Introduction

This chapter provides a brief introduction on wireless communication networks and basic concepts on wireless communication network security. Computer communication networks interconnect a collection of network nodes including computer and communication devices, routers, gateways, and switches. Computer networks are comprised of wired networks and wireless networks. The wireless access is provided with extra components and resources to the core network infrastructure. The extra components and resources include: wireless transceivers, management entities, spectrum, and deployment. Wireless communication systems can be classified in several ways, based on coverage, topology, or mobility. Wireless communications systems are classified into wireless personal area networks, wireless local area networks, and wireless wide area networks. A wireless personal area networks can be used for communications among the personal devices themselves. The chapter discusses network security and wireless security. Network security focuses mainly on networks, network protocols, and network applications.