Wireless networking

The idea

Wireless networking connects devices to a network without cables, using radio signals such as Wi-Fi or cellular data. In this section you must reason about its ethical, legal, environmental and privacy effects. Ethically, open or shared networks raise questions about who may use bandwidth and about monitoring users. Legally, intercepting traffic or accessing a network without permission is an offence, and personal data carried over the network must be protected. Environmentally, wireless networks reduce cabling and allow remote working, cutting some travel, but add energy demand from access points and devices. Privacy risks include unencrypted traffic being intercepted, weak passwords on home routers and location tracking. A useful method is to name the network type, identify who is affected, then state the risk and a mitigation such as encryption or a strong password.

What earns the marks

• Identifies wireless networking as connecting devices by radio signals, for example Wi-Fi or cellular data, without cables.
• Explains an ethical issue such as shared bandwidth, monitoring of users or consent to use a network.
• Explains a legal issue such as unauthorised access to a network or interception of traffic being an offence.
• Explains an environmental issue such as reduced cabling and travel against energy used by access points and devices.
• Explains a privacy issue such as interception of unencrypted traffic, weak router passwords or location tracking.
• Suggests a mitigation such as encryption, strong passwords or a firewall and links it to the risk.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing wireless networking with the internet.

  Put it right by describing it as a way of connecting devices to a network, which may then reach the internet.

• Claiming wireless is always more secure because there are no cables.

  Put it right by explaining that radio signals can be intercepted and need encryption.

• Giving only a benefit such as convenience.

  Put it right: Also stating an ethical, legal, environmental or privacy impact.

Exam tips

• Name the wireless technology and the situation, such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, before stating the impact.
• Pair each privacy risk with a specific mitigation such as WPA2 encryption or a strong unique password.
• When asked to evaluate, state one advantage and one disadvantage and finish with a clear judgement.