Wireless networking is quickly becoming a defacto standard in the enterprise, streamlining business processes to deliver increased productivity, reduced costs and increased profitability. Security has remained one of the largest issues as companies struggle with how to ensure that data is protected during transmission and the network itself is secure. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) offered an interim security solution, but was not without constraints that resulted in increased security risks. The new WPA2 (802.11i) standards eliminate these vulnerabilities and offer truly robust security for wireless networks. As a global leader in wireless networking, Motorola, through the acquisition of the former Symbol Technologies, not only offers this next-generation of wireless security - but also builds on the new standard with value-added features that further increase performance and the mobility experience for all users.

Overview

Corporations are increasingly being asked to allow wireless network access to increase business productivity, and corporate security officers must provide assurance that corporate data is protected, security risks are mitigated and regulatory compliance is achieved. This chapter will discuss:

• The risks of wireless insecurity;

• The progression of security standards and capabilities pertaining to Wi-Fi security;

• How the 802.11i standard provides robust security for demanding wireless environments;

• How Motorola incorporates 802.11i in its wireless switching products in a way that optimizes scalability, performance and investment protection.

Risks of Wireless Insecurity

The advent of wireless computing and the massive processing power available within portable devices provides organizations with an unprecedented ability to provide flexible computing services on-demand to enable business initiatives.