KF7031 Wireless Networks and Security

You need to perform a number of experiments to measure actual throughput rates for a system using physical experiments or a network simulator of your choice (OMNET++ or OPNET or any other suitable simulator). You are required to measure data throughput using an access point supporting the 802.11 mode (a, b or g)  you chose to investigate. For practical experiments, throughput can be measured using JPERF and IPERF traffic generation software or the more sophisticated ZTI traffic generator. Wireless traffic (i.e. traffic through the air between the AP and WNIC) needs to be monitored using Omnipeek or AirPCap on a probe WNIC. For a simulation environments, select appropriate configurations and parameters to obtains the throughput results.

The following Learning outcomes will be addressed in this assignment:

KU1 - Be able to describe, explain critically and analyse wireless data communication technology along with associated security issues.

KU2 - Be able to analyse and model wireless behaviour using appropriate mathematics

IP1 - Critically analyse enterprise requirements for wireless systems

IP2 - Critically analyse 802.11 protocol information

IP3 - Make critical decisions about designing secure wireless networks

You are expected to provide theoretical underpinning of your throughput model(s), probably based on papers you have read. You should present some modelled data that can be later compared with measured data. The modelling will probably be in two parts, one exploring the impact of MAC layer overheads and the other the impact of security overheads.

Experimental method 10 You need to describe your experimental procedure in sufficient detail someone else could reproduce what you have done. Use diagrams where appropriate.  Results 10 Described your results and observations from your experimental process

Discussion 30 Discuss you’re your observations here, paying particular attention to what you expect to see from your theoretical discussions and how this compares with your observations. Try to explain any differences. Use your observations to explain the differing contributions that each overhead has to the overall throughput rate.

You should additionally comment on the robustness of the link security mechanism and compare it with WEP or WPA (depending which you chose) and WPA Enterprise. Please look at the learning outcomes (above) to help guide your discussion.

ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

You are advised to read the guidance for students regarding assessment policies. They are available online here.

Late submission of work

Where coursework is submitted without approval, after the published hand-in deadline, the following penalties will apply.

For coursework submitted up to 1 working day (24 hours) after the published hand-in deadline without approval, 10% of the total marks available for the assessment (i.e.100%) shall be deducted from the assessment mark.

Coursework submitted more than 1 working day (24 hours) after the published hand-in deadline without approval will be regarded as not having been completed. A mark of zero will be awarded for the assessment and the module will be failed, irrespective of the overall module mark.

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Word limits and penalties

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