WEP vs WPA - Info Reqd - URGENT

[rockysam39]

Hi experts :)

I'm about to setup a wireless office network ( dimension is yet to be decided ) hence I need information before I set it up.
I need the following information/s :-

1.) Comparison / difference and Pros&Cons of WEP and WPA encryption on a WLAN.

2.) Encryption technology

3.) Authentication technology

4.) Recommended devices (AP, WLAN Cards etc)

5.) How to perform Security Audit of a WLAN?

6.) Recommended steps to setup such a network

Please consider this urgent and post/reply ASAP

:)

[PrntRhd]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums!

Start reading about choices here:
http://www.lanarchitect.net/Articles/Wireless/SecurityRating/

The linked article is from 2005 but is still valid in most respects.

[pentachris]

Welcome to the forums!

Got some urgent homework, I see?

[bassman]

heheheee, glad to see things don't change here TOO much ;)

[rockysam39]

Thanks for the information the link is really helpful

If you come across any more information please post them . I will do the same :)

[saphalline]

1.) Comparison / difference and Pros&Cons of WEP and WPA encryption on a WLAN.WTF, dude?? :eek: Neither!!

If you're setting up a business wifi network from scratch, it should be WPA2! WEP was cracked long ago, and there was a mathematical weakness found in WPA earlier this year. If you value anything resembling security, don't use either one!!

[rockysam39]

Can you please suggest something that is better than WPA and suitable for a business network ?

As per your comment neither WEP or WPA is suitable for a business wireless network then what is suitable ?

expecting response asap

[mjc]

If you're setting up a business wifi network from scratch, it should be WPA2! WEP was cracked long ago...!

See above ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[PrntRhd]

The linked article I posted agrees with mjc and Saphalline. You need to achieve at least level 2 security for your wireless.
The recommendation for Level 2 through 3 is that you should be using WPA with TKIP at a minimum and upgrade to AES as soon as possible. Note that some WPA devices already support AES encryption while all WPA2 certified devices must support AES encryption. To be on the safe side, only buy products that support 802.11i and are WPA2 certified.
This usually also requires running Radius Server, either in Windows 2003 or in Linux. AES encryption is also the way to go, not TPIK.

[rockysam39]

Thanks experts for yuor views and ideas. Can you please provide me information on some Wireless Network Security Audit Tools. any more information about Wireless Network security audit will be appreciated. This is urgent for me
:)