Security Model for IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN Using WPA

The increasing reliance on wireless networks for information exchange makes it critical to maintain reliable and secure communications. Much attention has been focused recently on security aspects of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) wireless LAN systems. The paper discusses about two main wireless security protocols WEP and WPA, used for secure transmission of data over wireless networks. These protocols strongly increase the level of data protection and access control for existing and future wireless LAN systems. The above-mentioned protocols will assure that only authorized network users can access the network. Wireless LANs must be secured to ensure protection of privacy and data integrity. The paper covers the native security issues in IEEE 802.11, and how WEP and WPA can be utilized to overcome the security problems.