The purpose of properly securing a wireless access point is to close off the network from outsiders who do not have authorization to use your services. This is often easier said than done. A wireless network is more difficult to . . .
The purpose of properly securing a wireless access point is to close off the network from outsiders who do not have authorization to use your services. This is often easier said than done. A wireless network is more difficult to secure than a typical wired network because, while a wired network has a limited number of fixed physical points of access, a wireless network can be used at any point within the range of the antennas.

Despite the inherent difficulties, properly protecting your wireless networking system is key in safeguarding your system from serious security problems. If you deploy an insecure wireless network, it could result in a loss of service or in the use of your network as a launching pad for attacks against other networks. To help you close these security holes, make sure your networking staff follows these six quick wireless networking tips.

The first step in implementing a closed wireless access point is to place the access point's antenna in such a way that it limits how far the signal can reach beyond the coverage area. Don't place the antenna near a window, as the glass does not block the signal. Ideally, your antenna will be placed in the center of the area you want covered, with as little signal leaking outside the walls as possible. Of course, it's next to impossible to completely control this, so other measures need to be taken as well.

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