A hardwired connection remains the staple for stable network communication between computers, game consoles, televisions, cameras and many other electronic devices. Sometimes, running cables can be complicated, costly and time consuming. In many cases, a wireless connection can be used to offset these issues by omitting the cabling while still allowing machines to communicate on the same network. WiFi (a wireless connection) can be created using either a wireless router or wireless access point, and a wireless adapter connected to a computer. The device you choose will depend on the network you already have and the one you wish to create.
There are many advantages for using a wireless connection in your home or business, but there is one major disadvantage. Security is drastically reduced by using a wireless signal. When using a hardwired network connection, data is sent between each device through a shielded cable through which the information is protected. When using a wireless signal, the information leaves your machine, travels “through the air” to your wireless management device. With the right tools and knowledge, this transmission can be intercepted. The interception process is not easy, and will mostly provide encrypted information of your network traffic, but this should not be taken lightly.
Your wireless network, by default, will broadcast a name to which your devices will be connected, similar to the way your home has an address on the front door. This is your SSID. In the same way you might give someone your address, you may not want them to have a key to your home. The most common form of wireless security (the front door key) is to create a wireless encryption key. With this encryption key, you will prevent unwanted connections from nearby devices and users, similar to the way you can walk from room to room in your home without being visible to anyone outside. Many routers have the capability of “hiding” the SSID. This will allow an additional level of security, but may be troublesome when you try to add additional wireless devices or try to troubleshoot existing wireless devices.
In our next post, we will go into greater detail regarding wireless encryption and security.
As always, feel free to contact us at 201-656-3800 or sales@flashtech.com with any questions
Wireless basics
A hardwired connection remains the staple for stable network communication between computers, game consoles, televisions, cameras and many other electronic devices. Sometimes, running cables can be complicated, costly and time consuming. In many cases, a wireless connection can be used to offset these issues by omitting the cabling while still allowing machines to communicate on the same network. WiFi (a wireless connection) can be created using either a wireless router or wireless access point, and a wireless adapter connected to a computer. The device you choose will depend on the network you already have and the one you wish to create.
There are many advantages for using a wireless connection in your home or business, but there is one major disadvantage. Security is drastically reduced by using a wireless signal. When using a hardwired network connection, data is sent between each device through a shielded cable through which the information is protected. When using a wireless signal, the information leaves your machine, travels “through the air” to your wireless management device. With the right tools and knowledge, this transmission can be intercepted. The interception process is not easy, and will mostly provide encrypted information of your network traffic, but this should not be taken lightly.
Your wireless network, by default, will broadcast a name to which your devices will be connected, similar to the way your home has an address on the front door. This is your SSID. In the same way you might give someone your address, you may not want them to have a key to your home. The most common form of wireless security (the front door key) is to create a wireless encryption key. With this encryption key, you will prevent unwanted connections from nearby devices and users, similar to the way you can walk from room to room in your home without being visible to anyone outside. Many routers have the capability of “hiding” the SSID. This will allow an additional level of security, but may be troublesome when you try to add additional wireless devices or try to troubleshoot existing wireless devices.
In our next post, we will go into greater detail regarding wireless encryption and security.
As always, feel free to contact us at 201-656-3800 or sales@flashtech.com with any questions
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