wireless security

1. State and local government agencies are progressively using wireless LANs to help them meet budget requirements, extend the wired network and public services. Information sent over an insecure medium such as air is open to hackers who can try to steal sensitive information. Some local governments are taking a cautious approach when it comes to deploying wireless networks and sending classified information using radio waves and are holding off until the security features of wireless networks are improved.

2. Enterprises and companies are progressively using computer applications that require connection to the internet. Wireless technology’s advances over the years have increased its popularity as a fast, easy and convenient way to communicate. The risks of using this technology have also increased since it is an open medium and hackers are using more sophisticated methods and useful windows and Linux tools. Hackers can take advantage of the carelessness and ignorance of users and even IT staff about this relatively new technology to break into the wired network.

Employing standard enterprise security methodologies to secure the WLAN can help agencies extend their network, increase productivity and build new revenue sources. The Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) provides outdoor wireless networks robust and secure communication, ease of management and deployment by using Cisco Aironet lightweight access points together with Cisco Wireless Lan Controller (WLC) and central management through the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS)

Cisco security solutions

1. End user security applications: Cisco Security Agent and Cisco Trust Agent which provide protection to pc’s from viruses and malicious software as well as data loss pre...

... middle of paper ...

...nce and status of network devices.

Protect mesh backhaul

Mesh networks provide advantages including redundancy of links and scalability. The links between the wireless access points have to be secured, the information sent through their links must be encrypted, if their links are not secured, potential hackers can have the possibility of attacking the attached wired network. It is imperative to deploy Cisco Aironet 1500 Lightweight access points, which support AES encryption to address the security concerns between mesh backhaul links.

Using the 4.9Ghz licensed band

The 4.9Ghz licensed band can be used only by public safety agencies; the transmission of sensitive data can be transmitted using this frequency band. It is important to note that the use of this band will segment communications from general users as well as interference that their devices may cause.