Access "Integrated wired and wireless LAN security? Not so fast"
This article is part of the May 2011 issue of Wired and wireless: Can you achieve an integrated network?
Many vendors preach integrated wired and wireless LAN security solutions, but some network security pros, like Ruairi Brennan, IT security analyst at The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) of Ireland, don't see the point. After all, isolating wired and wireless networks keeps vulnerabilities that are unique to the Wi-Fi network away from the wired network, says Brennan. The ESB's wireless LAN serves between 8,000 and 10,000 users with 60 Aruba Networks access points (APs). It was built to provide wireless access in conference rooms and other areas that the existing wired LAN didn't serve well. For security, the ESB turned to AirTight's SpectraGuard Enterprise Wireless IPS (a wireless intrusion prevention system product) and the SpectraGuard SAFE endpoint protection system. Deployed together, these products can stop “bridging” between wired and wireless networks. “It's a massive security risk if you have someone on the LAN simultaneously accessing an outside wireless access point,” Brennan said. “You could be bridging between a secure LAN and [what could be] an ... Access >>>
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Features
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Integrated wired and wireless LAN security? Not so fast
by Rivka Gewirtz Little, Senior Site Editor
Combining wired and wireless LAN security solutions may be a plus for smaller companies, but larger enterprises fear security integration could result in vulnerabilities.
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Integrated wired and wireless LAN security? Not so fast
by Rivka Gewirtz Little, Senior Site Editor
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News
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Unified network management: Wired and wireless together for good?
by Lynn Haber, Contributor
With an integrated network management vision, two organizations improved security and reliability, and have made steps towards a fully integrated network. But will we get there?
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UK wireless technology trends: Enterprise tablets take hold
by Tracey Caldwell, Contributor
What's next in wireless technology trends? IMS Research analysts predict enterprise tablet adoption, as well as growth in Near Field Communication, Wi-Fi Direct and M2M communication for businesses.
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Unified network management: Wired and wireless together for good?
by Lynn Haber, Contributor
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