Connecting devices to wireless networks

Question 1

What is WI-FI?

Answer 1

WI-FI - Often used as another name for wireless network. Public networks (wifi hotspots) allow portable devices to connect to the network. These often include smartphones, laptops. The most popular public networking is found in cafes and libraries.

Question 2

Wireless connections

Answer 2

To connect to a wireless network, the device must have a ‘wireless network card’. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers can all be connected together through the wireless network.

Question 3

What are the advantages of a wireless network?

Answer 3

• Avoiding the expense and time of laying network cables to each computer in a building.
• Connected devices can also be moved around as long as the device is within range of it, it will stay connected.

Question 4

SSID

Answer 4

Service Set Identifier (SSID) identifies each network by a unique name so that all o the devices connected to it can identify the network.

Question 5

Security of a wireless network

Answer 5

Wireless networks can be less secure than wired networks. Potential unauthorised users are not easy to spot and transmitted data can be intercepted by anyone.

Question 6

WEP, WPA, WPA2, AES

Answer 6

WEP, (wired equivalent privacy) in an older attempt to secure wireless networks. WPA and WPA2 (WI-FI protected access) and AES (advanced encryption standard) have superseded WEP as they are more secure.

Question 7

FireWall settings

Answer 7

FireWall settings for devices used on public networks must allow the device access to the internet services needed.

However, the firewall should also refuse access to any other unauthorised devices to try and prevent, for example, personal data being stolen.