Open System Authentication

Using an 802.11b network on an open system opens up an entirely new
set of security problems, because the authentication method used by
most modern operating systems is based on using an algorithm where
anyone in the vicinity of the access point can log into the network. This
presents a host of security problems. Employing efficiency in connection
often reduces your security.


What is Open System Authentication?

Open system authentication is the IEEE 802.11 default authentication
method, a simple, two-step process.

1. The station wanting to authenticate with another station sends an
authentication management frame containing the sending station’s
identity.

2. The receiving station then sends back a frame indicating whether or
not it recognizes the identity of the authenticating station.

The key concern in this area relates to the most common implementation
of 802.11b in conjunction with Windows XP. The majority of users in the
corporate environment will be using Windows XP for some time to come.
Windows XP has integrated support for 802.11b networks by default
within the operating system. In dealing with an “open system” under
Windows XP, there are several key matters to consider before deploying
your WLAN.