Information Assurance

15.3. Current Security Approaches in Wireless Networks

Unlike wired networks that have some degree of physical security, physical security in wireless networks is impossible to achieve on wireless links (because of their broadcast nature) and, therefore, security attacks on information flow can be widespread (e.g., passive interception of data, active injection of traffic, and overloading the access point with garbage packets). Modification of information is possible because of the nature of the channel and the mobility of nodes. The radio channel is harsh and subject to interference, fading, multipath, and high error rates. As a result, packet losses are common even without security threats. An opponent can make use of these natural impairments ...