Wireless networking has come a long way in terms of security, with powerful encryption available in the form of WPA2, MAC address filtering and other technologies that potentially make wireless networking safer than ever.
The problem is that these features must be configured and are seldom activated out-of-the-box with wireless hardware. This is especially true for home and small office users who simply do not understand wireless security, or do not have the inclination to properly configure their routers.
This is all about to change with a new standard that covers the automation of configuration for wireless networking.
Proprietary vendor solutions are common in wireless networking technology to enable the likes of hardened security and faster data throughput rates for wireless networking, such as pre-N, Smart MIMO and other specific technologies. There are also configuration utilities, wizards and methodologies available in vendor-specific solutions for establishing networks with enabled security, but use of these technologies locks users into one vendor and often isolates the network from third-party devices.
Driving standards
The WiFi Alliance was formed in 1999 as a global, non-profit organisation constituted by several industry leaders and aimed at driving the adoption of standards for high-speed wireless networking. The alliance has 250 members and continues to garner support from the industry. It has certified more than 2 800 products.
The alliance is about to announce its latest standard, WiFi Protected Set-up (WPS). The adoption of this standard will finally provide a platform for out-of-the-box wireless networks with robust security set-ups.
WPS enables the network to set up its own security configuration. There are currently up to eight steps, which users would have to manually take in setting up and securing a wireless network with features such as SSID and WPA2 having to be configured.
WPS-enabled wireless devices, however, will auto-configure security features with a basic but robust configuration that enables a high level of wireless security in the wireless network at set-up.
Simple set-up
When the router is fired up for the first time, WPS will automatically assign the network a name and dynamically configure encryption algorithms and authentication protocols. Network clients will then have to enter a supplied and unique PIN number for the network to gain access.
Conceptually, this also gels better with consumers who are not savvy to network security and configuration.
It is a similar approach to buying a new mobile phone - users are supplied with a PIN number and that is all that is needed to use the device securely. Now wireless network routers will be sold with a PIN number - simply enter it and away you go.
Growing wireless use
WPS represents a missing piece of the wireless puzzle and finally prepares wireless for the mass market.
Andy Robb, Duxbury Networking's chief technologist and technical advisor
What differentiates WPS from other automated set-up processes is that it is a standard and will prevent vendor lock-in. It also provides a foundational basis for establishing a conceptual understanding in small business and home computer users of the experience with setting up a wireless network, driving familiarity with the technology.
With wireless networking more understandable and accessible to home and small business users, the adoption of the technology is likely to spread. Many users of this level resort to cable networking out of concerns for security or run unsecured wireless networking, oblivious to the threat this poses.
With the progression of digital-home technology, wireless networking has a role to play in connecting users with exponentially more wireless kit being driven into the consumer market every month. WPS represents a missing piece of the wireless puzzle and finally prepares wireless for the mass market.
It is expected that the number of mobile and home workers will continue to grow this year as more and more enterprises realise the importance of work-life balance initiatives and empowering workers to operate from anywhere. This has traditionally posed challenges to businesses making use of virtual private networking to allow access to networking resources for remote workers. However, the traditional security problems with home networking have posed a risk to the business and barriers to entry such as network configuration have kept many users from establishing their own networks.
Now with WPS, it becomes easier and safer for remote workers to make use of home networking technology without posing a risk to the business, or facing complicated installation procedures.
Standards drive the networking industry, without which industry-wide adoption of new technologies and the benefits they offer users would not be possible. WPS is yet another example of what can be achieved when the industry pulls together instead of relying on vendor-specific solutions.
Share