Tag Archives: Wireless AP

Four Crucial Wi-Fi Security Protocols You Should Know

In the digital age, Wi-Fi security protocols play a crucial role as the guardians of the online world, protecting our privacy and data from unauthorized access and eavesdropping. WEP, WPA, WPA2, and the latest WPA3 are terms that frequently appear in our daily use of Wi-Fi, but what are the differences between them? In this era of information overload, understanding these distinctions is essential. This article will dive deep into the differences among these four Wi-Fi security protocols, helping you better understand and safeguard your network security.

WPA

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) was introduced to address the severe security vulnerabilities found in WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). It is the foundation of modern WiFi security. WEP was one of the earliest encryption standards for Wi-Fi networks, but its use of static keys and vulnerable encryption algorithms made network data easy to intercept and tamper with. WPA filled the security gaps of WEP and provided more reliable protection for wireless networks.

One of the most significant improvements in WPA was the introduction of several new security features to strengthen wireless network protection. These features include:

  • Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP): WPA uses TKIP to generate a new key for each transmitted data packet. Unlike WEP, which relies on a static key, TKIP changes keys regularly, reducing the information available to attackers and making it harder to hijack data packets.
  • Message Integrity Check (MIC): WPA includes message integrity checks to detect if any data packets have been intercepted or altered by an intruder. This feature helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and data tampering.
  • 128-bit encryption key: WPA employs 128-bit encryption, making it much more secure and reliable than WEP’s encryption standards.

The importance of WPA cannot be overstated, as it offers robust security for wireless networks, protecting user privacy and data from unauthorized access. With WPA, users can confidently conduct online transactions, transmit sensitive information, and access personal accounts without the fear of data breaches or attacks. For businesses, WPA is also a critical tool for ensuring network security and protecting corporate secrets.

WPA2

WPA2 is an upgraded version of the WPA protocol, introduced in 2004 to provide more secure wireless network connections. WPA2 implements advanced encryption standards and authentication mechanisms to ensure the security and confidentiality of Wi-Fi networks.

WPA2 utilizes the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is more secure and reliable compared to earlier encryption algorithms like WEP and TKIP. The AES algorithm uses 128-bit or 256-bit key lengths, offering a higher level of encryption protection that effectively guards against various attacks on Wi-Fi networks.

WPA2 supports two authentication modes: Personal Mode and Enterprise Mode. In Personal Mode, a pre-shared key (PSK) is commonly used, meaning the Wi-Fi network password is shared between the access point and connected devices. In Enterprise Mode, a more complex authentication process is employed using the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), where each user or device is assigned individual credentials via a dedicated authentication server.

When a device connects to a protected Wi-Fi network, it first undergoes authentication to ensure only authorized users can access the network. Following that, data is encrypted using the AES algorithm, ensuring the security of data during transmission. Additionally, WPA2 uses the Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) to verify data integrity, preventing tampering or corruption of the transmitted data.

WPA3

WPA3 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi security protocols, released by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2018. As the successor to WPA2, WPA3 is designed to offer stronger security, addressing some vulnerabilities and attack methods found in WPA2, providing more secure Wi-Fi connections for both personal and business users.

Firstly, it offers stronger data encryption. WPA3 employs a personalized data encryption mechanism, generating unique encryption keys for each data transmission. Compared to WPA2, WPA3 uses longer encryption keys, with 192-bit keys in personal mode and 256-bit keys in enterprise mode, significantly enhancing data security and privacy.

Secondly, WPA3 implements the AES encryption algorithm through the Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) protocol. The SAE protocol uses more robust encryption algorithms and a more secure key exchange method, effectively preventing offline attacks and password-guessing attempts, thereby improving network security.

How to Choose the Right Protocol for Your Needs

The main difference between these three Wi-Fi protocols is their encryption length, with each one being progressively stronger. Choosing the appropriate security method for your network depends on your needs for security and compatibility.

For the highest level of security, WPA3 with AES-CCMP or AES-GCMP is recommended. For a high level of security with broader compatibility, WPA2 with AES is a good choice. It’s best to avoid using WEP and open networks, as they do not provide adequate security protection.

FS offers a range of wireless access points, from entry-level to mid-range and next-generation models. As a popular entry-level option, the AP-N505 supports 2×2 MU-MIMO, providing simultaneous services on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with speeds up to 3000 Mbps. The Airware Cloud-based management platform allows for 24/7 centralized control, reducing costs and operational complexity.

For high-performance environments, the newly launched AP-N755 sets a new standard with Wi-Fi 7 technology. This flagship Wi-Fi 7 indoor access point boasts 16 spatial streams and 6 GHz support, delivering impressive speeds of up to 24.436 Gbps. Its Smart Radio technology ensures uninterrupted service and enhanced security, making it the perfect solution for high-demand applications and future-proof connectivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these protocols have evolved to meet the growing demands of data transmission over time. FS is willing to embrace these changes and move forward toward a more promising future in the wireless industry.

Things You Should Know About Wireless Access Point

A wireless network access point (WAP or AP) is a hardware device or configured node on a local area network (LAN) that allows wireless capable devices and wired networks to connect through a wireless standard, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A wireless access point acts as a hub of the traditional wired network, and a bridge connecting wired and wireless network. A network access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area. Wireless access points may be used to provide network connectivity in office or family environments, covering dozens of meters to hundreds of meters. Most APs use IEEE 802.11 standards.

wireless-routers-function

Types of Network Access Point

Wireless access points can be divided into two types: Simplex AP and Extended AP.

A simplex AP functions as a wireless switch, only transmitting radio signal. When a simplex AP works, it transmits network signal through twisted-pair and converts electrical signal into radio signal after compiling, forming the coverage of Wi-Fi shared Internet access.

An extended AP, commonly known as a wireless router, is mainly applied to Internet access and wireless coverage. Through a wireless router, the share of Internet connection in home Wi-Fi sharing network, as well as wireless shared access of ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Loop) and community broadband can be realised. From security, an network access point is different from a wireless router, in that it does not have firewall functions, and will not protect your local network against threats from the Internet.

Difference Between Network Access Point and Wireless Router

From the appearance, they look almost the same and hard to tell, but they do have subtle differences. A simplex wireless AP usually has a wired RJ45 network port, a power interface, configuration port (USB port or configuration via WEB interface), and fewer indicator lights; while a wireless router has four more cable front-end ports. In addition to a WAN port for connecting higher-up network equipment, four LAN ports can be wired in the internal network, and a router has more indicator lights than AP.

wifi-router-vs-access-point

Functions of Network Access Point

AP plays the important role of relay, which amplifies the wireless signal between two wireless points, and enables remote clients to receive stronger wireless signal. For example, if an AP is put in place A, and there is a client in place C which is 120 meters away from place A, it can be seen that the signal from A to C has been weakened a lot. If an AP is put in place B (60 meters between A and C) as a relay, the signal of client in C will be effectively enhanced, and the transmission speed and stability can be ensured.

wireless network access point function

Another important function of AP is bridging, which is to connect two endpoints and achieve data transmission between two wireless AP. AP is also bridged to connect two wired LANs. For example, there is a wired LAN made up of 15 computers in place A, and wired LAN made up of 25 computers in place B, but the distance between A and B is very far, over 100 meters, and there is no possibility through wired connection, then how to connect the two LANs? AP is needed in both places a and place b to bridge them so that data transmission can be achieved.

The last function is “master-slave mode”, which can achieve one point to multipoint connection. “Master-slave mode” is widely used in the connection between wireless LAN and wired LAN. For example, place A is a wired LAN made up of 20 computers, place B is a wireless LAN made up of 15 computers, and B has a wireless router. If A wants to be connected to B, an AP is needed in A. Initiate the “master-slave mode” and connect AP to the router in A, so that all the computers in A can connect to B.

Summary

Most businesses and homes today rely greatly on the wireless access point (WAP) for data transmission and communication. Wireless access point does make our life more convenient. These devices avoid a mess of wired Ethernet cables like CAT5e, Cat6, etc. Besides, a company, family or school often have to install wired cables through walls and ceilings, while wireless network needs no cables, which contributes great mobility to users.

Related Article: Select Best Ethernet Cable (Cat5/5e/6/6a) for Your Network

How to Choose a Wireless Access Point?

Nowadays, wireless LAN (local area network) becomes an independent part in our daily life. As waiting for your dishes in a restaurant, you may take out your phone and connect the Wi-Fi. I guess most of you have a wireless LAN. But if you have no or intend to upgrade your network, you’d better read this article on how to choose a wireless access point (AP).

fs-wifi-ap

Wireless AP Standards: 802.11n and 802.11ac

There are two newest IEEE wirelesss network standards including 802.11n (debuting in 2009) and 802.11ac (in 2014). The earlier 802.11n standard can support up to 540 Mbps, while the optimized 802.11ac products can provide the speed up to 1.3Gbps. 802.11ac is faster and more scalable than 802.11n. Except the improved speed, 802.11ac access points also optimize in the areas of range and reliability. Considering these factors, many enterprises may use 802.11ac technology.

However, though 802.11ac is better than 802.11n, it doesn’t mean it suits for everyone. First, 802.11ac needs big room for super wide channels. Second, you need to buy devices matching 802.11ac technology. At last, those devices should be close (20 or 30 feet) to the access point.

Dual Band Wireless AP or Single Band Wireless AP

Before discussing about dual band and single band, we need to know 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz is a lower frequency than 5 GHz. It can penetrate most obstructions better. The signal can reach further. Wireless access point is one of the devices which use 2.4 GHz. While 5 GHz has a higher frequency, signals can’t penetrate solid obstructions like walls as easily as 2.4 GHz. 5 GHz provides us with more usable channels.

dual-band-wireless-ap

In the past, some 802.11n wireless AP is single band and can only support 2.4 GHz. It fails to meet the demands for 5GHz devices. Thus, the trend urges the appearance of new dual-band access point. Dual-band means that the access point can transmit and receive in two separate bands. Dual-band access points can support 2.4 GHz speeds and leverage wide channels, high data rates for connecting 5GHz devices. When you buy access points, make sure the one you choose can support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Spatial Streams of Wireless AP

The number of spatial streams is one of the influencing factors on wireless speed. 802.11n stopped at four spatial streams, but 802.11ac goes all the way to eight. 802.11n introduced MIMO (more multiple input, multiple output). MIMO means that we can get multiple radio chains and antennas to transmit and receive. The more radio chains, the faster the wireless network speed. With 802.11n, a device can transmit multiple spatial streams at once, but only directed to a single address. It means only one user can get data at a time. That’s called single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO). While with 802.11ac, multi users can get data at the same time. And that’s called multiuser MIMO (MU-MIMO). As you can see, the more spatial streams, the better.

Get Wireless APs From Fiberstore

We provide three types of wireless APs which can be applied to enterprises, schools, hotels, etc. Our wireless APs contain the good features of easy plug & play installation and intuitive management, which is beneficial for reducing the need for dedicated IT personnel resources. And the unique watchdog technology makes AP work more stable and ensure the wireless network operate properly. Repeater mode makes wireless coverage more flexible. Both 802.11n and 802.11ac APs (as shown in the table below) can be found in Fiberstore.

Image 2.4GHz Speed 5.8GHz Speed CPU Antenna Gain
AP-S300 ap-s300 300 Mbps No 533 MHz 2x3dBi
AP-D1200 ap-d1200 300 Mbps 867 Mbps 650 MHz 4x3dBi
AP-D1750 ap-d1750 450 Mbps 1300 Mbps 720 MHz 6x3dBi
Conclusion

This article is to give you some advice on how to choose a wireless access point. Well, when you decide to buy one, remember the tips mentioned above including standards, dual band or single band, spatial streams. The most suitable is the best. A reliable vendor is also important. Hope this article can help you find your desirable wireless AP.