- Each networked device is assigned a unique Machine Address Code address. When MAC address filtering is enabled on a router, this hexadecimal address is compared to a table of valid device addresses before communication with the network is established. The network administrator must enter the address of each networked device into the router's address table and enable the filter. This is the only form of wireless security available on some older routers.
- WEP was the first security encryption protocol widely available on wireless routers. WEP requires a matching key to be installed on the router and each networked device. This key is used to encrypt all data packets transmitted and received over the wireless signal. The added traffic created by encryption slows data throughput rates and can cause frame collisions on older routers with lower transmission rates.
- WPA is a more-advanced encryption method than WEP. While WEP relies on a static encryption key, WPA generates a new key for each packet sent. This reduces the chance for packet collision and data loss. The encryption/decryption cycle required for each data packet increases network traffic and decreases overall network throughput.
- Unfortunately, an experienced intruder can defeat each of these wireless security measures. MAC addresses can be spoofed or cloned. WEP keys are vulnerable to simple exploits. WPA, while more difficult to defeat, is still vulnerable and adds significant overhead to network traffic as the encryption key length increases.
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