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PUBLICATIONS

Guide to Securing Legacy IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks

Published

Author(s)

Karen A. Scarfone, Derrick Dicoi, Matt Sexton, Cyrus Tibbs

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to organizations in securing their legacy Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLAN) that cannot use IEEE 802.11i. The document provides an overview of legacy IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards, components, and architectural models. It discusses the basics of WLAN security and examines the security capabilities provided by legacy IEEE 802.11 standards. The document also discusses threats and vulnerabilities involving legacy IEEE 802.11 WLANs, explains common countermeasures, and makes recommendations for their use. [Supersedes SP 800-48 (November 2002): http://www.nist.gov/manuscript-publication-search.cfm?pub_id=50740]
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-48 Rev 1
Report Number
800-48 Rev 1
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Supercedes Publication
Wireless Network Security: 802.11, Bluetooth and Handheld Devices

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

IEEE 802.11, network security, wireless local area network, wireless networking
Wireless (RF), Cybersecurity and privacy and Networking

Citation

Scarfone, K. , Dicoi, D. , Sexton, M. and Tibbs, C. (2008), Guide to Securing Legacy IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-48r1 (Accessed October 13, 2025)

Issues

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Created July 25, 2008, Updated November 10, 2018
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