WildPackets’ AiroPeek/AiroPeek NX v2.0 to Support Wi-Fi Protected Access Security Initiative
New Capability Vastly Improves WLAN Security
Walnut Creek, Calif., May 6, 2003 – WildPackets Inc., innovators in affordable network analysis solutions, confirmed that the version 2.0 releases of their WLAN analyzers AiroPeek and AiroPeek NX, scheduled to ship in May, will support the Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) (WPA) wireless security initiative.
WPA is an encryption and authentication technique that improves the security protection available to wireless networks over the vulnerable WEP. Wi-Fi Protected Access is derived from and will be forward compatible with the upcoming IEEE 802.11i standard. To improve data encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access utilizes its Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). TKIP provides important data encryption enhancements.
To strengthen user authentication, Wi-Fi Protected Access implements 802.1x and the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Together, these implementations provide a framework for strong user authentication. This framework utilizes a central authentication server, such as RADIUS, to authenticate each user on the network before they join it, and also employs “mutual authentication” so that the wireless user doesn’t accidentally join a rogue network that might steal its network credentials.
In order to support the WPA security initiative, AiroPeek and AiroPeek NX will be able to decode the 802.11 management frames that are necessary to set up the encrypted traffic. Both applications will also conveniently display the encryption and authentication state in their new SSID Tree. AiroPeek NX v2.0 contains important security expert diagnoses which can illustrate any problems with the configuration or execution of the security settings throughout the infrastructure.
“Wireless security is paramount for our enterprise customers,” says AiroPeek Product Manager Dovid Coplon. “The new WPA security standards are an important improvement for the security of mission critical information transported on today’s networks.”
“Wi-Fi Protected Access is a core technology for securing an interoperable wireless LAN in the enterprise. Organizations like WildPackets that support this initiative are clearly committed to standards that benefit the industry. We look forward to their support in further deploying Wi-Fi Protected Access solutions,” said Wi-Fi Alliance Chairman, Dennis Eaton.
About WildPackets Inc.
Since 1990, WildPackets has been developing affordable tools designed to simplify the complex tasks associated with monitoring and optimizing computer networks. Our products are sold in over 50 countries through a broad network of channel and strategic partners. Customers include Cisco Systems, Agilent, D-Link, Microsoft, Siemens AG, Unisys, Motorola, Deutsche Bank, and others. Strategic partners include Agere Systems, Atheros Communications, 3Com, Intel, Proxim, SysKonnect, Symbol Technologies, and Chevin. WildPackets is a member of the Wi-Fi Alliance and WLANA. Information on the company, products, and partners is available at www.wildpackets.com.