Back to course

Wireless Networking Basics (802.11 standards)

Cyber Security Mastery: From Zero to Hero

The Fundamentals of Wi-Fi

Wireless security attacks focus on the IEEE 802.11 protocols (Wi-Fi). To attack or defend Wi-Fi, you must understand how it works at the physical and data link layers.

Key Components

  1. SSID (Service Set Identifier): The network name (e.g., 'MyHomeWiFI').
  2. Access Point (AP): The device that broadcasts the wireless signal.
  3. Station (STA): The client device (laptop, phone).

The 802.11 Standards

StandardFrequencyMax SpeedSecurity Relevance
802.11b2.4 GHz11 MbpsObsolete, highly vulnerable.
802.11g2.4 GHz54 MbpsLegacy use.
802.11n2.4/5 GHz600 MbpsCommon standard.
802.11ac5 GHz6.9 GbpsHighly common, focuses on 5GHz band.
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)2.4/5/6 GHz9.6 GbpsLatest standard.

Key Difference: Wireless networks broadcast traffic over shared airwaves, making them inherently easier to sniff and intercept than wired networks.