A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) is a network security solution that monitors wireless LANs for unauthorized or malicious activity and provides real-time or automated responses. WIPS can perform a wide array of functions as outlined below:
A. Distributed protocol analysis:
WIPS sensors continuously scan wireless traffic and analyze frames to detect anomalies or policy violations in real time.
C. Performance monitoring and response:
WIPS can identify degradation in WLAN performance due to interference, misconfiguration, or rogue activity and alert administrators or take corrective action.
D. Data forensics and analysis:
WIPS platforms often include historical logging and reporting features that allow administrators to review past events and understand the timeline and impact of wireless threats.
E. Automated threat mitigation:
WIPS can automatically respond to threats by sending deauthentication frames, blocking MAC addresses, or disabling ports to mitigate rogue devices or attacks.
Note:
B. Client access to the distribution system is not a function of WIPS; it refers to client functionality in a WLAN, not a security service offered by WIPS.
“A WIPS performs functions such as rogue detection and mitigation, threat classification, forensic logging, and real-time protocol analysis. It can provide both historical analytics and proactive security enforcement.”
— CWDP-305 Study Guide, Chapter on Post-Design ValidationandTroubleshooting