Wireless LAN – WLAN
50
3.3
Protecting the wireless network
BAT54-Rail/F..
Release
7.54
06/08
tackers via unsecured WLAN access. Not quite as dangerous, but disruptive
all the same are access points that belong to third-party networks yet are
within the range of the local WLAN. If such devices also use the same SSID
and channel as the local AP (default settings), then local clients could attempt
to log on to external networks.
Unidentified access points within the range of the local network frequently
pose a possible threat and security gap. At the very least, they are a distur-
bance. Therefore, background scanning identifies rogue APs and helps to
decide whether further measures in securing the local network need to be in-
troduced.
U Fast roaming for WLAN clients
However, the background scanning method can be used for objectives other
than rogue AP detection. A BAT Wireless Router in client mode that logs it-
self on to another access point can also use the roaming procedure in a mo-
bile installation. This is the case, for example, when a BAT Wireless Router
used in an industrial application scenario is mounted to a forklift that navi-
gates its way through multiple warehouses with separate access points. Un-
der normal circumstances, the WLAN client would only log on to another
access point when the connection to the access point it had been using until
that moment was lost. With the background scanning function, the BAT
Wireless Router using the client mode can collect information about other
available access points in advance. Then the client is not switched to another
access point when the existing connection has been completely lost, but
rather when another access point within its range has a stronger signal.
U Evaluating the background scan
The information on the access points found can be viewed in the BAT
Wireless Router statistics. The WLANmonitor presents the scan results quite
conveniently and also offers additional functions such as access point group-
ing or automatic notification via e-mail whenever a new WLAN device ap-
pears.
Note: Further information can be found under ’Rogue AP and rogue client
detection with the WLANmonitor’ → page 217.
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