Performance Evaluation of 802.11g Architecture Using Security Protocols Based on Index Policy Method

Abstract

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are beginning to play a much larger role in corporate network environments. The 802.11g specification is a standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) that offers transmission over relatively short distances at up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps), compared with the 11 Mbps theoretical maximum with the earlier 802.11b standard. In this paper, focus is on WLAN security technologies designed to improve 802.11 standard by applying security policies. Response time for authentication and encryption of 802.1X model and VPN model is compared. The comparison is done on most widely used security protocols such as WEP, RSA, EAP and DES based on measurement of policy indexing model implementation. The reports reported till date showed combined effect of encryption and authentication on response time and throughput. Response time increases by 268% and throughput decreases by 73% for 802.1X model. In case of VPN model the researchers found that there is increase in response time by 130% and decrease in throughput by 50%.The calculated results for packet transmission time for security level 2 for 802.1X is 17373 ms while for VPN it is 21996 ms, also for security level 3 it is calculated as 21419 ms for 802.1X and 22243 ms for VPN. The results obtained indicate that VPN policy method take more transmission time as compared to 802.1X policy method, but it provide more security than 802.1X method. The use of different security configuration will provide both the necessary flexibility to network operators and high level of confidence to end users.