In this thesis, we characterize the proprietary active scanning algorithm of several wireless network interface cards. Our experiments are the first of its kind to observe the complete scanning process as the wireless network interface cards probe all the channels in the 2.4GHz spectrum. We discuss the: 1) correlation of channel popularity during active scanning and access point channel deployment popularity; 2) number of probe request frames statistics on each channel; 3) channel probe order; and 4) dwell time. The knowledge gained from characterizing wireless network interface cards is important for the following reasons: 1) it helps one understand how active scanning is implemented in different hardware and software; 2) it can be useful in identifying a wireless rogue host; 3) it can help implement Active Scanning in network simulators; and 4) it can radically influence research in the familiar fields like link-layer handovers and effective deployment of access points.

Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / In spite of the fact that wireless network technology has been available for long period of time, there has been very limited wireless networks deployments around the world before 1997 due to the lack of widely recognized standard for wireless networks. Thanks to the approval of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards in 1997, the world has witnessed tremendous deployment and proliferation of wireless networks in all aspects of life. Although the IEEE 802.11 family of standards has been ratified to design radio transceivers for wireless computer stations capable of interconnecting with other wireless computer stations in close proximity, the technology has been successfully employed to design and implement wireless networks with great number of distant wireless computer stations with reasonable data throughput and flexibility. This thesis explores the wireless network technology and the primary building blocks and components of a wireless network. It also explores the IEEE 802.11 standard and its technical specifications including the Physical layer (PHY), the Media Access Control layer (MAC) and the ongoing task forces. Additionally, the thesis examines the wireless network security including the vulnerabilities, ongoing improvements and recommendations. Next, it investigates the market for available wireless devices compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard that can be used to build a wireless network with high data throughput and high level of security. Subsequently, the thesis formulates a design plan for civilian wireless network with different scenarios in order to provide a speedy solution to the limited broadband service availability in the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, the thesis formulates a generic design plan for a military wireless network with different scenarios that can be rapidly deployed in the field of operations. / Computer Engineer, Royal Army of Oman