Windows 7 Can Create Rogue Wi-Fi Access Point 123
alphadogg writes "Windows 7 contains a 'SoftAP' feature, also called 'virtual Wi-Fi,' that allows a PC to function simultaneously as a Wi-Fi client and as an access point to which other Wi-Fi-capable devices can connect. The capability is handy when users want to share music and play interactive games. But it also can allow on-site visitors and parking-lot hackers to piggyback onto the user's laptop and 'ghost ride' into a corporate network unnoticed."
While this means a bit more policing for networks meant to be locked down, it sounds like a good thing overall. Linux users, meanwhile, have had kernel support (since 2.6.26) for 802.11s mesh networking, as well as Host AP support for certain chipsets.
Re:Hard shell, gooey centre security obsolete (Score:3, Interesting)
Actually, can someone explain to me what the real difference is between "master mode" and AdHoc or mesh networks?
Why is it that only a few chipsets can "do" proper full-blown "master mode" (ie be an Access Point), and yet other chipsets can be used as AdHoc or mesh? I mean - what's the fundamental difference? I've been through this with Linux systems and can't understand why I can't just grab any WLAN card, bring up the interface and whack a DHCP server on it - why doesn't that work for them all?
Just wonderin...
J
Comment removed (Score:3, Interesting)
Comment removed (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Hard shell, gooey centre security obsolete (Score:3, Interesting)
"Master mode" means that your computer works as a central access point, other computers use it to relay the data.
"Ad-hoc" is a special mode for masterless networks, but it allows to connect only two computers (in essence, wireless channel becomes an analog of good old Ethernet cable).
"Mesh mode" is 'ad hoc' on steroids, it allows any number of computers to connect and uses dynamic routing.
Master mode requires certain additional functionality from your card (managing connections, transmitting SSID information, resolving collisions, etc.) which some drivers were lacking. Fortunately, it's being fixed with the introduction of the new mac80211 stack in the Linux kernel it'll become better.