How to Perform a Wireless Network Assessment Testing?

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  Posted by Annexus Tech July 21, 2022 - Filed in Technology - #Wireless Network Assessment  #Wireless Network Installation Companies  #Network Assessment  - 86 views
  

  Expanding the horizon of your network capabilities can work outstandingly but it can also be the reason for harm to your information system. Lack of correct implementations and network configuration can enable everyone to access confidential information in an unauthorized way. Therefore, it is important to keep monitoring your wireless network for smooth operation.

  

   Network Assessment: It is the process of analysis that involves current wireless network optimization for better performance.

   

  Most wireless network installation companies make two mistakes with wireless networks, first never testing the Wi-Fi system, and second, using the outdated method for network assessment. The proactive network assessment is the best way to stay ahead. The wireless technology uses radio waves to establish the connection between routers and devices.

   

  Wireless networking access is the main area for growth and investment in the technology area. Companies like McDonald's & Starbucks install wireless access points to attract customers. Most devices come with an in-built wireless radio that offers complete freedom to access the Wireless LAN technology. Users can log in with your Wi-Fi on their systems like laptops or smartphones anytime. It means you have to cope with wireless security. In this article, you will learn which essential measures need to take to improve wireless network security.

   

   Things to include in your checklist for Wireless Network Assessment 

  ➢ Find wireless interference.

  ➢ High-density user areas.

  ➢ Low-powered devices.

  ➢ Address the higher demands of users. 

   

  Look at the following things for wireless assessments

  •  Review the capacity design and RF coverage and check how access points are distributed in particular locations.
  •  Look at the RF environment and determine the effect of wireless performance.
  •  Mounting and orientation of the access point & antennas are the crucial elements of the network performance.
  •  The WLAN design and configuration are the administrators of the system. It includes power settings, number of broadcasts SSIDs, data rates, channel arrangement, and other factors that have an impact on the system performance.
  •  Also consider the integrated components NAC, or AAA services, DHCP & DNS that supports Wi-Fi.

   

  Why do you need a wireless network assessment? 

  The wireless networks assessment is a convenient and easy method for your employees to access the network of their organization. Further, the wireless assessment is mandatory as it will uncover specific components and configurations that matter for system performance. With network assessment, you will get a complete insight into what needs to be improved for the overall effective performance of the system.

   

  How does it work? 

  Before starting the network assessment, you should know important things that involve in wireless networks.

  •  Gather information about the current system configuration from end to end.
  •  The assessment engineer will visit the site where the system is deployed. The engineer needs access where access points are deployed for verifying installation, alignment, and orientation.
  •  The Assistant engineer also needs to switch closets to verify the AP's connectivity and termination.
  •  During the site visit, the engineer requires access to the WLAN system for virtual control and network management system.
  •  To capture the performance information, the assessment engineer runs the analysis software. 

   

  Wireless Network penetration testing comprises six steps that are reconnaissance, identifying wireless networks, vulnerability research, exploitation, reporting, and remediation. 

  1. Wireless Reconnaissance: The first step in the testing process is information gathering. You need some testing equipment that is a transportation vehicle, a laptop and Wi-Fi antenna, a wireless network adapter, and packet capture and analysis software. The information you get here is mostly encrypted as companies use the latest Wi-Fi protocol.

  2. Network Identification: Next step is scanning or identifying the network. You have to use the wireless card to enable the packet capturing and specify the WLAN interface.

  3. Vulnerability Research: After locating the AP with scanning, the next thing you have to do is focus on vulnerability identification on that access point. The pre-shared key is generated and transmitted that can sniff out in the next step. 

  4. Exploitation: Use a tool to achieve exploitation and the steps are as:

  •  De-authenticating the legitimate client.
  •  Capturing initial 4-way handshake when the client reconnects.
  •  Run an offline dictionary attack to crack the captured key.

  5. Reporting: Maintaining the structure of all steps, methods, and findings in documents is an important task in penetration testing. You must make sure to include the executive summary, technical details, and other things

  6. Remediation & Security Controls: The security controls can stop the attack from hackers. In this technological world, anything can be hacked, and easy to break the wireless network. So having a high network control can secure your network.

   

  Many employees in the organization often access the physical premises from outside that can be a risk factor if the network isn't configured correctly. While deploying and configuring the wireless network, you must consider the security features. With wireless network testing, you can determine the required security posture of your networks.

   

  If you need services for wireless network assessment, then you can consider Annexus Tech which offers core analysis and customer satisfaction. Our highly skilled team doesn't meet your requirement but extends the services to sustain from a business perspective. We provide constant monitoring to keep your network safe from threats and your company's information confidential.