| Wireless network can be encrypted by differents ways : |
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• WEP : Wired Equivalent Privacy
WEP is a security protocol, specified in the IEEE Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) standard, 802.11b, that is designed to provide a wireless local area network with a level of security and privacy comparable to what is usually expected of a wired LAN.
A wired local area network (LAN) is generally protected by physical security mechanisms (controlled access to a building, for example) that are effective for a controlled physical environment, but may be ineffective for WLANs because radio waves are not necessarily bound by the walls containing the network. WEP seeks to establish similar protection to that offered by the wired network's physical security measures by encrypting data transmitted over the WLAN.
Data encryption protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and access points; once this measure has been taken, other typical LAN security mechanisms such as password protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks (VPNs), and authentication can be put in place to ensure privacy.
• WPA : Wifi Protected Access
WPA is a specification of standards-based, interoperable security enhancements that strongly increase the level of data protection and access control for existing and future wireless LAN systems. Wi-Fi Protected Access is derived from, and will be forward compatible with the upcoming IEEE 802.11i standard. When properly installed, it will provide wireless LAN users with a high level of assurance that their data will remain protected and that only authorized network users can access the network.
• WPA2 : Wifi Protected Access, second generation
WPA2 provides network administrators with a high level of assurance that only authorized users can access the network. Based on the ratified IEEE 802.11i standard, it provides government grade security by implementing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-2 compliant AES encryption algorithm. WPA2 protects unauthorized network access by utilizing a set-up password and can verifies network users through a server. It is backward compatible with WPA.
