Laboratory modules for conducting comparative analysis of 802.11 frames

Abstract

As wireless networking in the enterprise has gained popularity within recent years, the demand for technical talent has increased in direct proportion to that demand. This has occurred partially due to the complexity of troubleshooting and security issues. Professional wireless networking certification programs have also become popular as a result of the financial incentives associated with this demand. Since the content taught in these professional certifications is an appropriate reflection of the challenges faced in the real world as reported by Fortune magazine and the ChannelWeb network [11], it makes sense to align the content of undergraduate wireless networking courses with that of these certifications.University professors have often taken the approach of teaching 802.11 wireless networks starting from the signal processing layer and immediately transitioning to the higher layers. This process bypasses the Media Access Control (MAC) layer in consequence. Understanding the MAC layer is of utmost importance for understanding wireless network security because it contains the management frames that control both authentication and encryption.In this paper, course modules were created for undergraduates that focus on the 802.11 and 802.3 MAC layers and can be used to facilitate teaching troubleshooting and security concepts for wireless networking with the help of packet sniffers. These modules provide students with the hands-on experience of what is generally illustrated in only text for Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Virtual Private Networking (VPN) as well as troubleshooting skills.

Comparative Framing Analysis For Teaching Wireless Network Mobility

“…These experiments were then used to design course modules for upper classmen or graduate students, using Malik et al's model for wireless laboratory development. 24 The course module focused on analyzing and gaining an understanding of 802.11 frames over mesh and WDS.…”

“…With this framework, the modules created provide exposure to 802.11 management, control and data frames as described in Table 1 previously. The first five modules in Table 1 are documented in further detail in Malik et al 24 . The five modules were well received by undergraduate students, and have been used effectively for two semesters (as of this writing).…”

“…Undergraduates gained a better understanding of the 802.11 standard through a combination of hands-on laboratory work and traditional classroom instruction. With the success of the modules documented by Malik et al 24 , a new module was created as an extension of the previous work.…”