Infrastructure mode wireless networking bridges (joins) a wireless network to a wired Ethernet network. Infrastructure mode wireless also supports central connection points for WLAN clients.
A wireless access point (AP) is required for infrastructure mode wireless networking. To join the WLAN, the AP and all wireless clients must be configured to use the same SSID. The AP is then cabled to the wired network to allow wireless clients access to, for example, Internet connections or printers. Additional APs can be added to the WLAN to increase the reach of the infrastructure and support any number of wireless clients.
Compared to the alternative, ad-hoc wireless networks, infrastructure mode networks offer the advantage of scalability, centralized security management and improved reach.
The disadvantage of infrastructure wireless networks is simply the additional cost to purchase AP hardware.
Note that home wireless routers all feature a built-in AP to support infrastructure mode.
Showing posts with label Wireless Network Connections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wireless Network Connections. Show all posts
November 5, 2007
October 17, 2007
Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks
By: Bradley Mitchell
Ensure system settings prevent automatic connections to unsecured access points
Connecting to an open Wi-Fi network such as a free wireless hotspot exposes your computer to security risks. Although not normally enabled, most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you (the user). This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations with your (the user's) awareness.
To verify whether automatic connections to open Wi-Fi networks are allowed, check the computer's wireless configuration settings. For example, on Windows XP computers having Wi-Fi connections managed by the operating system, the setting is called "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks." To check this setting, follow these steps:
1. From the Start Menu, open Windows Control Panel
2. Inside Control Panel, click the "Network Connections" option if it exists, otherwise first click "Network and Internet Connections" and then click "Network Connections."
3. Right-click "Wireless Network Connection" and choose "Properties."
4. Click the "Wireless Networks" tab on the Properties page
5. Click the "Advanced" button in this tab
6. Find the "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" setting. If checked, this setting is enabled, otherwise it is disabled.
While Windows XP does not enable automatic non-preferred connections by default, some users enable it in an attempt to simplify connecting to their own home network. Users should instead configure these as Windows XP Preferred networks which allows automatic connection to the home equipment yet still prevents auto-connection to other networks.
Ensure system settings prevent automatic connections to unsecured access points
Connecting to an open Wi-Fi network such as a free wireless hotspot exposes your computer to security risks. Although not normally enabled, most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you (the user). This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations with your (the user's) awareness.
To verify whether automatic connections to open Wi-Fi networks are allowed, check the computer's wireless configuration settings. For example, on Windows XP computers having Wi-Fi connections managed by the operating system, the setting is called "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks." To check this setting, follow these steps:
1. From the Start Menu, open Windows Control Panel
2. Inside Control Panel, click the "Network Connections" option if it exists, otherwise first click "Network and Internet Connections" and then click "Network Connections."
3. Right-click "Wireless Network Connection" and choose "Properties."
4. Click the "Wireless Networks" tab on the Properties page
5. Click the "Advanced" button in this tab
6. Find the "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" setting. If checked, this setting is enabled, otherwise it is disabled.
While Windows XP does not enable automatic non-preferred connections by default, some users enable it in an attempt to simplify connecting to their own home network. Users should instead configure these as Windows XP Preferred networks which allows automatic connection to the home equipment yet still prevents auto-connection to other networks.
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