[IP] UK scientists roll out Wi-Fi proof wallpaper
Begin forwarded message:
From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: August 12, 2004 6:56:02 AM EDT
To: Dewayne-Net Technology List <dewayne-net@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Dewayne-Net] UK scientists roll out Wi-Fi proof wallpaper
Reply-To: dewayne@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/08/12/wifi_wallpaper/
UK scientists roll out Wi-Fi proof wallpaper
By Tony Smith (tony.smith at theregister.co.uk)
Published Thursday 12th August 2004 10:01 GMT
British boffins have developed wallpaper that blocks Wi-Fi traffic but
still allows other wireless transmissions to pass through in a bid to
prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data via the WLAN.
Developed by UK defence company BAE Systems, the wallpaper uses
Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) sheeting, a material more commonly
found slapped on military aircraft, naval vessels and radar antennae,
New Scientist reports.
In this case, the FSS material is manufactured to absorb signals in the
2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands used by 802.11a, b and g equipment.
Other frequencies, such as the 1800MHz band used by GSM networks, are
not blocked.
FSS wallpaper isn't the only way of blocking electromagnetic
transmissions, but it is the only solution that doesn't hinder every
form of wireless communication. Firms employing the technology will
still need to replace their windows with radio-absorbing glass.
By blocking WLAN coverage outside the building, BAE believes the
wallpaper will prevent tapping into the network, particularly if the
WLAN is left unsecured in order to provide guest access to a company's
network.
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