Intrusion detection for 802.11 networks

Wireless technology provides freedom and flexibility to the users of the Local Area Network (LAN). The standards based (IEEE 802.11) wireless LAN equipment is intended to provide reliable coverage over a limited range of approximately 100 m. However, the wireless LAN transmissions may be detected and exploited at much greater ranges, and can provide an intruder the opportunity to attack or disable the network from a remote site, outside the presumably secured facility. Enhanced standards based authentication and encryption methods will reduce the threat that an intruder will be able to access network resources. But given the resources, and time, to discretely monitor and probe the presumably secured wireless network, the intruder can ultimately compromise the network. Anntron proposes to demonstrate best of class Network Intrusion Detection software on a small field-able sensor with directive antenna called the Wireless Intrusion Detection and Location System (WIDLS). WIDLS can be placed wherever the probability is best for detecting all intruders. WIDLS uses a multi-beam antenna to add sensitivity and directionality to intruder detections. Two sensors can estimate the location of the intruder. A smart antenna algorithm can improve bearing and location estimations. A graphical web interface provides intrusion metrics and recommended responses.