COMP 555

Wireless Network Security

Lab 5: Designing and Securing a Wireless Network
Student Name: Jassica Sahi Student ID: 10294665
Objective:
The purpose of this activity is to help you design and secure wireless networks using best practices.

Required Resources
- A computer with wireless connectivity
- Internet
- Acrylic Wi-Fi Home SW (Preferred version 3.1.6117.24454) – Download from D2L  Resources.
- USB Wireless Adapter (optional)

Fig 1 – Lab setup

Tasks / Activities:
1. (Optional) Set up your “Long-Range USB wireless Adapter (ALFA - Network)” in your computer and
install the suitable driver. (Refer to manual or manufacture instructions for configuration)
2. Make sure you have access to the Internet wirelessly.
3. Install and explore Acrylic Wi-Fi Home software – (attached with this lab) , and run capturing process.
a. Don’t go with update option; please cancel.

b. Enter the capturing results from your wireless network scan in the following Table 1.
Important Remarks:
- Just fill the information about your wireless router; since you are studying your wireless network
infrastructure.
- You can include your MAC address, or you can write Only the last 4 digits.
- You can use random name of your wireless router SSID; such as “Self2.4 & Self-5G” if you have
both.
- Don’t list any of your neighbors’ information.
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- Once, you finished this lab; please DO NOT change your wireless router settings to make it more
secure unless you are sure about what you are doing – I recommend leaving the same settings as it
is to avoid any issues for your Internet connection.

Table 1: Acrylic Wi-Fi Home Wireless Network Scan

SSID MAC Address RSSI Channe 802.11 Max. Speed WEP WPA WPA2 WPS
l Standard(s) Ver.
Self2.4 F8:9B -35 6 b,g,n 144.4 mbps PSK-CCMP
Self-5G Last 4 digits
(if available)

c. Click on your SSIDs and take a snapshot of the “Overall Network Quality”:
SSID: Self2.4

SSID: Self5G
(if available)

d. Switch to Advanced Mode; then choose your SSIDs and take a snapshot of the 2.4GHz APs
Channels & 5GHz APs Channels; write your comments for each:
2.4GHz APs Channels Comments:
This table shows that
where the selected
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Wireless Network Security
network is located on
the 2.4GHz v]band in
relation with the other
networks and the
signal strength of each.

5GHz APs Channels Comments:

(if available)
This shows other signal
strengths but the one I
choose is not in it as
my signal was not
5GHz.

e. Explain how you would improve the signal strength, speed, and security of any wireless access
point listed in Table 1.

One can improve the signal strength, security, speed of any wireless access point by the
following points mentioned below-

1. One must place the wireless access point in a central area that is free from any
obstacles like walls or furniture, allowing the signal to reach all areas easily.

2. Utilize signal boosters or range extenders to amplify the wireless signal, expanding its
reach to previously weak or inaccessible areas.

3. This is a must to regularly update the access point's software to benefit from the latest
bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements provided by the
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manufacturer.

4. To enhance network security by using strong and unique passwords for both the
access point's administrative interface and the Wi-Fi network, preventing unauthorized
access.

5. Monitor performance using network management tools: Employ network

management tools to monitor the access point's performance, including signal strength,
connection quality, and any potential issues that may arise.

By implementing these measures, one can enhance the signal strength, speed, and security of
your wireless access point, resulting in an improved user experience and safeguarding one’s
network against potential threats.

Discussion
4. Using your own words; answer the following:

a. Why should channels 1, 6, and 11 be used on a 2.4 GHz wireless network?

Channels 1,6,11 are used in 2.4 GHz wireless network as these are the channels that don’t
overlap with each other. To elaborate, by using them one can avoid interfaces from another wi-
fi network. Which makes the network faster and more reliable.

b. Why does a 5 GHz wireless network tend to have less Wi-Fi interference than a 2.4 GHz network?
There are a few reasons that 5GHz wireless networks tend to have less wi-fi interfaces than
2.4GHz networks. It is mentioned as follows-
1. Wi-fi signals in 5GHz band don’t travel as far and can’t go through walls easily. This
specifies that signal is limited to a smaller area, reducing the chances of interface from
another network.
2. 5GHz network has more availability in the channels for wi-fi which means these channels
don’t overlap with each other and they can operate without causing any problem.
3. 2.4Ghz is used by a lot of devices which makes the 5GHz less crowded with the devices
so less interference.

c. What is Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)? Elaborate and explain with examples.
RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is used to measure how strong or weak a wireless
signal could be.
If the value of RSSI is low which means the signal is low. This happens because one is far away
from the wi-fi source or there may be things blocking the signal like walls or furniture.
If the value of RSSI is high which means the signal is strong. This happens when one is close to
the wi-fi connection, and the connection is good and fast.

Conclusion:

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Wireless Network Security
In this lab, I came to learn about designing and securing wireless networks.
 Understanding the process of setting up a long-range USB wireless adapter and installing
appropriate driver.
 Become familiar with the Acrylic wi-fi home software and its features for capturing and
analyzing wireless network information.
 Practicing caution when making changes to router settings and understanding the potential
impact on internet connectivity.
 Gaining insights into my own wireless network infrastructure, such as the network name (SSID),
MAC address, and other relevant details.

References- Understanding RSSI Levels | MetaGeek

How to improve wireless network signal range and strength | Comparitech

Assessment Criteria:
Awarded
Task Steps Max. Marks Marks
Activities 5
(Discussion & Conclusion) 5
10

Lab Requirements & Submission Guidelines:

 Go to D2L and answer the lab related question during the lab duration as per your schedule.
 Due Date: Please check D2L (Please submit the labs on time since no extensions; Zero Tolerance).
 Submission Method: Only this Word file to Dropbox folder.

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