Personal Wireless Computer Networks: Coverage Extension and Investigation of Their Security

This paper presents findings of a research to extend 802.11x personal wireless network and their security. The paper also presents the trends of personal wireless computer networks with emphasis on their security. It is possible to greatly expand the span of operation of a wireless network with the use of directional antennas. Unfortunately having long spans have the negative effect of opening the network to intruders. The security part of this paper illustrates how the serious issue of wireless security is not being dealt with. Findings from our wardrive revealed that only approximately 30% of wireless networks in the greater city area were secured.