How to Create a Wireless Network

Last updated: 14 Apr 2008

Overview

Overview of wireless network and TCP/IP basics; selection of equipment; hands-on experience creating a small wireless LAN; connecting to the Internet; security concerns; testing network

Workshop Duration

2 hrs.

Student Prerequisites

Familiarity with a wired network

Student Provides

1. nothing

Lab Provides

1. Computer
2. Disk drive with Windows XP on it
3. Administrator account and password
4. Wireless PCI card
5. Wireless access point

Preparation

1. Fresh installation of Windows XP SP2 cloned to x disk drives
2. Disk drives inserted and locked into computers
3. Setup itadmin account with administrator rights and password
4. Install EDIMAX Wireless LAN PCI Adapter and distribute CD; do not attach antenna
5. Distribute Sputnik AP160 and power supply; do not attach antenna
6. Configure AP with SSID name, low power and channel settings

Delivery

1. Presentation
   1. Network Fundamentals
      • social, telephone, data networks
      • network model
      • topologies (star, ring, hierarchy)
      • hubs/switches and host ids
      • bridges (ARCNET, ethernet, token ring, etc.)
      • routers
      • packets (source, destination, flags, payload)
   2. TCP/IP Basics
      • IP and ICMP and ping
      • UDP (connectionless)
      • TCP (connection-oriented, sequences/retries)
      • IP addresses and notation (/x and subnet mask), routed and non-routed
      • DHCP (static, dynamic, DNS, gateway)
      • NAT
   3. Wireless networks: advantages and disadvantages
      • + no data wires
      • + roaming
      • - reflections
      • - interference (microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth, other channels)
      • - security
      • - infrastructure
   4. Standards: 802.11
      • overview

        Standard	Band	Modulation	Sustained Rate	Max Range	Comments
        802.11a	5.x Ghz	OFDM	25Mbps	50m	line of sight
        802.11b	2.4 Ghz	DSSS	6.5Mbps	100m
        802.11g	2.4 Ghz	OFDM	25Mbps	100m
        802.11n (proposed)	2.4/5.x Ghz	OFDM	200Mbps	250m

      • 802.11i: enhanced security (WPA2)
      • power management and speed
   5. Ad hoc networks (IBSS, no AP)
   6. Infrastructure networks (BSS, requires AP)
   7. Bridging wireless networks
   8. Security
      • overview (problems and layering)
      • change router password
      • change SSID & don't broadcast
      • lower power, position AP
      • WEP vs. WPA vs. WPA2
      • ACLs with MACs
      • VPN
      • static IP vs. DHCP
      • different subnet than default
   9. Equipment Selection
      • modern wireless router, with optional VPN, adjustable power, bridging
      • modern wireless card with WPA2
      • flashable firmware
      • optional antennae
      • Linux compatibility
      • advanced: MIMO (bonding), 802.11n (up to 600Mbps) draft
   10. Configuration
       • wireless or wired configuration mode
       • router
       • client
       • security
       • transmit power
       • channel
   11. Network Analysis (optional)
2. Hands-on Time
   1. Install utility and driver software from CD (requires reboot)
   2. Plug in AP
   3. Tell Windows not to manage the connection
   4. "Atheros Client Utility"
   • Profile Management/New.../General:

     Create a new profile, name it, specify AP's SSID

   • Profile Management/New.../Advanced tab:

     Transmit power level=10mw; Uncheck: 802.11g, SuperG, eXtended Range, and Qos
     Preferred APs: MAC address of AP

   • Current Status tab:

     Move AP until good signal strength from AP antenna connector to adapter antenna connector

   5. Access AP via browser: http://192.168.190.1
      • Secure

        Change password, SSID; uncheck Broadcast SSID and verify via client scan

      • Limit range

        Change channel; set Prism Nitro: Off

Cleanup

1. Clone the disk drives

2. Remove the wireless PCI adapter cards, antennae and CDs

3. Remove the access points, antennae and power supplies