A+ Wireless Question

Discussion in 'A+' started by zimbo, Dec 7, 2005.

  1. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    When connecting to a WAP, which mode should be used?

    im stuck between two...WEP (Wired equivalent privacy) or Infrastructure? could you explain please? 8)
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  2. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Those aren't opposites!

    When connecting to a WAP you need 'infrastructure' on other stations.

    As for WEP - if the AP has WEP then you need it on the stations, set to the same details.

    The organization of the Wi-Fi network - ad-hoc or infrastructure is separate from the consideration of security - WEP, WPA or whatever.

    Harry.
     
    Certifications: ECDL A+ Network+ i-Net+
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  3. tripwire45
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    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    To expand on that (and try to clarify the acronyms a tad), when your wireless computer connects to a Wireless Access Point, it's analogous to a computer being connected to a Layer 2 switch.

    Infrastructure mode is the state of a wireless network using a centralized connection device...the WAP. Ad hoc is a wireless network without a centralized WAP. The wireless computers themselves directly communicate with each other without going through a "middle man".

    WEP is Wireless Equivalent Privacy and is a method of encrypting data going across the wireless network so it's not easily read (WEP has become something of a joke but it's better than using nothing).

    You can create an infrastructure wireless network that uses a WAP (more commonly referred to as an AP) or an ad hoc wireless network that does without an AP. With either infrastructure or ad hoc mode, you can enable WEP to encrypt data transversing the wireless network.

    Does that help?
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  4. Boycie
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    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    yeah, ad-hoc is when connecting direct without a central point i.e laptop to laptop
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  5. zimbo
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    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    thats was a question from an a+ book... what mode do you use? i said infrustructure and they say WEP... the one is a model to base the wireless network using a WAP and WEP is a 'security' issue dealing with encryption?
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  6. hbroomhall

    hbroomhall Petabyte Poster Gold Member

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    Which book? And is there an errata sheet from the publishers?

    The Meyers books has such a sheet, and I marked my copy up before reading!

    Harry.
     
    Certifications: ECDL A+ Network+ i-Net+
    WIP: Server+
  7. Bluerinse
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    Bluerinse Exabyte Poster

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    Okay lets see if I can make it sound even more confusing :D

    If you want to connect two or more wireless interfaces directly you set them to *ad-hoc mode*

    If you are trying to connect to a WAP (wireless access point) which may be a separate device or built into your ADSL router/modem, you need to set the wireless interfaces to *Infrastructure mode*

    If you want to secure the transmissions of data with encryption, you can use WEP but as Trip pointed out it is not that secure. So the latest encryption that is supposedly secure is WPA

    Your book is wrong Zimbo :x
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronics - MCSA (W2K) MCSE (W2K)

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