Secure data transmission over wireless networks: issues and challenges

Supporting efficient and reliable data transmission over wireless networks has been subject of continuous research over the last decade. The major concerns were in the area of security. The data confronts the security hazard during transmission over a wireless network. Indeed, it is relatively easy to eavesdrop on video/audio conversations, or intercept and modify data packets. Anyone with a PC and access to the public network has the ability to capture network traffic, potentially compromising the privacy and the reliability of the applications. Hence, it is mandatory for wireless applications to guarantee authentication, confidentiality and integrity of data. In this paper we present the security issues to be handled for safe and secure implementation of wireless LAN technology. Also discussed is the IEEE 802.11b standard, which is equipped with a privacy facility.