Security & Performance Optimization Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of WPA3 in wireless security?

Answer: It enhances encryption and security against attacks.

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security standard for Wi-Fi networks, designed to address vulnerabilities found in WPA2. It introduces stronger encryption algorithms, improved authentication protocols like Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for personal networks, and enhanced protection against brute-force and dictionary attacks, significantly boosting overall security.

Which authentication method is most secure for enterprise wireless networks?

Answer: 802.1X with RADIUS authentication.

802.1X with RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is considered the most secure authentication method for enterprise wireless networks. It provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services, allowing individual user or device credentials to be verified against a central server, offering robust security and granular access control.

What is the primary cause of co-channel interference in wireless networks?

Answer: Multiple access points using the same channel.

Co-channel interference primarily arises when multiple access points within proximity are configured to operate on the identical radio frequency channel. This overlap causes their signals to collide and interfere with each other, leading to reduced throughput, increased retransmissions, and overall degradation of wireless network performance.

Which strategy improves wireless network performance in high-density environments?

Answer: Deploying multiple access points with smaller coverage areas.

In high-density environments, deploying multiple access points with smaller coverage areas is crucial for improving network performance. This strategy distributes the client load across more radios and allows for more efficient channel reuse, minimizing co-channel interference and maximizing overall network capacity and throughput for a large number of users.

What is the benefit of using band steering in dual-band wireless networks?

Answer: Encourages devices to connect to the 5 GHz band.

Band steering is a feature in dual-band access points that intelligently guides compatible client devices towards the less congested and higher-performing 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. This helps to offload traffic from the often-crowded 2.4 GHz band, improving overall network efficiency and user experience by leveraging the faster speeds and greater capacity of 5 GHz.

Which factor most significantly impacts latency in a wireless network?

Answer: Network congestion and interference.

Latency, which is the delay before a transfer of data begins, is significantly impacted by network congestion, where too many devices are trying to transmit simultaneously. Interference from other Wi-Fi networks or non-Wi-Fi devices also causes retransmissions and delays, directly increasing the overall latency experienced by users and applications.