THE IMPORTANCE OF CRYPTOGRAPHY STANDARD IN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKING

The rapid proliferation of wireless networks and mobile computing applications has changed the landscape of network security. The recent denial of service attacks on major Internet sites have shown us, that no open computer network is immune from intrusion s. The wireless ad - hoc network is particularly vulnerable due to its features of open medium, dynamic changing topology, cooperative algorithms, lack of centralized monitoring and management point, and lack of a clear line of defense. The traditional way o f protecting networks with firewalls and encryption software is no longer sufficient and effective. The goal of this paper is to present a framework to help managers understand the various threats associated with the use of wireless technology , disadvantages and threats of the wireless security protocols. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi - Fi Protected Access) and RSN (Robust Security Network) S ecurity protocols are examined in this respect. Then they are compared via the common features in order to give some insight to those who work with WLANs. I hope this paper give boost to the IT security personnel and clarify the common questions of the non - specialist reader