Setting up and securing a campus WLAN network

Define your WLAN needs:

Types of connections Speed of connection Acceptable uses Cost and redundancy

Site Survey:
What types of interference are you going to contend with What distances do you need to broadcast What types of data are you going to support over WIFI (data/voice) Network access Setup worst-case scenario for testing Know what your signal to Noise ratio You should be expect an interview before any testing is done (how many users, roaming, location of
wiring closets)

Site Survey: Report

Describe surveys basis, approach and results. Define all requirements, and assumptions Describe RF interference found Identify recommended installations locations and channels for Access Points Give a map with listing of RF strength, and list any dead spots

Self-Installation:
Do you have the skills/ time for selfinstallation Software for testing Equipment for testinguse the same equipment you plan to deploy

Consultant Installation:
How and what are they using for a site survey The Ping of Death True load testing S/N Ask for guarantee of results and be a part of the testing process

Vendors :
So many choiceswhich one is right for you? Standardize on ONE vendor for a given application The type of network may determine what vendor you choose

Vendor Relations
Establishing Constructive Relationships Types of Hardware Support
Vendor 3rd-party Self

Two-way Problem Resolution

Establishing Constructive Relationships

Avoid the bleeding edge Price should not be the only factor Evaluate sales contact from vendor Specify who has what responsibility in the contract Never buy under pressure (FUD) Write down details of meetings and distribute to all participants

Securing the network:

First, secure your wired network Then secure your wireless network Security methods for WIFI
Radius Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) WEP (easier to crack) (Change your Keys)
Airsnort, Airfart, AirCrack, and others

A Case studyGCA:
GCA has two separate WIFI networks one is secured and one is open. Providing wireless ISP services for another school (secured) Giving access to all staff on campus homes (secured) The campus WIFI network for student access (not secure) What went wrong What was done to solve the issues

Campus Map External WIFI

Campus Map Internal WIFI

Hardware: Used @ GCA

Amplifier (now removed from system) Bridges 3COM work Access Points Client cards

Photos Outside WIFI network

3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Workgroup Bridge 3Com 13 dBi Directional Sector Panel Antenna (Homes) 3com Building to Building Bridge

3Com 18 dBi Directional Sector Panel Antenna (Ad Building and Coble)

Outside WIFI network cont.

AMP244 500 mW Outdoor Amplifier

Pigtail 3Com Workgroup Bridge SMA Cable Adapter

3Com 20 foot Antenna Cable

15 dBi Omni-Directional Antenna

Used Radio Shack TV Antenna mast

Security: used @ GCA

Building to building Networks
Used non WIFI Compatible settings WEP MAC Address Filtering

Campus in the buildings

Separate from main school network Open system Radius ?

Tips
Use at least four devices to test the AP at the same time Use same equipment in test as will be used in real life Understand what will cause issues Metal heat ducts, placement of AP, 2.4 gig Phones, etc. Understand co-channel interference

Stay away from vendors who use FUD

How FUD is used: The following is a compilation of FUD 101 v1.0 by Eric Lee Green and The Newbie's Guide to Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt by Brian Martin. There are twelve ways in which FUD is used and they are listed in 5 different categories. Urgency get our products today! 1) Buy our product now to avoid increased cost tomorrow! 2) Buy our product now because they will have the features you want in an upcoming update. Who endorses this product: 3) No one has endorsed the product. 4) Those who endorse the product are known frauds or charlatans. Technical: 5) Use large or trendy words instead of easily understood technical terms. 6) Hyping currently in use technologies and then claiming that they are such an amazing product or service because they use the common technology. Harm: 7) Only our Products or services can protect you! 8) Your company will lose future contracts without our products since they are becoming the new industry standard. 9) You need our products to save time and money today. Spin Doctoring: 10) ``Spin'' your opponent's strengths as a weaknesses, or Hype your opponent's weaknesses 11) Lie or make up weakness in opponent or for a given network. 12) Associate other vendors or an individuals current configuration with undesirable elements.