Contents and Figures

Contents

The AirPcap Product Family

3

A Brief Introduction to 802.11

4

Terminology

4

802.11 Standards

4

Channels

5

Types of Frames

6

How AirPcap Adapters Operate

7

Multiple Channel Capture (applies to USB adapters only)

8

Configuring the Adapters: the AirPcap Control Panel

9

Identifying the AirPcap Adapters

9

Settings

10

WEP Keys

11

The Multi-Channel Aggregator (applies to USB AirPcap

 

adapters only)

12

AirPcap and Wireshark

14

Identifying the AirPcap Adapters in Wireshark

14

The Wireless Toolbar

14

The Wireless Settings Dialog

16

The Decryption Keys Management Dialog

18

The Multi-Channel Aggregator (applies to USB AirPcap

 

adapters only)

19

Transmit Raw 802.11 Frames on Your Network

20

Where to Learn More

21

Appendix A: 802.11 Frequencies

22

2.4GHz Band

22

5GHz Band

22

Channels Supported by the AirPcap Product Family

22

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Cace Technologies AirPcap Wireless Capture Adapters manual Contents and Figures

AirPcap Wireless Capture Adapters specifications

Cace Technologies AirPcap Wireless Capture Adapters are essential tools for network professionals aiming to monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot wireless networks. These innovative devices enable packet capture and analysis over 802.11 wireless networks, providing insights that are crucial for maintaining network integrity and performance.

One of the main features of AirPcap adapters is their ability to capture raw 802.11 packets in real time, including management, control, and data frames. This capability allows for a comprehensive view of wireless communications, assisting engineers in identifying issues like signal interference, unauthorized access points, and potential security breaches.

Another significant characteristic is the support for both 802.11a/b/g/n standards. This wide-ranging compatibility ensures that users can effectively analyze traffic across various network types, regardless of the generation of equipment being utilized. Additionally, AirPcap adapters are equipped with advanced features like packet injection, which is beneficial for testing network robustness and security defenses.

The wireless capture adapters are often praised for their seamless integration with popular analysis tools such as Wireshark. This combination provides users with a powerful interface for performing in-depth packet analysis, enabling the decoding of complex protocols and offering visualizations that aid in understanding network behaviors.

For ease of use, AirPcap adapters come equipped with a compact design and user-friendly software. They can be connected to laptops or portable devices, making them ideal for field use. Their portability ensures that field technicians or network analysts can perform assessments in various environments without the need for extensive setup or configurations.

Security is another critical aspect where AirPcap shines. These adapters allow for the capture of encrypted packets, provided the user has the appropriate decryption keys. This feature is particularly valuable for troubleshooting security protocols and ensuring that data transmitted over the network is secure.

In conclusion, Cace Technologies AirPcap Wireless Capture Adapters are versatile and powerful tools for any network engineer or security professional. With their ability to capture and analyze a wide range of wireless traffic, their compatibility with industry-standard tools, and their advanced features, AirPcap adapters are indispensable in today's increasingly wireless world. Whether used for routine monitoring, troubleshooting, or security assessments, these adapters offer a robust solution for wireless network management.