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    CourseWork2 CST3510 Wifi Scanning Notes

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    CourseWork2 CST3510 Wifi Scanning Notes

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    CourseWork2 CST3510 Wifi Scanning Notes

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    joemama478326483764

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    # Notes: Wi-Fi Scanning

    ## 1. **Introduction to Wi-Fi Scanning**


    Wi-Fi scanning is the process of discovering available wireless networks and their
    characteristics, such as signal strength, security protocols, and network type.
    This is essential for devices (like smartphones, laptops, and routers) to identify
    and connect to the best available Wi-Fi network.

    Wi-Fi scanning can be done in two primary modes:


    - **Active Scanning**: The device actively sends probe requests to nearby access
    points (APs) and waits for responses.
    - **Passive Scanning**: The device listens for beacon frames broadcast by APs
    without sending any probe requests.

    ---

    ## 2. **Wi-Fi Scanning Process**

    ### a. **Active Scanning**


    - **Probe Request:** The device sends a probe request frame to the nearby access
    points, either on all channels or specific channels, asking for network
    information.
    - **Probe Response:** Each AP that receives the probe request responds with a probe
    response frame containing network information, such as SSID, supported data rates,
    and security settings.
    - **Network Information:** The device collects information about available
    networks, such as:
    - **SSID (Service Set Identifier):** The network name.
    - **Signal Strength:** Measured in dBm (decibels milliwatts) to evaluate network
    quality.
    - **Security Type:** WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WEP, or open (unencrypted) network.
    - **Channel:** The specific radio frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) used by
    the AP.
    - **Supported Data Rates:** The speeds at which the network supports data
    transmission.

    ### b. **Passive Scanning**


    - **Beacon Frames:** In passive scanning, the device listens for beacon frames
    transmitted by APs. These frames are broadcast periodically by access points to
    advertise their presence.
    - **Network Information:** Similar to active scanning, the beacon frames contain
    details about the network, such as SSID, security protocols, supported data rates,
    and more.
    - **No Probe Request:** Unlike active scanning, the device does not actively send
    out any requests, but only listens for these periodic beacon frames.

    ---

    ## 3. **Types of Wi-Fi Networks**

    Wi-Fi networks can be classified based on their configuration and usage. The
    scanning process helps the device determine the type of network it is detecting.

    ### a. **Infrastructure Mode**


    - This is the most common network type, where client devices connect to a central
    access point (AP) that bridges the communication to the internet or other
    resources.
    - **Example:** A home Wi-Fi router connected to the internet.
    ### b. **Ad-Hoc Mode (Independent Basic Service Set - IBSS)**
    - In ad-hoc mode, devices communicate directly with each other without a central
    AP. This is typically used in peer-to-peer connections.
    - **Example:** Two laptops connecting directly without the need for an AP.

    ### c. **Mesh Networks**


    - Mesh networks consist of multiple interconnected APs that provide coverage over a
    large area. Each AP in the mesh network helps route traffic to other APs.
    - **Example:** Wi-Fi mesh systems used in large homes or businesses to extend
    coverage.

    ---

    ## 4. **Wi-Fi Channels and Bands**

    Wi-Fi networks operate on two main frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each of
    these bands is divided into channels. Scanning involves identifying the channels
    used by nearby access points to assess network availability and performance.

    ### a. **2.4 GHz Band**


    - **Channels:** There are 14 channels in the 2.4 GHz band (in some regions, only 11
    or 12 are available).
    - **Channel Width:** Typically, 20 MHz, but 40 MHz wide channels are also supported
    in some cases.
    - **Challenges:** More interference because many other devices (like microwaves,
    Bluetooth devices, and baby monitors) also operate in the 2.4 GHz range. The
    channels overlap, and there is limited channel availability (only 3 non-overlapping
    channels: 1, 6, and 11 in the U.S.).

    ### b. **5 GHz Band**


    - **Channels:** The 5 GHz band has more available channels and less interference.
    - **Channel Width:** Can support 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or even 160 MHz wide
    channels.
    - **Advantages:** Less crowded compared to 2.4 GHz, with faster speeds and less
    interference. Ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming.

    ### c. **6 GHz Band (Wi-Fi 6E)**


    - The 6 GHz band, introduced with Wi-Fi 6E, offers additional channels for Wi-Fi
    devices to operate on, providing more spectrum for faster speeds and reduced
    congestion.

    ---

    ## 5. **Wi-Fi Security Protocols**

    Wi-Fi scanning also helps devices determine the security protocol of the networks
    they detect. The most common security protocols include:

    ### a. **WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)**


    - **Weak Security:** WEP is an outdated and insecure protocol that is vulnerable to
    attacks. It is rarely used today.

    ### b. **WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)**


    - **Better Security:** WPA improved upon WEP but is still vulnerable to some
    attacks (such as brute-force password cracking).

    ### c. **WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II)**


    - **Strong Security:** WPA2 is the most widely used security protocol, providing
    robust encryption via AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
    ### d. **WPA3**
    - **Next-Gen Security:** WPA3 provides even stronger encryption and security,
    offering improvements like better protection against offline dictionary attacks and
    improved public key encryption for open networks.

    ### e. **Open Networks**


    - **No Encryption:** Some networks may be open and unsecured, meaning no encryption
    is used. These are typically less secure and should be avoided for sensitive
    activities.

    ---

    ## 6. **Tools for Wi-Fi Scanning**

    Various tools and software can be used to perform Wi-Fi scanning, each offering
    different levels of detail and functionality:

    ### a. **Wi-Fi Scanning on Devices**


    - **Built-in Scanners:** Most modern devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.) come with
    built-in Wi-Fi scanners that allow users to view available networks. On
    smartphones, this is usually available through the Wi-Fi settings, while on
    laptops, it can be accessed through network settings or specialized network
    management software.

    ### b. **Wi-Fi Analyzer Apps**


    - **Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android):** A popular app that helps users see all available
    networks, channels, signal strengths, and security protocols. It also helps with
    choosing the best channel for your own AP to avoid interference.
    - **NetSpot (Windows/macOS):** A professional tool for Wi-Fi surveying and
    scanning, providing detailed heatmaps and network analysis.

    ### c. **Command-Line Tools**


    - **Linux: `iwlist` and `iwconfig` commands**: These tools can be used to scan for
    networks and display information like signal strength, encryption type, and
    channel.
    - **Windows: `netsh wlan show networks`**: A command to view available Wi-Fi
    networks and their properties.

    ### d. **Advanced Wi-Fi Scanners for Professionals**


    - **Aircrack-ng**: A suite of tools for assessing Wi-Fi network security, including
    tools for scanning and cracking WEP/WPA keys.
    - **Kismet**: A powerful network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system
    that supports both 802.11 Wi-Fi networks and other wireless protocols.

    ---

    ## 7. **Considerations for Wi-Fi Scanning**

    ### a. **Signal Strength (RSSI)**


    - **RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)** measures the signal strength of a
    Wi-Fi network. Stronger signals usually correlate with better performance and
    reliability.
    - **Considerations:** Distance from the AP, interference, and physical obstructions
    (walls, metal objects) affect signal strength.

    ### b. **Channel Overlap**


    - **Interference:** Networks operating on the same or overlapping channels can
    interfere with each other, causing slower speeds and degraded performance.
    - **Solution:** Use scanning tools to identify which channels are less crowded and
    select the best available channel for your own network.

    ### c. **Network Congestion**


    - **Multiple Networks:** In crowded areas (e.g., apartment buildings), many Wi-Fi
    networks may overlap, which can lead to congestion and slower speeds.
    - **Solution:** Choose less congested channels (in 5 GHz if possible) and use
    802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 5/6) to maximize available bandwidth.

    ---

    ## 8. **Conclusion**
    Wi-Fi scanning is a critical step for devices to identify available networks,
    assess their security, and determine the best connection. By understanding the
    types of networks, channels, and security protocols, devices can make informed
    decisions to connect securely and efficiently to the best possible Wi-Fi network.
    Proper Wi-Fi scanning also helps mitigate issues like interference and congestion,
    improving network performance and reliability.

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