#1
OP 19 October, 2025 - 06:18 AM
A wireless network is a system that uses radio waves to connect computers and other devices. This communication takes place at Layer 1 (the physical layer) of the OSI model.

How to Access a Wireless Network
To connect to a wireless network, you'll need a device that supports wireless connections, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, you must be within the range of a wireless access point. Most devices, when the wireless option is enabled, will display a list of available networks. If the network isn't password-protected, you can simply click on the network to connect. However, if the network is secured with a password, you'll need to enter the correct password to gain access.

Wireless Network Authentication
Since wireless networks are easily accessible to anyone with a compatible device, most networks are secured with passwords. Let's explore some of the most commonly used authentication methods.
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It was developed as part of the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standards with the goal of providing security equivalent to that of wired networks. WEP works by encrypting the data transmitted over the network, protecting it from eavesdropping.
WEP AuthenticationWEP uses two types of authentication methods:
  • Open System Authentication (OSA): This method allows access based on the configured access policy, granting permission to connect without any challenge or encryption.
  • Shared Key Authentication (SKA): This method sends an encrypted challenge to the device requesting access. The device then encrypts the challenge with its key and responds. If the response matches the expected value, access is granted.
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Weaknesses of WEPWhile WEP was one of the first security protocols for wireless networks, it has significant flaws and vulnerabilities:
  • Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC32):
  • WEP uses CRC32 to check the integrity of data packets. However, this can be bypassed if an attacker intercepts at least two packets. By manipulating the packets and checksum, an attacker can get the packet through the verification system, allowing unauthorized access to the network.
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  • RC4 Encryption Algorithm:
  • WEP uses the RC4 encryption algorithm to generate stream ciphers. The key used to generate the stream cipher is composed of a 24-bit initialization vector (IV) and a secret key, which can be either 40 bits or 104 bits in length. The combination of the IV and the secret key can be either 64 bits or 128 bits long. The shorter length of the key makes it easier for attackers to crack.
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  • Weak IV Mixing:
  • The initialization vectors (IVs) used in WEP do not provide sufficient randomness, making the encryption more susceptible to attacks.
  • Password-Based Security: Since WEP relies on passwords, it is vulnerable to dictionary attacks, where an attacker uses a list of common passwords to attempt to gain access.
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  • Poor Key Management:
  • WEP has inadequate key management practices. Changing keys, especially in large networks, is difficult. WEP also lacks a centralized key management system, which adds to the difficulty of maintaining security.
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  • Reused Initialization Vectors:
  • The reuse of initialization vectors (IVs) creates a security risk, as it allows attackers to predict encryption patterns.
Due to these significant vulnerabilities, WEP has been largely replaced by more secure protocols such as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).
 
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