WiFi

From Sysadmin

The popularity of WiFi is a good example of unintended consequences. WiFi uses an unregulated part of the EM spectrum because it was easier for the original manufactuers to produce devices that operate in this range and because users do not need special licening as long as their power output is sufficiently low. As a result of the immence popularity of this technology a large proportion of the population are now dependent on a technology where there is literally no guarantee of service.

WiFi can be interferred with by other WiFi devices or machines that transmit EM 'noise. If your WiFi is being interferred with there is very little that can be done about it.

Security

Bruce Schneier reports on schneier.com that he leaves his home WiFi network open[1]. There are several reasons why leave a home wireless network is a very bad idea.

• Channel overlap
• Arrangement with few overlapping networks (1, 6 & 11)
• Arrangement with many overlapping networks (spread them evenly)
• Advanced method such as devices to balance APs