Security performance of loaded IEEE 802.11b wireless networks

Existing solutions for wireless LAN networks have been subject to security vulnerabilities and previous study has addressed and evaluated the security performance of IEEE 802.11b wireless networks using single server–client architecture and simple traffic models. This paper describes research into the effect of multiple security mechanisms on the performance of multi-client congested and uncongested networks using a layered security model. It evaluates the interaction between different security layers and their effects on performance (response time and throughput). This research also evaluates the performance effect of different TCP and UDP packet size distributions on secure wireless networks. The benefits of this wireless network study focus on determining ways in which to configure wireless networks such that security requirements can be met in relation to quantifiable performance impact in practical situations. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.