1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to methods and systems for detecting access points, and particularly to methods and systems for detecting rogue access points and a device for identifying rogue access points.
2. Related Art
When an organization such as a company uses a traditional wired network communication and computer system, it is generally not easy for network intruders to gain access into the company's network. For instance, the network intruders may need to gain physical access inside the company's building, and then find an Ethernet port from where they can electronically obtain confidential information of the company. This physical boundary provides a certain level of protection against network intruders.
When a company uses a wireless network, the network intruders do not necessarily have to physically get inside the company's building in order to access the company's network. The network intruders only need to be present within the scope of the wireless network, and then gain access to the company's confidential information through a wireless connection.
One form of wireless security breach occurs when network intruders put an access point (AP) near to or in a company's building. An employee of the company may unknowingly connect the unauthorized access point to the company's network. The network intruders can then try to gain access to the employee's confidential information via the unauthorized access point. This kind of unauthorized access point is commonly known as a “rogue access point” or “rogue AP.” Therefore, a method for detecting rogue access points is needed in order to protect an organization's confidential information.