The Book of Wi-Fi -- Table of Contents

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Introduction

1. How WiFi Works

Radio Signals
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Frequency Allocations
Moving Data Around
Bits and Bytes
Error Checking
Handshaking
Finding the Destination
802.11b Wireless Network Controls
The Physical Layer
The MAC Layer
Other Control Layers
Network Devices
Network Adapters
Access Points
Operating Modes
Putting It All Together

2. What You Need For Wireless

Everybody Speaks the Same Language (More or Less)
Network Adapters
Form Factor
Internal vs. External Antennas
Interoperability
Operating System Compatibility
Ease of Use
Security
Documentation and Technical Support
Reputation
Adapters for Ad Hoc Networks
Dual-Purpose Adapters
Access Points
Pure Wireless LANs
Wireless Access to a Wired LAN
Combining the Access Point with a Wired Hub
Broadband Gateways
Multiple Access Points
External Antennas
Antenna Characteristics
How to Choose an Antenna
Rolling Your Own
Where to Use a Directional Antenna
Antennas Are a Whole Other World
It's Time to Buy

3. Installing and Configuring Access Points

How Many Access Points?
Performing a Site Survey
Make a Site Plan . . .
Testing, Testing . . .
Summary: Steps in a Site Survey
Interference Problems
Installing Access Points
Physical Installation
Configuring the Access Point Through a Browser
DHCP and Other Disasters
Configuring the Access Point Through a Serial Port
Configuration Commands and Settings
Multiple Access Points
Access Points Combined with Hubs and Gateway Routers

4. Installing and Configuring Network Interfaces

Installing PC Card Adapters
Installing USB Adapters
Installing Internal Adapters
Loading the Driver Software
Using the Configuration Utility Program
The Microsoft Wireless Network Connection Utility
Reading Status Information
Wireless Configuration Tools
Moving from One Network to Another
On Beyond Windows
Signal Strength and Signal Quality

5. Wi-Fi For Windows

Windows Network Configuration in General
IP Addresses
The Subnet Mask
Gateways
DNS Servers
File and Printer Sharing
Network Interface Adapter Options
Name Your Computer
Configuring Windows 98 and Windows ME
IP Address and Subnet Mask
Gateway
DNS Servers
File and Printer Sharing
Network Interface Adapter Options
Network Identity
Configuring Windows 2000
IP Address and Subnet Mask
File and Printer Sharing
Network Interface Adapter Options
Network Identity
Configuring Windows XP
Do You Have the Latest Firmware?
Using the Windows Wireless Tools
Wireless Network Connection Status
Network Configuration Settings
File and Printer Sharing
Network Interface Adapter Options
Network Identity
Configuring the Wireless Network in Windows XP
Summary: Making the Connection

6. Wi-Fi for Macintosh

AirPort Components
Setting Up an AirPort Network
Installing the Hardware
Running the AirPort Setup Assistant
The AirPort Application
The AirPort Control Strip Module
The AirPort Admin Utility
Using an AirPort Network
Connecting Macintosh Clients to Other Networks
Connecting an AirPort Card to a Non-AirPort Access Point
Connecting Other Wi-Fi Clients to an AirPort Network
Network Properties
Wireless Network Configuration
Configuring an AirPort Base Station from a Non-AirPort Client
AirPort Admin Utility for Windows
AirPort Base Station Configurator
FreeBase
KarlNet Configurator
Is AirPort the Answer?

7. Wi-Fi for Linux

Drivers, Backseat and Otherwise
Where to Find Drivers
Linux Drivers
Other Linux Wireless Programs
Wireless Tools
KOrinoco
gWireless
NetCfg
Wavemon
Status Display Programs
Remote Monitoring
Configuring an Access Point

8. Wi-Fi For Unix

Unix Drivers
Configuration Tools
wiconfig and wicontrol
Utilities for Unix
Xwipower
WEP
Bsd-airtools

9. Wi-Fi for PDAs and Other Handheld Devices

Using a Handheld in a Wi-Fi Network
Windows CE
Installing and Configuring a Wireless Adapter
Palm OS
Palm m500 and m125
Handspring Visor
Other Handhelds
Bigger Isn't Always Better
Coming Attractions

10. Extending the Network Beyond Your Own Walls

Legal Issues
Outdoor Antennas and Access Points
Antenna Characteristics
Power
Antenna Height
Cable Attenuation
Campus Networks
Setting Up a Campus Network
Using a Campus Network
Networking Your Neighborhood
Keeping Your ISP Happy
Network Security: Everybody is Your Neighbor

11. Point-to-Point Links and Repeaters

Extending the LAN
Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint
Installing a Point-to-Point Link
Choosing a Signal Path
Reaching the Boondocks: Long-Range Links
Aligning the Antennas
Obstructions and Relays
Alternatives to 802.11b
Antennas for Network Adapters
Build Your Own Antenna?

12. Public and Community Networks

Public Networks
Setting Up a Connection to a Public Network
Finding a Network
Sending Mail Through a Public Network
Public Networks in Airports
Public Access to Private Networks
Joining a Community Network
Security on a Public Network

13. Guerilla Networking

Security on a Public Network
Sniffer Tools
Searching for a Signal
Searching Without a Sniffer - Warchalking

14. Wireless Network Security

Protecting Your Network and Your Data
802.11b Security Tools
Network Name (SSID)
WEP Encryption
Is WEP Secure Enough to Use?
Access Control
Authentication: The 802.1x Standard
Firewalls
Keep Wireless Intruders at Bay
Isolate Your Network from the Internet
Access Points with Firewalls
Firewall Software
Virtual Private Networks
Physical Security
Sharing Your Network with the World

15. Virtual Private Networks

VPN Methods
VPN Servers
Configuring a Windows Server for a Wireless VPN
VPN Servers for Unix
Network Hardware with Built-in VPN Support
VPN Client Software
Configuring Windows for VPN
The Microsoft L2TP/IPSec VPN Client
Making the Connection in Windows
Windows XP Options
VPN Clients for Unix
Using a Wireless VPN
Making the Connection
Bypassing the VPN
Using a VPN Through a Public Network

16. Tips and Troubleshooting

My Computer Doesn't Detect My Network Adapter
The Wireless Configuration Program Won't Run
The Wireless Control Program Tries to Run, Even If I'm Not Using My Adapter
My Computer Won't Associate with the Local Network
My Computer Connects to the Wrong Network
I Can See the Local Network, But I Can't Connect to the Internet
I Can See the Internet, But I Can't See Other Computers on My LAN
The Signal Strength is Weak or Signal Quality Is Low
I Can't Find a Public Network
I Don't Know If I'm Within Range of a Network
The Network Is Slow
Can I Improve Performance with an External Antenna?
What Else Can I Do to Improve Performance?
When I Move to a Different Access Point, the Adapter Loses the Connection
Where Can I Find a Copy of the 802.11b Standards?
How Can I Find Out Who Made My Network Adapter?
Is the Software That Came with My Network Adapter or Access Point Up to Date?
How Can I Reduce the Drain on My Computer's Battery?
Can I Use My Access Point as a Network Bridge?
I've Heard That Radio Signals from Cellular Phones Might Be Dangerous. What About Wireless Ethernet?

Index

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