BN303 - Wireless Networks and Security

Credit Points: 15 credit points

Workload: 48 hours

Prerequisite: BN200 Network Security Fundamentals

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & Objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 24 units in the Bachelor of Networking (BNet) and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Telecommunications) BEngTech(Tel). This unit addresses the BNet and BEngTech(Tel) course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ knowledge and skills in wireless networks. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-networking and http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-engineering-technology-telecommunications. This unit is part of the AQF Level 7 (BNet and BEngTech(Tel)) courses.

In this unit, students gain knowledge of wireless network communication technology and security issues.  Students learn how to configure wireless routers for local and remote workers. They will gain skill in securing wireless networks. The content of this unit will cover the following areas:

  • Wireless communication architecture 
  • Wireless networks and protocols
  • Security vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigation technique. 
  • Wireless LAN and WLAN architecture and privacy methods
  • Implementation and management of WLAN security

Learning Outcomes

4.1 Course Learning Outcomes
The Course learning outcomes applicable to this unit are listed on the Melbourne Institute of Technology’s website: www.mit.edu.au 

4.2 Unit Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Explain wireless communication protocols; 
b. Utilise standards-based technologies used in various networks;
c. Test and compare the performance of  various wireless networks;
d. Apply wireless network security techniques in the context of ethical implications;
e. Design and implement secure enterprise wireless networks.

Weekly Topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week Topics
1 General overview; Overview of wireless networks foundation
2 WPAN, WMAN, WLAN, WWAN and their uses
3 Enterprise Wireless Hardware Security
4 WLAN RF Fundamentals, Regulation Bodies
5 Mid-term Review
6 Ethical Implication in Wireless Security
7 WLAN Frames & Standards
8 Wireless Security Models
9 Designing a Secure Wireless Network
10 Managing the Wireless Network
11 Operational Support and Wireless Convergence
12 Review

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Formative Assignment 1 Week 3 (10/04/2022) 5%   a-b
In-Class Test Week 7 (02/05/2022)   15% a-c
Assignment 2 Week 11 (31/05/2022) 30%   a-e
Laboratory participation & submissions Week 2 – 11 (7/06/2022) 10%   a-e
Final Examination (2 hours)     40% a-e
TOTALS   45% 55%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised.

Contribution and participation 
This unit has class participation and student contribution as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules-policies-andplans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in theassessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Presentations (if applicable)
For presentations conducted in class, students are required to wear business attire.

Textbook and Reference Materials

Text Book:

  • Petar Popovski, Wireless Connectivity: An Intuitive and Fundamental Guide, John Wiley & Sons, 2020.

Other References: 

  • Jorge, Guide to wireless communications. Cengage Learning, 2016.
  • D. Coleman, D. Westcott and B. Harkins, CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional Study Guide CWSP - 205. 2nd ed., Sybex, 2016.
  • T. Wrightson, Wireless Network Security A Beginner’s Guide, 1st ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2012.
  • J. Doherty, Wireless and Mobile Device Security, 1st ed., Jones & Barlett Learning, 2015.

Adopted Reference Style: IEEE

Students are required to purchase the prescribed texts and have them available each week in the class.

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.