of networks of cellular operators and their modems:

1. You buy a SIM card mobile operator with a special internet tariff.
2. "Simka" is inserted into the modem.
3. The modem creates an Internet connection through a SIM card and distributes Wi-Fi.

Total: WI-FI creates a special device operating in the "Access Point" mode:

• Through a router
• via modem

In public places, cafes, hotels, usually everything is already done for you - there are usually good powerful routers there. You just need to find the correct network on your device, enter the password and enjoy free internet(sometimes paid - here as lucky). Another name for public points is hot spots.

These 2 patterns are the most common. There are other methods (access point via laptop, tablet, phone), but this is more than enough for our review. If you want to know more - feel free to write in the comments)

Basic functions, or what is Wi-Fi for?

In total, devices distributing Wi-Fi now have two main functions:

• Connecting to the Internet - and visiting your favorite sites and services from there.
• Creating a local network - all devices connected to the same access point can see each other and transfer the same files directly.
• An extension of the previous paragraph is the connection of wireless devices. Printer, joysticks, TV remote control, refrigerator - it's impossible to imagine everything.

History reference. The technology was invented in 1991 and was used just for cash registers.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi

• There may be slight delays in the network - ping - can be noticeable in games
• It is possible to reduce the speed of the Internet - due to the speed limits of the technology
• There may be signal loss in the room due to obstacles - you need to correctly place the router at home
• The use of 2.4 GHz frequency technology may cause interference with other devices such as remote controls, microwaves, etc.
• Weak security of old security protocols.

I note that the advantages and disadvantages here are more technical, and depend on the device itself. So everything is decided, it all depends on the specific situation.

Myths and legends - radiation

The main myth about wifi is the danger of exposure. Yes, Wi-Fi uses the radio band. The most common operating frequency is 2.4 GHz. Other well-known household appliances, such as a microwave oven, also work at this frequency. But in fact, the working radiation of Wi-Fi is ten times less than the influence of the same mobile phone. And not to mention how many other radio waves pass through our house ...

transmission distance

Another myth about the range of data transmission in the radio channel. Met and from the minimum of 5 meters and up to hundreds of kilometers. Bottom line - it all depends on the transmission power. Average transmission rates:

• 45 m - communication indoors
• 90 m - communication in open space

It should be understood that reinforced concrete in the walls can greatly dampen the signal, up to its absence in neighboring rooms. So you need to carefully consider the location of the access point.

There are other wireless network standards with extended range by kilometers (read below).

I will devote a separate article to Wi-Fi standards. We are talking about the letters on the Wi-Fi devices themselves. Perhaps you have seen them: a, b, g, n ... These are essentially versions of the standards. In this row, the higher the letter, the higher the transmission speed. So, for example, for the 802.11 standard:

• IEEE11 is the base of the standard, from where the legs "grow".
• IEEE 11a - up to 54 Mbps, operating frequency 5GHz - therefore not compatible with other versions.
• IEEE11b - up to 11 Mbps, frequency - 2.4 GHz - modern devices compatible with it.
• IEEE11g - up to 54 Mbps
• IEEE11n - up to 300 Mbps, uses band 2 - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Versions of the standard older than " b" are backward compatible. To support the speed, you need to support the standard not only on the transmitter, but also on the receiver. For example, a phone with g" will not be able to receive Internet with a band higher than 54 Mbps from an access point on "n".

Other standards for comparison are presented in the table:

Of the interesting developments, we note the IEEE 802.22 standard (WRAN, a regional wireless network, not to be confused with conventional Wi-Fi): here the transmission speed becomes lower (22 Mbps), but the transmission range increases to 100 km. For a regular home Wi-Fi, 10-100 m will be normal, depending on the location.

In Russia, the use of these channels does not require additional licensing. But something has recently been developing towards registering home wireless access points - in practice, it is almost impossible to implement this, so for now we live and breathe. Some other countries impose restrictions on the use of such networks - check with your place of residence.

Wi-Fi video

(2.4GHz and 5GHz.)

(2.4GHz and 5GHz.)

Wi-Fi (pronounced [wi-fi], short for Wireless Fidelity) is a broadband radio equipment standard for organizing Wireless LANs. The installation of such networks is recommended where the deployment of a cable system is impossible or not economically feasible. Thanks to handover function, users can move between access points over a Wi-Fi coverage area without disconnecting the connection.Developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance consortium based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

Mobility

Mobile devices (PDAs and laptops) equipped with client Wi-Fi transceivers can connect to a local network and access the Internet through so-called access points or hotspots.

First WiFi

Wi-Fi was created in 1991 by NCR Corporation/AT&T (later Lucent and Agere Systems) in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. Products originally intended for POS systems were introduced to the market under the WaveLAN brand and provided data transfer rates from 1 to 2 Mbps. Vic Hayes, the creator of Wi-Fi, has been called the "Father of Wi-Fi" and was on the team behind standards such as IEEE 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. In 2003 Vic left Agere Systems. Agere Systems was unable to compete on an equal footing in difficult market conditions, despite the fact that its products occupied the niche of low-cost Wi-Fi solutions. Agere's 802.11abg all-in-one chipset (codename: WARP) sold poorly, and Agere Systems decided to exit the Wi-Fi market in late 2004.

Wireless-Fidelity - literally \”Wireless Reliability\”.

WiFi: How it works
Typically, a Wi-Fi network scheme contains at least one access point (AP, from the English access point) and at least one client. The access point transmits its SSID (English Service Set IDentifier, Network name - network identifier, network name) using special packets called signaling packets transmitted every 100 ms. Signaling packets are transmitted at 1 Mbps and are small in size, so they do not affect network performance. Since 1 Mbps is the lowest data rate for Wi-Fi, the client receiving signaling packets can be sure that it can connect at least 1 Mbps. Knowing the network parameters (that is, the SSID), the client can find out if it is possible to connect to this access point. The program built into the Wi-Fi card of the client can also affect the connection. When two access points with identical SSIDs enter the coverage area, the program can choose between them based on signal strength data. The Wi-Fi standard gives the client complete freedom in choosing the criteria for connection and roaming. This is the advantage of Wi-Fi, although it means that one of the adapters can do these things much better than the other. Recent versions of operating systems contain a feature called zero configuration, which shows the user all available networks and allows you to switch between them on the fly. This means that roaming will be completely controlled by the operating system. Wi-Fi transmits data over the air, so it has similar properties to an unswitched ethernet network, and it can experience the same problems as when working with unswitched ethernet networks.

Wi-Fi and cell phones

Some believe that Wi-Fi and similar technologies may eventually replace cellular networks such as GSM. Barriers to this development in the near future include a lack of roaming and authentication capabilities (see 802.1x, SIM cards and RADIUS), limited bandwidth, and very limited Wi-Fi range. It looks more correct to compare Wi-Fi with other cellular network standards such as GSM, UMTS or CDMA. However, Wi-Fi is ideal for using VoIP in corporate networks or SOHO environments. The first samples of the equipment were already available in the early 90s, but did not enter commercial operation until 2005. Then Zyxel, UT Starcomm, Samsung, Hitachi and many others introduced VoIP Wi-Fi phones to the market at "reasonable" prices. In 2005 ADSL ISPs started providing VoIP services to their customers (eg German ISP XS4All). When VoIP calls became very cheap and often free, providers capable of providing VoIP services were able to open up a new market for VoIP services. GSM phones with integrated support for Wi-Fi and VoIP capabilities have begun to enter the market and have the potential to replace wired phones. At the moment, a direct comparison of Wi-Fi and cellular networks is impractical. Wi-Fi-only phones have a very limited range, so deploying such networks is very expensive. However, the deployment of such networks can be best solution for local use, for example, in corporate networks. However, devices that support multiple standards can take a significant share of the market.

Commercial Wi-Fi

Commercial access to Wi-Fi-based services is provided in places such as Internet cafes, airports, and cafes around the world (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi cafes), but their coverage can be considered as a point compared to cellular networks: . Ozone and OzoneParis in France. In September 2003, Ozone began rolling out the OzoneParis network through The City of Lights. The ultimate goal is to create a centralized Wi-Fi network that completely covers Paris. The basic principle behind the Ozone Pervasive Network is that it is a nationwide network. . WiSE Technologies provides commercial access at airports, universities, and independent cafes across the US; . T-Mobile operates hotspots for the Starbucks network in the US and the UK, as well as more than 7,500 hotspots in Germany; . Pacific Century Cyberworks provides access at Pacific Coffee stores in Hong Kong; . The Columbia Rural Electric Association is attempting to roll out a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network across a 9,500 km² area between Walla Walla and Columbia counties in Washington state and Yumatilla, Oregon; The list of other major networks in the US also includes: Boingo, Wayport and iPass; . Sify, an Indian ISP, has installed 120 hotspots in Bangalore, hotels, galleries and government offices. . Vex has a large network of hotspots located throughout Brazil. Telefonica Speedy WiFi began to provide its services in a new growing network that has spread to the state of Sao Paulo. . BT Openzone owns many UK hotspots operated by McDonald's and has roaming agreements with T-Mobile UK and ReadyToSurf. Their clients also have access to The Cloud hotspots. . Netstop provides access in New Zealand. . Golden Telecom provides support for the city Wi-Fi network in Moscow, and also provides its communication channels for the implementation of the Yandex.Wi-Fi () project. . EarthLink plans to fully connect Philadelphia (USA) to the wireless Internet network in the third quarter of 2007. It will be the first metropolitan city in the US to be completely covered by Wi-Fi. The cost will be in the range of $ 20-22 per month with a connection speed of 1 Mbps. For low-income residents of Philadelphia, the cost will be $12-$15 per month. Currently, the city center and surrounding areas are already connected. Connection of other areas will be made as the transmitters are installed.

Wireless technologies in industry

For industrial use, Wi-Fi technologies are currently offered by a limited number of vendors. This is how Siemens Automation & Drives offers Wi-Fi solutions for its SIMATIC controllers in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard in the free 2.4 GHz ISM band and providing a maximum transmission rate of 11 Mbps. These technologies are used mainly for the control of moving objects and in warehouse logistics, as well as in cases where, for some reason, it is impossible to lay wired Ethernet networks.

International projects

Another business model is to connect existing networks into new ones. The idea is that users will share their frequency range through personal wireless routers equipped with special software. For example FON is a young Spanish company established in November 2005. It aims to become the largest hotspot network in the world by the end of 2006 with 30,000 hotspots. Users are divided into three categories: linus, allocating free Internet access; bills selling their frequency range; and aliens using bills access. Thus, the system is similar to peer-to-peer services. While FON is receiving financial backing from companies such as Google and Skype, it will only be clear over time if this idea actually works. Now this service has three main problems. The first is that more attention from the public and the media is required to move the project from the initial stage to the main one. You must also take into account the fact that the provision of access to your Internet channel to other persons may be limited by your agreement with your Internet provider. Therefore, ISPs will try to protect their interests. The same is likely to be done by record companies who oppose the free distribution of MP3s. And thirdly, software FON is still in beta testing, and it remains only to wait for the security issue to be resolved.

Free WiFi

While commercial services try to leverage existing business models for Wi-Fi, many groups, communities, cities, and individuals are building free Wi-Fi networks, often using a common peering agreement so that the networks can freely interoperate with each other. Free wireless networks are usually seen as the future of the Internet. Many municipalities are teaming up with local communities to expand free Wi-Fi networks. Some groups build their Wi-Fi networks based entirely on voluntary assistance and donations. For more information, see Shared Wireless Networks, where you can also find a list of free Wi-Fi networks located around the world (see also Free Wi-Fi hotspots in Moscow). OLSR is one of the protocols used to create free networks. Some networks use static routing, others rely entirely on OSPF. Wireless Leiden has developed its own routing software called LVrouteD to connect Wi-Fi networks built on a completely wireless basis. Most of the networks are built on the basis of open source software, or publish their scheme under an open license. Some smaller countries and municipalities already provide free access to Wi-Fi hotspots and access to the Internet via Wi-Fi in the community for everyone. For example, the Kingdom of Tonga or Estonia, which have a large number of free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country. In Paris, OzoneParis provides free internet access to anyone who contributes to the development of the Pervasive Network by providing the rooftop of their house to install a Wi-Fi network. Unwire Jerusalem is a project to install free Wi-Fi hotspots in major shopping centers in Jerusalem. Many universities provide free access to the Internet via Wi-Fi for their students, visitors and everyone on campus. Some commercial organizations, such as Panera Bread, provide free Wi-Fi access to regular customers. McDonald's Corporation also provides Wi-Fi access under the \'McInternet\' brand. This service was launched in a restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois; it is also available in many restaurants in London. However, there is a third sub-category of networks created by communities and organizations, such as universities, where free access is provided to members of the community, and those who are not included are paid access. An example of such a service is the Sparknet network in Finland. Sparknet also supports OpenSparknet, a project where people can make their own hotspots part of the Sparknet network and benefit from doing so. Recently, commercial Wi-Fi providers have been building free Wi-Fi hotspots and hot zones. They believe that free Wi-Fi access will attract new customers and return investments.

Benefits of Wi-Fi

Allows you to deploy a network without laying a cable, can reduce the cost of deploying and expanding the network. Locations where cable cannot be installed, such as outdoors and in historic buildings, can be served by wireless networks. . Wi-Fi devices are widespread in the market. And devices from different manufacturers can interact at a basic level of services. . Wi-Fi networks support roaming, so the client station can move in space, moving from one access point to another. . Wi-Fi is a set of global standards. Unlike cell phones, Wi-Fi equipment can work in different countries around the world.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

The frequency range and operating limits vary from country to country; in many European countries, two additional channels are allowed, which are prohibited in the USA; Japan has another channel at the top of the range, while other countries, such as Spain, prohibit the use of low frequency channels. Moreover, some countries, such as Italy, require the registration of all outdoor Wi-Fi networks or require the registration of a Wi-Fi operator. . Rather high energy consumption compared to other standards, which reduces battery life and increases the temperature of the device. . The most popular encryption standard, Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP, can be broken relatively easily even with the right configuration (due to weak key strength). Although newer devices support the more advanced Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) protocol, many older access points do not support it and need to be replaced. The adoption of the 802.11i (WPA2) standard in June 2004 makes available a more secure scheme that is available in new hardware. Both schemes require a stronger password than those typically assigned by users. Many organizations use additional encryption (such as a VPN) to protect against intrusion. . Wi-Fi has a limited range. A typical 802.11b or 802.11g home Wi-Fi router has a range of 45m indoors and 90m outdoors. The distance also depends on the frequency. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band operates further than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz band and has a shorter range than Wi-Fi (and pre-Wi-Fi) at 900 MHz. . The signal overlap of a closed or encrypted access point and an open access point operating on the same or adjacent channels can interfere with access to the open access point. This problem can arise when there is a high density of access points, for example, in large apartment buildings, where many residents set up their own Wi-Fi access points. . Incompatibility between devices from different manufacturers or incompliance with the standard may result in limited connectivity or reduced speed.

Games over Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is compatible with game consoles and PDAs and allows you to play online games through any access point. . Iwata, president of Nintendo, announced the Wi-Fi compatible Nintendo Wii, also saying that games like Super Smash Brothers would be available. The Nintendo DS game console is also Wi-Fi compatible. . Sony PSP has support for wireless networking, which is turned on with the push of a button, for connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots or other wireless connections.

Wi-Fi and free software

OSes of the BSD family (FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD) can work with most adapters since 1998. Drivers for Atheros, Prism, Harris/Intersil and Aironet chips (from the respective Wi-Fi device manufacturers) are usually included in BSD OS since version 3. Darwin and Mac OS X, despite overlapping with FreeBSD, have their own, unique implementation . In OpenBSD 3.7, more drivers for wireless chips were included, including RealTek RTL8180L, Ralink RT25x0, Atmel AT76C50x, and Intel 2100 and 2200BG/2225BG/2915ABG. Thanks to this, it was partially possible to solve the problem of the lack of open drivers for wireless chips for OpenBSD. It is possible that some drivers implemented for other BSD systems can be ported if they have not already been created. Ndiswrapper is also available for FreeBSD. . Linux: Since version 2.6, support for some Wi-Fi devices has been added directly to the Linux kernel. Support for Orinoco, Prism, Aironet and Atmel chips is included in the main branch of the kernel, ADMtek and Realtek RTL8180L chips are supported both by closed vendor drivers and open ones written by the community. Intel Calexico are supported by open source drivers available from Sourceforge. Atheros and Ralink RT2x00 are supported through open source projects. Support for other wireless devices is available using the open-source ndiswrapper driver, which allows Linux systems running on Intel x86 architecture computers to "wrap" Windows manufacturer's drivers for direct use. At least one commercial implementation of this idea is known. The FSF has created a list of recommended adapters, more information can be found on the Linux wireless site.

Wireless standards

At the moment, there are four main Wi-Fi standards - these are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11i. Of these, two of them are used in Russia: 802.11b and 802.11g. In 2006, 802.11i should also appear in Russia. By 2007 it is planned to begin implementation of another standard - 802.11n.

This is the first wireless standard appeared in Russia and is still used everywhere. The transfer speed is rather low, and the security is at a rather low level. If desired, it may take an attacker less than an hour to decrypt the network key and penetrate your local network. For protection, the WEP protocol is used, which characterized itself not from the best side and was hacked a few years ago. We recommend not to use this standard outside the home, much less in corporate networks. An exception may be those cases when the equipment does not support another, more secure standard.

– Speed: 11 Mbps
– Range: 50 m
– Security protocols: WEP
– Security level: low

This is a more advanced standard that has replaced 802.11b. The data transfer rate has been increased by almost 5 times, and now it is 54 Mbps. When using equipment that supports superG* or True MIMO* technology, the maximum achievable speed limit is 125 Mpbs. The level of protection has also increased: if all the necessary conditions are met with the right settings, it can be rated as high. This standard is compatible with the new WPA and WPA2* encryption protocols. They provide a higher level of security than WEP. WPA2* protocol hacking cases are not yet known.

*- Not supported by all hardware

– 54 Mbps, up to 125* Mbps
– Range: 50 m
*

This is a new standard, the implementation of which is just beginning. In this case, support for the most modern technologies, such as True MIMO and WPA2, is built directly into the standard itself. Therefore, the need for a more careful choice of equipment is eliminated. It is planned that this standard will replace 802.11g and nullify all hacking attempts.

– Speed: 125 Mbps
– Range: 50 m
– Security protocols: WEP, WPA, WPA2
– Security Level: High

A future standard that is currently under development. This standard should provide long distance coverage of wireless networks and higher speeds, up to 540 Mbps.

– Speed: 540 Mbps
– Range: unknown m
– Security protocols: WEP, WPA, WPA2
– Security Level: High

However, it should be remembered that improper configuration of equipment that supports even the most advanced security technologies will not ensure the proper level of security for your network. Each standard has additional technologies and settings to increase the level of security. Therefore, we recommend that you trust the Wi-Fi equipment setup only to professionals.

Wireless security

The security of wireless networks should be given special attention. After all, wi-fi is a wireless network and, moreover, with a large range. Accordingly, an attacker can intercept information or attack your network from a safe distance. Fortunately, there are now many different ways to protect and, with the right settings, you can be sure of providing the necessary level of security.

An encryption protocol that uses the rather weak RC4 algorithm on a static key. There are 64-, 128-, 256- and 512-bit wep encryption. The more bits used to store the key, the more possible combinations of keys, and, accordingly, the higher the resistance of the network to hacking. Part of the wep key is static (40 bits in the case of 64-bit encryption), and the other part (24 bits) is dynamic (initialization vector), that is, it changes during network operation. The main vulnerability of the wep protocol is that the initialization vectors are repeated after a certain period of time, and the cracker only needs to collect these repetitions and calculate the static part of the key from them. To increase the level of security, you can use the 802.1x standard or VPN in addition to wep encryption.

A stronger encryption protocol than wep, although the same RC4 algorithm is used. A higher level of security is achieved through the use of TKIP and MIC protocols.

– TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol). A protocol for dynamic network keys that change quite often. In this case, each device is also assigned a key, which also changes.
– MIC (Message Integrity Check). Packet integrity protocol. Protects against packet sniffing and redirection.

It is also possible to use 802.1x and VPN, as is the case with wep.

There are two types of WPA:

– WPA-PSK (Pre-shared key). A passphrase is used to generate network keys and to enter the network. The best option for a home or small office network.
– WPA-802.1x. Login to the network is carried out through the authentication server. Optimal for a network of a large company.

Improvement of the WPA protocol. Unlike WPA, it uses a stronger AES encryption algorithm. Similar to WPA, WPA2 is also divided into two types: WPA2-PSK and WPA2-802.1x.

A security standard that includes several protocols:

– EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol). Extended Authentication Protocol. Used in conjunction with a RADIUS server in large networks.
– TLS (Transport Layer Security). A protocol that ensures the integrity and encryption of transmitted data between the server and client, their mutual authentication, preventing interception and message spoofing.
– RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Server). User authentication server by login and password.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) - Virtual private network. This protocol was originally created to securely connect clients to a network over public Internet channels. The principle of VPN operation is the creation of so-called secure "tunnels" from the user to the access node or server. Although a VPN was not originally created for WI-Fi, it can be used on any type of network. IPSec is most commonly used to encrypt traffic in a VPN. It provides almost 100% security. There are currently no known cases of VPN hacking. We recommend using this technology for corporate networks.

Additional protection methods

– Filtering by MAC address.

MAC address is a unique device identifier ( network adapter), “wired” into it by the manufacturer. On some equipment it is possible to use this function and allow access to the network to the necessary addresses. This will create an additional barrier to the cracker, although not a very serious one - the MAC address can be changed.

– Hiding the SSID.

SSID is the identifier of your wireless network. Most equipment allows you to hide it, so when scanning wi-fi networks, your network will not be visible. But then again, this is not too serious a barrier if the attacker uses a more advanced network scanner than the standard utility in Windows.

– Prohibit access to the settings of an access point or router via a wireless network.

By activating this function, you can prevent access to the access point settings via a Wi-fi network, but this will not protect you from traffic interception or penetration into your network.

It should be remembered that improper configuration of equipment that supports even the most advanced security technologies will not ensure the proper level of security for your network. Each standard has additional technologies and settings to increase the level of security. Therefore, we recommend that you trust the Wi-Fi equipment setup only to professionals.

The article is taken from open sources.
http://ra4a.narod.ru/Spravka5/Wi-Fi.htm

To begin with, wired communications today are acquiring a shade of anachronism. After all, wired networks are the technology of the last century. Today, even computers are sold without wires (monoblocks), what can we say about the Internet. But, one way or another, not everyone knows what types wireless communication exist. Today we will learn what Wi-Fi is and what you can do with it.

No wires!

The first and fundamental distinguishing feature this method connection is the complete absence of cords and wires. What is wi-fi? This is a way to connect a device to the Internet via a radio channel. With this method, all kinds of problems with damage to cables, plugs and other connecting equipment completely disappear. There are many types of wireless networks. But why is Wi-Fi so popular? Yes, because this technology, due to the scope and transmission speed, is the best option of all possible. Why does no one install WiMax in their apartment? Because this is too expensive a pleasure, which, in fact, is simply useless for an ordinary user. For a large corporation, organizing a WiMax wireless network can still be economically justified. But Wi-Fi is suitable for use by almost everyone! The radius of its action extends to the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment or house, the connection speed does not make you stare at the screen in a frenzy and wait until the VKontakte page loads.

Varieties of Wi-Fi

Wireless wifi network has the following varieties: IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11 a, IEEE802.11 g. All of them differ from each other in terms of throughput. The most popular and common option is the model with the letter b at the end. The maximum throughput of this method of data transfer is impressive - 11 Mbps. Yes, and the operating range is quite large - 100 meters, taking into account the ill-fated obstacles in the form of walls, metal structures and other things. And in open areas, this range, as a rule, increases by 2-3 times, while the transfer rate can reach up to 40 Mbps.

What is good?

What is wi-fi? The most convenient way to get online! Indeed, in order to enter the Internet, the user just needs to be within the range of the Wi-Fi access point and press one button that launches the necessary systems on the device. And that's it. Further, all settings and the connection itself are made automatically. Another plus of such a wireless network is that it is installed on all portable devices, be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop. In addition, today Wi-Fi access points are being installed in all cultural and public places. Any user who has a portable device at his disposal can go online for free and enjoy high-speed surfing. I hope now you know what Wi-Fi is! This is a fundamentally new and optimal way to connect to the Internet, guaranteeing high-speed and stable access without any wires.

One of the most common questions when connecting to the global web is: "How to use Wi-Fi?" This is the most widely used data transmission standard today. It can be found both on stationary computers and on tablets, smartphones, laptops. Depending on the operating system and hardware implementation, the method of connecting to such a network changes significantly. Therefore, how to use Wi-Fi will be more correctly tied to a group of devices. For laptops and stationary system units, the algorithm is one, and for tablets and smartphones - another.

What is WiFi?

Before using Wi-Fi, let's find out what it is. Under this term, the most common data transmission standard is hidden. It has a number of advantages. Among them are:

• No wires.
• Maximum mobility within signal range.
• Can be installed in most mobile and stationary computing devices.

Among the minuses can be identified:

• There is a possibility of hacking.
• High power consumption.
• A sharp decrease in signal quality in rooms with reinforced concrete slabs.

It has several different modifications, which in most cases are compatible with each other. Also, several
security options, the best of which is WPA2. It is the most difficult to hack.

On a smartphone or tablet

Now let's figure out how to use Wi Fi on the most popular mobile gadgets: smartphones and tablets. To do this, turn on the device. After downloading it, go to the address: "Applications / Settings / Wireless / Wi-Fi Settings". At the bottom of the screen there will be a list of available networks. We choose the one we need. If it is password protected, a password entry window will appear. Next, the device automatically connects, after which you can launch a browser to work on the Internet. Then you can use an accelerated connection. To do this, you need to open the drop-down menu on the main screen. In its upper part there will be a characteristic set of buttons, including a Wi-Fi activation button. When pressed, the wireless network will turn off. When pressed again, it is reactivated and it will be possible to visit pages on the global web. Similarly, such a connection is configured on the tablet.

On a laptop or desktop PC

On a PC running Windows, the algorithm for how to use Wi-Fi is very similar. On the taskbar in the lower right corner is the icon for wireless networks. We make a click on it once with the right button of the manipulator. A list will open in which you need to select the required connection. If the network is protected by a password, a window will appear in which you will need to enter it. Further, a small period of time is required to obtain a network address. After this procedure is completed, you can launch the browser and browse the Internet.

Conclusion

In this article, a wireless technology for transmitting information at a distance - Wi-Fi was considered. How to use, configure it, visit pages on the Internet? These are the most common questions that arise while working with it. These are the ones that have been answered here.