Tag Archives: wireless network

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.

Best Way to Set Up Ethernet Switch and Mesh Network

Want to connect all your wired and wireless devices and expand your network with ease? Setting up an Ethernet switch and mesh network may be the best way. Because today it becomes increasingly difficult to use only a router to make your all connections since the approach of IoT. However, Ethernet switch and mesh network will function adequately no matter how many connections you want to make. Here focus on the Ethernet switch and mesh networking.

Why Mesh Networking?

Unlike the stand-alone routers, which will arise signal loss or strength drops when you go away from them, while mesh Wifi networks can use another connection to create a continuous wireless link which minimises the possibility of dead zones. For example, you put your router in the downstairs living room. When you are on the first floor, your phone can connect to the Internet with a strong signal. But when you want to search the Internet in the upstairs office, the signal would degrade. Of course, you can boost a Wifi router’s connection with a signal amplifier. But in that situation, you have to manually connect your phone to the amplifier’s Wifi network. And if you go back to the downstairs, you have to switch back to the main router’s wireless network again. What a pain! Luckily, working with mesh Wifi networks, things are different. In a wireless network, all the nodes are connected with each other which means any node could be an Access Point (AP). Therefore, through the APs, wireless mesh network allows your phone automatically connects to the strongest signal no matter you are in the upstairs or downstairs. That’s better than what we could do with the traditional router Wifi networks.

mesh network_

Figure 1: Mesh network exists in our life.

When to Set Up Ethernet Switch and Mesh Network

If you want to build a wireless mesh network, using an Ethernet switch is a good choice. Before installation, you should consider how much coverage you need in your home. For many people, the money might be better spent on a Wifi router with good quality, since the mesh network equipment like the switches cost too much. But if you want to cover a large area with signal and your home brick is too solid for signal travel through, then use a switch to build wireless mesh network is a way to go.

Use FS Ethernet Switch to Build Mesh Network

Achieving a cheap mesh network is based on switches. FS.COM publishes a set of Gigabit Ethernet switch supporting 1G, 10G, 40G and 100G Ethernet, in order to meet different demands. All the Ethernet switches meet all design and safety standards made by international and industrial organizations like ISO9001, FCC etc.

The following is a 10Gb switch named S5800-48F4S. It has 48 1GbE SFP ports and 4 10GbE SFP+ ports. This switch is a Layer2/3 switch with low latency of 2.3us. With the switching capacity, it provides a throughput of 130.95MB. Besides, it supports functions like MLAG, SNMP and so, making it becomes popular on market. Following the S5800-48F4S switch installation guide, you can easily finish the switch installation. Then you can configure the bridge parametres of AP according to the installation instructions to build a mesh network.

48 port Ethernet switch

Figure 2: S5800-48F4S 48 Port Ethernet Switch

Conclusion

Due to mesh network advantages and disadvantages, we understand why and when to use wireless mesh network. Based on Ethernet switch, mesh networking can spread out fast Wifi across a relatively large area, which makes our life and work more efficiently. So don’t hesitate, pick one Ethernet switch from FS.COM to optimise your Wifi network.

Wireless Network vs. Wired Network: Which One to Choose?

Our home networks rely on either wired (Ethernet) or wireless technology. Sometimes, we use both of them, especially when multiple Internet capable devices are set up in homes. Wireless networks enable multiple devices to use the same internet connection remotely, as well as share files and other resources. But it’s still hard to say wireless is better than wired when we talk about wireless network vs wired network, since each one has advantages and drawbacks. This article is meant to make a comparison of wireless network vs wired network from three primary factors: mobility, reliability, and security.

wireless network anywhere

Wireless Network vs. Wired Network

wireless network vs wired network

Mobility

A wired LAN (Local Area Network) uses Ethernet cables to connect computers together directly or more commonly, through a hub, switch, or router. Wired connections typically cost much less and reduce battery drain on laptops and other mobile devices because Wi-Fi adapters use more power.

As for wireless network, users can move around freely within the area of the network with their laptops, handheld devices etc and get an internet connection. The popularity of Wi-Fi has also increased due to increased smartphone and tablet sales. Many of these devices are not capable of wired Ethernet connections and rely on wireless signals for Internet connectivity.

Reliability

Ethernet-based(wired) networks tend to be much more reliable than wireless networks. The backbone of any network relies on an Ethernet connection. The most common problem with wired network is loose cable connections. Because you have to lay lots of cables and put them through walls etc. A bundle of tangled wires can result in damage and performance degradation. Using Zip-Ties is an excellent cable management way to keep the Ethernet cable out of the way and tangle-free.

For the most part, wireless technology is reliable. There are some concerns about interference from home appliances such as microwaves and cordless phones, but most wireless routers provide multiple channels that can mitigate this concern relatively easily.

Security

The security of a home-based Ethernet network is almost primarily dependent upon a firewall. Most broadband routers include a firewall already and software firewalls can also be installed on individual machines. Unlike wireless networks that broadcast data through the air, all data packets in a wired network safely travel through Ethernet cables. As long as the router is protected from intrusion using a firewall, your wired home network is safe.

The mobility of wireless networks is overshadowed in some respects by the lower security inherent to wireless. An unsecured wireless network can easily be compromised by a hacker or identity thief looking to intercept private information traveling through your wireless network. Although these risks are very real, many of them can be avoided with proper network installation. For example, using a secure password for logging into the wireless network. Although this does not make a wireless router completely safe, it certainly reduces the likelihood of unwanted guests gaining access to your information.

Wireless Network vs Wired Network: Advantages and Disadvantages

Activity/Category Wireless Network Wired Network
Freedom of movement for users Users can access network from anywhere within range Users location limited by need to use cable and/or connect to a port
Sharing Files Easier with wireless network as you do not need to be cabled to network, though transfer speeds may be slower Generally less convenient as you have to be cabled in, but transfer speeds often faster
Cables Far less complicated, disruptive, and untidy cabling needed Lots of cables and ports needed which can be a headache
Business For businesses dealing with public, customers like and often expect wireless, so wireless can increase income Wired networks are not convenient for public use, but sometimes acceptable for a traditional office
Connection speeds Usually slower than wired Usually faster than wireless
Security Less secure than wired. Both bandwidth and information can sometimes be accessed More secure than wireless
Set up Upgrading to a wireless network can be difficult and expensive Can also be difficult and expensive to set up

Conclusion

Here, we do not mean to abandon one over the other when wireless network vs wired network. A good home network will often have both wireless and wired components. Ethernet connections are great for high-speed transfers on desktops or other devices that do not move. Your smartphone, tablet, or laptop will benefit from a wireless network that has been properly configured to ensure a secure browsing experience. Whether you choose a wired or wireless network, or a combination of the two, take time to configure it properly and add a firewall to protect your privacy and the integrity of your network while enjoying the benefits afforded by both technologies. If you need any Ethernet cables for wired network, or cost-effective Ethernet switche for wireless network, just give FS.COM a shot. For more information, please visit www.fs.com.

Related Article: How to Get a Wired Home Network With Ethernet Cable?