Wi-Fi Protected Access
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) are two security protocols and security certification programs developed by the wifi alliance to secure wireless computer networks. WPA became available around 1999 and was intended as an intermediate measure in anticipation of the availability of the more secure and complex WPA2. WPA2 became available around 2004 and is a common shorthand for the full IEEE 802.11i. A flaw in a feature added to wi-fi, called wi-fi protected setup, allows WPA and WPA2 security to be bypassed and effectively broken in many situations. WPA and WPA2 security implemented without using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature are unaffected by the security breach. WPA could be implemented through firmware upgrades on wireless network interface cards designed for WEP that began shipping as far back as 1999. WEP used a 40-bit or 104-bit encryption key that must be manually entered on wireless access points and devices and does not change. WPA also includes a message integrity check. This is designed to prevent an attacker from capturing, altering and/or resending data packets. WPA uses a message integrity check algorithm called Michael to verify the integrity of the packets.
WPA2
WPA2 has replaced WPA. WPA2, which requires testing and certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance, implements the mandatory elements of IEEE 802.11i. In particular,based encryption mode with strong security. Certification began in September, 2004; from March 13, 2006, WPA2 certification is mandatory for all new devices to bear the Wi-Fi trademark.
Hardware support
WPA was specifically designed to work with wireless hardware that was produced prior to the introduction of the WPA protocol which had only supported inadequate security through WEP. Some of these devices support the security protocol only after a firmware upgrade. Firmware upgrades are not available for all legacy devices. Wi-Fi devices certified since 2006 support both the WPA and WPA2 security protocols. WPA2 may not work with some older network cards.
Wi-MAX
Wi-MAX based station equipment with wireless modem on top.
Wi-MAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is wireless a communications
standard designed to provide 30 to 40 megabit-per-second data rates. It is a part of a fourth generation, or 4G, of wireless-communication technology. WiMax far surpasses the 30-metre (100-foot) wireless range of a conventional wi-fi local area network, offering a metropolitan area network with a signal radius of about 50 km (30 miles). The name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology. WiMax offers, the bandwidth must be shared among multiple users and thus yields lower speeds.
Uses
The bandwidth and range of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential applications: Providing portable mobile broadband connectivity across cities and countries through a variety of devices. Providing a wireless alternative to cable and broadband access. Providing data, telecommunications. Providing a source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan.
Comparison
Comparisons and confusion between WiMAX and Wi-fi are frequent because both are related to wireless connectivity and Internet access.
WiMAX is a long range system, covering many kilometres, that uses licensed or unlicensed spectrum to deliver connection to a network, in most cases the Internet. Wi-Fi uses unlicensed spectrum to provide access to a local network. Wi-Fi is more popular in end user devices.
Wired Equivalent Privacy
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a security algorithm for wireless networks. Introduced as part of the original 802.11 standard ratified in September 1999, its intention was to provide data confidiently comparable to that of a traditional wired network. Although its name implies that it is as secure as a wired connection, WEP has been demonstrated to have numerous flaws and has been deprecated in favor of newer standards such as WPA2. In 2003 the announced that WEP had been superseded by WPA. In 2004, with the ratification of the full 802.11i standard (i.e. WPA2), the IEEE declared that both WEP-40 and WEP-104 "have been deprecated as they fail to meet their security goals".