Demonstrating the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Weaknesses Inherent in Wi-Fi Networks

Abstract On the surface, wireless networks act the same as their wired counterparts, transporting data between network devices. However, there is one fundamental, and quite significant, difference: WLANs are based on radio communications technology, as an alternative to structured wiring and cables. Data is transmitted between devices through the air via the radio waves. Devices that participate in a WLAN must have a network interface card (NIC) with wireless capabilities. This essentially means that the card contains a small radio device that allows it to communicate with other wireless devices within the defined range for that card; for example, the 2.4—2.4853 GHz range. For a device to participate in a wireless network it must, first, be permitted to communicate with the devices in that network and, second, be within the transmission range of the devices in that network.