Work in progress - implementing a wireless local area network course

Abstract

Wireless local area networks were once considered a niche network solution. Today, a wireless local area network (WLAN) is no longer just an add-on piece to commercial networks. All industries are being impacted by the flexibility, low-cost, and new markets that WLANs are spurring. One foundational aspect of a wireless network is its inherent nature to be insecure from hackers and the public at large. In educating students to prepare them for roles as network technicians, network administrators, and technology security officers, educational institutions would be amiss to not include wireless local area network technologies and the methodologies with which to secure them in the curriculum. To meet this need, the author has developed a wireless security course at Indianapolis University Purdue University Indianapolis. This paper described the benefits, challenges, funding opportunities, and techniques used in offering coursework dedicated to the theory, construction, implementation, and security concerns of WLANs