How to authenticate wireless users

There is more than one way to authenticate users hooking up to your new wireless network. One approach is using a database of users and passwords featuring a gateway strategy via a "captive" portal approach, or take that same database foundation and then plug in what's called an "AAA" server (authentication, authorization, accounting), with a MAC address pushing access into the network. This, however, can leave a network open to MAC spoofing attacks.

As another network expert notes, authentication will likely involve using a few different tools in order to make sure there are no holes or back alleys for unauthorized access. A good approach is building a wireless infrastructure device--for example, a controller or gateway--that is setup between the secure, wired network and a WLAN. As experts point out, the majority of these devices do support the universal access method--an SSL Web-based login page--and boast features such as user blocking, bandwidth controls and MAC filtering.

For more on authentication strategies:
- read this article at Network World