How To Make Your Wireless Network Invisible

Anyone that uses a wireless router for home or office purposes knows that anyone with a wireless card and is in range will be able to see that network regardless if it is encrypted or not. If you are someone like me then you don’t want your neighbors seeing and possibly trying to gain access to your network.

The name that people see for your network is known as its SSID (Service Set Identifier) which is usually set to a default depending on your router. Changing the SSID to something more familiar will help some, but since Windows XP automatically searches out nearby SSIDs, displays their name, and lets you easily connect to them, you need to tell your router to not broadcast its real name, essentially making it invisible. Since you will know the real name, you will be able to connect your own computers to the network with no hassle.

All routers are going to display their controls a bit differently, but they all work the same fundamentally. I’m going to give the steps using a Linksys router, but if you have NetGear or 3com you should be able to figure it out just easily.

1. Login to the router by opening your browser and going to http://192.168.1.1 . If you have never logged in the default login/pw is admin/admin, you can change this password in the router settings later if you like.
2. Click on the Wireless tab and in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) Box type a new name for your network, something unique that can’t easily be guessed is preferred.
3. In the Wireless SSID Broadcast section select disabled.
4. It is also a good idea to periodically change the channel on which your wireless is broadcast. You can do this in the Wireless Channel drop-down list.
5. Click Save Settings
6. Now you just need to tell your computer to connect to the SSID you assigned your network. To do this click on the small wireless icon in the notification area. Once that opens click on the Change Advanced Settings and then select the Wireless Network tab. Click the Add button in Preferred Network section and type in your unique SSID and click ok. 

Now your computer will know that network without seeing the SSID being broadcast and you’re done.

reference:

 Matthew Berman, November, 2006, How To Make Your Wireless Network Invisible

< http://internetbusinessdaily.net/how-to-make-your-wireless-network-invisible/ >

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Use File Sharing with Caution

If you don’t need to share directories and files over your network, you should disable file sharing on your computers.  You may want to consider creating a dedicated directory for file sharing, and move or copy files to that directory for sharing. In addition, you should password protect anything you share, and use a password that is long, contains non-alphanumeric characters (such as #, $, and &), and does not contain personal information (such as your birth date). Never open an entire hard drive for file sharing.

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HOW TO : Configure Wireless Router as Wireless Access Point

What is Wireless Router?

A device that is used to provide the opportunity to the clients or the users to access the internet technology for the sake of different purposes without the hassle of the cables is called as wireless router. Some times it is also called as the wireless access point because they are also used as access points. There are three main parts of the wireless router LAN port, WAN port and wireless antenna. LAN port provide the site of network switching, other port is used to connect the wireless router with wide area network and for the sake of connection with the other wireless devices wireless antennas are used.

How to Configure Wireless Router as Wireless Access Point?

As we know that wireless routers are also used a wireless access points or in other words we can say that wireless routers have ability to perform the duties of wireless access points with the help of some changes and configurations. This process of using a wireless access points is do so because it is cost effective process and much more easier for the client to use the technology well. So, the required configurations or the setting are given below.

1. First of all try to find the IP address of that wireless router that is already attached to the local area network and user used it for the sake of accessing internet. For such purpose go to command prompt and write ‘ipconfig’ you can get you existing internal IP address.
2. Sometimes routers have an automatic configuration through the LAN and they can locate their IPs automatically, it is referred to as the DHCP server in which IPS works dynamically. The second step in the configuration of the wireless router as wireless access point is to detect the range of a particular DHCP server connection and IPs related to it. Fro this purpose open the web browser and write down the IP address that has been detected though command prompt in  search bar and locate the range of DHCP.
3. Another wireless router is connected to the LAN that is going to be converting or act as wireless access points and from this step it is called as the wireless access point. Connect it with LAN port with the help of networking cables. Find its internal IP address as did in he first step for the main router then type this IP address in the web browser to check its administration interface.
4. After logging in to the administration of the wireless router or access point try to change its internal IP address and assign that IP address that is not used before but in the range of the DHCP server and according to the other local area network devices. As two routers are joined together so there are two DHCP servers so disable the server of the new router that is AP and keep the main one only.
5. After completion of the above settings now it is time to connect this new AP to the network for this case user should connect it with the local area network port on the main router with the help of cables. Users should keep one thing in mind do not use the WAN or the internet port for such connection.
6. After this check out the range of the new configured access point by typing its IP address in the web page of administration interface. If the router is correctly configured as access point then it must be in the range of admin. Then test the new wireless access point by connecting it properly. If it gets its IP automatically then it configure correctly

resource:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/configure-wireless-router-as-wireless-access-point.html >

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HOW TO : Troubleshoot Wireless Router Connection

In the wireless networking router needs no introduction, as we all very well that router is the device that is required to for the transmission of data from one device to another over the network in the wireless networking is referred to as router. Troubleshooting is defined as the process that sorts out the occurred problem and suggests different type of solutions for its recovery is called as troubleshooting. In the router troubleshooting we discuss about the problems that create some destructive or bad results during the establishment of the connection of the wireless router with the network for the sake of transmission. These problems are usually created because router based on the working of the multiple technologies.

Troubleshoot the Wireless Router Problems:

There are different types of problems that are those occur in setting the wireless router and make a connection of 9iot with the network for the sake of data transmission. All the connection problems of the wireless router are based on the missing out some important components such as adapters, technicalities and many others. Some of the important problems that occur in the connection of the wireless network with the network are as follows:

Problems with Networking Adapters:

One of the common problems of the wireless router connection is of networking adapters. The networking adapter trouble that mostly occurs during the connection is that the networking adapter is not in the networking list. It is that problem that immediately occurs after setting the wireless router connection. This problem usually happens due to the bad installation of the adapter in the system or the card slot is not working properly to solve this problem replace the card slot or re install the adapter in the case of the system. If this problem occurred due to the managing of device then use the device manger to reconfigure the software of adapter.

Disappearance of Router Name:

 Another problem with the connection of the wireless router is that its name does not appear while connecting it with the network. To solve this problem of wireless router check the service set identifier SSID broadcast, if it is disable, enable it and enter the network name in the box given. The name used should be matched with router configuration.

Status of Connection:

In the wireless router connection problems also occurred due to the no connection status of the networking adapters and the wireless router is unable to connect to the network for its duties. This trouble is minimized by following the process of checking the Networks. First view the networks and then press the connect button, if not settled then reconfiguring is essential for the connection of the wireless router.

Forget Password:

Many people use password protection for their wireless routers to avoid its unauthorized use. Sometime they set up the password and forget it, and then they think that they are in the big trouble. But it is so simple to troubleshoot it. Check the router device, at the back there is a reset button press it for 5 to 6 seconds the setting of the wireless router set as default and you are able to use the router again.

No Signal Problems:

This problem of the wireless router connection is very common among the users that there is the loss of signal strength or there might be no signal. This problem occurs with the placement of the wireless router that prohibits the connection of the wireless router with the network. To solve this problem use the recommended wireless router type for such areas such as 802.11n because it is designed with the MIMO technology (Multiple Output Multiple Input).

reference:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/wireless-router-connection-troubleshooting.html >

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Wired Vs Wireless Home Networks

Wireless Home Network:

                                    

Wireless technologies are designed to reduce the time and different type of obstacles created by the cables. Therefore, wireless networks have more convenient working as compared to other type of wired networking. Wireless network is the type of the computer networking in which computer is connected with the different telecommunication devices wirelessly. It is used for the sake of different purposes such as communication or data transmission etc. these all types of transmission that is related to the wireless networks are carried out  with help of different types of waves which have micro wavelength in nature.

In the field of wireless networking another system, introduce which is helpful for ding the networking in the home called as wireless home network. It is defined as the connection that is build for the wireless networking in the home for the sake of sharing different types of resources such as printing in the home at the same time on the internet is referred as Wireless home Networking. 

Wired Home Networks:

A type local area networking technology which is based on a special type of cable which is used to transfer data from one place to another in the form of analog and digital signals, these cables are called as coaxial cables. They also carry signals of radio of different frequencies which also pays an important role in transferring the data between two operating systems or computers. This type of technology is termed as wired home network. The maximum data transfer rate of this technology is 10 MB per seconds. The cables which are used to configure wired network are special; because they behave as analog and as well as digital and its speed is quite equal to twisted pair cable. Ethernet works or operates in a narrow range and it is little bit difficult to configure as compared to wireless networking technologies. Wired network is very costly to install because to install the coaxial cables we need lot of money and time. So, nowadays its alternative technology i.e. peer to peer is used to reduce the expenses and also increase the reliability and networking. So point to point management is install instead of those costly cables everywhere. Common examples are Ethernet or wired LAN etc.

Comparison between Wired or Wireless Home Network:

The common postulates on which both technologies are differentiated are as follows

Features	Wired Home Network	Wireless Home networks
Networking	The networking of the wired home networks are more faster as compared to other types of wireless networking devices because they are able to provide the speed of more then 1000 Mbps	The networking of the wireless networking is good and better for the future resources but it is not faster as the wired home networking devices. Wifi is the common types of wireless home network that can provide the reliable working
Cost Comparison	We need many expenses to configure or setup the wired home network. Because we need large money to spread the network of coaxial cables.	As compared to other wired devices it is easy to setup the wireless networking devices at the very low and at the reliable cost
Advantages	More reliable Faster internet Transfer of data at a very faster speed	You can Access internet from any place through hot pots No hassles of cables No need any kind of wiring for installation
Cons	It can not provide mobile network Difficult to lay down the cables and it looks very messy when install outside	Not very much reliable Only best for mobile devices such as Laptops Not faster as compared to wired devices

On the basis of these postulates of we can compare these devices atv6teh advanced or the initial level.

references:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/wired-vs-wireless-home-networks.html >

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HOW TO : Setting up a wireless home network

Wireless technology is a famous source of networking for different technologies of computer networking of present era. In the technological World there are lot of technologies and application in the field of wireless networking that are very helpful for the sake of the communication between the two places. Wireless technologies are designed to reduce the time and different type of obstacles created by the cables. Therefore, wireless networks have more convenient working as compared to other type of wired networking. Wireless network is the type of the computer networking in which computer is connected with the different telecommunication devices wirelessly. It is used for the sake of different purposes such as communication or data transmission etc.

These all types of transmission that is related to the wireless networks are carried out  with help of different types of waves which have micro wavelength in nature. In the field of wireless networking another system, introduce which is helpful for ding the networking in the home called as wireless home network. It is defined as the connection that is build for the wireless networking in the home for the sake of sharing different types of resources such as printing in the home at the same time on the internet is referred as Wireless home Networking.  

Types of Wireless networks

Wireless networks are categorized into three basic types that are almost used in every configuration of the networks wirelessly. These types are as follows

-Wide Area Network (WAN)

-Local Area Network (LAN)

-Personal Area Network (PAN).

How to Setup Wireless Home Network:


Different steps are involved in building the wireless network for the home networking. The important steps that are involved in the setting the network is given below


Important Hardware:


The important hardware that is required for the building of the wireless home network is different types of components such as more then one computer or the operating systems at least two, different types of networking interface cards or adapters are required for proper networking, wireless router and the very important part that is the modem that is required to do the configuration.


Building Process:


Several steps are involved in building the wireless home network for the sake of doing the work on the internet and share different type of resources such as printing etc. arte as follows.

1. First, shut down all the computers and then open the cover of the system and place the Network Interface Card (NIC) in the system if it was not placed before. After placing turn on the server system and install the required software for the working of the NIC. Then do the same configuration in all other system attached for home networking.
2. After installing the software of the (NIC), turn on your modem and the wireless router to for the connection to the internet or the network. Then change the network settings up to manual settings and change the security settings by using the control panel of your operating system by following the instructions given on the screen. Save these settings because they will be use in the completion of the setup.
3. When the changing of security and the network settings is completed then, configure your wireless router that is used for creating the wireless home networking media by typing your IP address of the router into your browser such as internet explore.
4. After router configuration, configure your wireless network by changing the mode of security by entering the same key of that was used earlier in the settings. This key or setting should be matched with the saved settings.
5. Then click APPLY or OK to complete the setup. After this step, your wireless home network has been configured.

resource:
< http://www.wifinotes.com/setting-up-a-wireless-home-network.html >

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FAQ's on WiFi Technology

The era of wireless technologies have set new standards of communication and they have changed our lives. However still there is much confusion related to the wireless technologies like WiFi. A revolutionary wireless technology which is becoming the base for the network connectivity and discovery of portable digital assistants also leaves number of questions on our mind. WiFi is the most widely used wireless network technology throughout the world.

Some Important Questions

WiFi is a versatile wireless connection which provides wireless connectivity to unlimited number of users. There are number of questions which network users can ask. First of all the most frequently asked question is what is the range of wifi, how many devices can be connected using WiFi, how to set up wireless security and many more. Suppose for example a user has put a question that how many number of devices be connected using WiFi. His question can be asked by making a link or answering it at the spot. The answer can be comprehensive like any WiFi point can support up to 255 devices. However the performance of the network is prone to alterations. Security is the main issue regarding wireless connection. Therefore the FAQ’s related to security are. To what extent wireless networks re secure what are wireless accesss security keys, what is war driving, what is the wireless equivalent privacy tools etc. WEP or wireless equivalent keys are a set of  a series of hexadecimal  code which includes the combination of numbers from 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.

Answer to Some FAQ’s

What is WiFi hotspot, what are 802.11 standards and how does Wireless routers work?

Some FAQ’s related to WiFi can be answered by surfing through the unlimited data present on the websites. Let us share some this information with you. Wifi hotspot is a site which allows the wireless devices to connect to the wireless signals. These signals can be accessed anywhere like airports and café’s by using digital devices like smart phones, laptop and palm top. Wireless hotspots is a hot topic and some more advanced FAQ’s can be introduction to WiFi hotspots, how to locate free WiFi hotspot, is it secure to connect any wifi network and which is the favorite WiFi spot. The questions regarding IEEE802.11 standards which govern the working of the WiFi can be what the extensions to 802.11 standards are, is it right to upgrade current 802.11 standards and what is 802.11b or 802.11g. 802.11 is a set of standards which guide the working of the WiFi network. These standers are formed to guide frequency, range and speed of the wireless signals and also the issues regarding the compatible devices.

All WiFi Queries

Let us analyze the most common WiFi frequently asked questions .what is wifi network and the related technologies, what are the essential security measures in order to set up wifi, what is the range of WiFi, what is the signal strength of WiFi, which WiFi router is the most user friendly, what are the different types of wireless antennas, how to set and update WiFi passwords, what re factors which cause signal attenuation, how to set WiFi wireless LAN, what is the speed of WiFi, setting up WiFi at home, common WiFi hotspots and how to turn off the wifi routers. These questions emit the confusions using the WiFi connections and WiFi hotspots. The awareness regarding the wireless technologies can be well judged by the number of questions which the users put on the different websites. This data can be also used by researchers to design their research papers and to present recommendations for improvement in the existing technology.

resource:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/wifi-faq.html >

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10 Tips For Improving Wireless Network

In the wireless technology, there are many applications or the networking devices that are used for the sake of the benefit of humanity. Similarly wireless networks are also use in wireless technological field for the sake of communication between two places. Literally it is defined as the type of network that is used to build different types of connection between the wireless telecommunication devices for the purpose of data transmission and for communication is called as the wireless networks. Wireless networks are of different types but some important types of wireless networks are WAN, LAN and PAN.

Important Tips to Improve Wireless Networks

As we all know that the operation of these networks depends upon the wireless technology and the components used in the wireless media such as routers etc. So little bit interruption of change in the setting of these components can change the efficiency or the performance of the wireless networks. There are many solutions that are used World wide but some techniques that are commonly used to improve the performance and working of the wireless networks are as follows :

Position of Wireless Access Point   
Wireless access point or the wireless router is the main component of wireless networking because it is that component that accesses the whole networking of the wireless system. The location or the position of the access point of the wireless device should be placed in center because if the wireless router or the access point is not placed in the center the strength the signal are very weak and show low performance. 

Changing the Wireless Antenna
Wireless antenna is also an important part of the wireless devices because it is the source of the generation of the signals. Generally the antennas present with wireless routers can send signals almost in all directions, if the router is placed near to the wall then the signal of wireless device disturbed. So, use antennas that send signals in one direction.

Replacing the Network Adapter
Different types of network adapters are used in the system for the sake of wireless networking. But some times some networking adapters are not compatible with the wireless networking device and show low performance. So by changing the network adapter with the suitable one we can also increase the working of the wireless networks.

Upgrade Adapter Driver
Wireless networks can also be enhanced by updating the driver or the software of the networking adapter of the system. Because some times few components of the driver are not similar to the required driver of wireless devices 

Addition of Wireless Repeater
As different tips are used to improve the performance of the wireless network but another important tip that is used to improve the networking of the wireless network is the addition of the wireless repeater. Attach the repeater near to access point without any kind of wiring .

Update the network
By updating the network we can also improve the performance pf the wireless network. 

Same vendor
There are so many improvement techniques of wireless network, but the common and the easy tip to improve the wireless network is that the users should buy all the cards and other wireless devices from the same vendor 

Arrangement of Other Wireless Devices
The other wireless devices that are present in the home should be arranged properly according to the computer such as wireless telephone sets because they can decrease the signaling power of the wireless router. 

Away from Metal
Wireless access points should be placed away from the floor and the metal devices.

Network Cabling
A user should use the specific and the perfect cable for setting up a wireless network because it also affects the efficiency of the network.

reference:

Joey, < http://www.wifinotes.com/10-tips-for-improving-wireless-network.html >

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Future of Wireless Network

When it concerns to networking, wireless will b held the future. With the passage of time development in technologies will bring more revolutions and wireless will take the place of Ethernet everywhere.

It has already reached at many homes and businesses and it is transforming in medium that mostly homes are choosing it. As in this network signals are used so in future, many adapters and satellite towers will be affixed everywhere to catch the signals.

Wireless networks technologies will be used in many spheres of life as traveling, hotels, business, home networking, mobile communication, voice communication, remote controls, entertainment, navigation systems, quality control systems, management and networking etc.

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Pros & Cons of Wireless Network

Advantages:-

• The development of wireless network is the unique and outstanding in the world of technologies.
• There is no need to carry out any personal digital representative.
• The comfort of connection between networks has supported and improved with the devices in coming generation technologies.
• Wireless networks are low cost and easy to establish.
• You can use internet in several computers, laptops even mobiles in which wireless routers are used.
• It can b used on multiple devices through a single connection at the same time.
• Its major and most important advantage is that you don’t need to mix up in wires.
• You can move anywhere because you don’t have to worry about wires to plug and unplug etc.
• In many hotels and restaurants, they facilitate you internet access that you can be connected at all time.

Disadvantages:-

• The most disadvantage of the wireless network is security risk because wireless networks are created to have radio frequencies in them so signals are transmitted within the range so if someone uses antenna etc then willingly or unwillingly your data can b intercepted.
• Another disadvantage is about its coverage that sometimes somewhere users might have problems of range of signals. Some routers allow limited access.
• Radio frequencies are used in wireless network so they are interrupted of signals.
• Sometimes their speed can be slower than wired networks cause of their signals dropping problem.
• Wireless networks usually inexpensive but sometimes it is more expensive to set up than wired networks.

REFERENCE:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/how-wireless-network-works.html >

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Types of Wireless Network

Wireless PAN

It is Wireless personal area network

Wireless LAN

It is wireless local area netowork. Example of such network is WiFi

Wireless MAN 

When number wireless Lans are connected togather it forms Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks 

Wimax is example of Wireless Man networks

Wireless WAN 

Wireless wide area networks connections are used to form networks on large area. Example of such networks are network connections in office buildings, branch offices etc.

Note: Follow the link for detials on different Network types

reference:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/how-wireless-network-works.html >

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How Wireless Network Works

Wireless networks operate using radio frequency (RF) technology, a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space.

The cornerstone of a wireless network is a device known as an access point (AP) or Router. The primary job of an access point is to broadcast a wireless signal that computers can detect and "tune" into. Since wireless networks are usually connected to wired ones, an access point also often serves as a link to the resources available on the wired network, such as an Internet connection.

In order to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers must be equipped with wireless network adapters. These are often built right into the computer, but if not, just about any computer or notebook can be made wireless-capable through the use of an add-on adapter plugged into an empty expansion slot, USB port, or in the case of notebooks, a PC Card slot.

reference:

< http://www.wifinotes.com/how-wireless-network-works.html >

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Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use

The ultimate in wireless security measures, shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in! While impractical to turn off and on the devices frequently, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods offline. Computer disk drives have been known to suffer from power cycle wear-and-tear, but this is a secondary concern for broadband modems and routers.

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Denail of Service (DOS) Attacks

A denial of service (DoS) attack is an attack that clogs up so much memory on the target system that it can not serve it's users, or it causes the target system to crash, reboot, or otherwise deny services to legitimate users.There are several different kinds of dos attacks as discussed below:-

1) Ping Of Death :- The ping of death attack sends oversized ICMP datagrams (encapsulated in IP packets) to the victim.The Ping command makes use of the ICMP echo request and echo reply messages and it's commonly used to determine whether the remote host is alive. In a ping of death attack, however, ping causes the remote system to hang, reboot or crash. To do so the attacker uses, the ping command in conjuction with -l argument (used to specify the size of the packet sent) to ping the target system that exceeds the maximum bytes allowed by TCP/IP (65,536).

example:- c:/>ping -l 65540 hostname

Fortunately, nearly all operating systems these days are not vulnerable to the ping of death attack. 

2) Teardrop Attack :- Whenever data is sent over the internet, it is broken into fragments at the source system and reassembled at the destination system. For example you need to send 3,000 bytes of data from one system to another. Rather than sending the entire chunk in asingle packet, the data is broken down into smaller packets as given below:

* packet 1 will carry bytes 1-1000.

* packet 2 will carry bytes 1001-2000.

* packet 3 will carry bytes 2001-3000.

In teardrop attack, however, the data packets sent to the target computer contais bytes that overlaps with each other.

(bytes 1-1500) (bytes 1001-2000) (bytes 1500-2500)

When the target system receives such a series of packets, it can not reassemble the data and therefore will crash, hang, or reboot.

Old Linux systems, Windows NT/95 are vulnerable.

3) SYN - Flood Attack :- In SYN flooding attack, several SYN packets are sent to the target host, all with an invalid source IP address. When the target system receives these SYN packets, it tries to respond to each one with a SYN/ACK packet but as all the source IP addresses are invalid the target system goes into wait state for ACK message to receive from source. Eventually, due to large number of connection requests, the target systems' memory is consumed. In order to actually affect the target system, a large number of SYN packets with invalid IP addresses must be sent.

4) Land Attack :- A land attack is similar to SYN attack, the only difference being that instead of including an invalid IP address, the SYN packet include the IP address of the target sysetm itself. As a result an infinite loop is created within the target system, which ultimately hangs and crashes.Windows NT before Service Pack 4 are vulnerable to this attack.

5) Smurf Attack :- There are 3 players in the smurf attack–the attacker,the intermediary (which can also be a victim) and the victim. In most scenarios the attacker spoofs the IP source address as the IP of the intended victim to the intermediary network broadcast address. Every host on the intermediary network replies, flooding the victim and the intermediary network with network traffic.

Result:- Performance may be degraded such that the victim, the victim and intermediary networks become congested and unusable, i.e. clogging the network and preventing legitimate users from obtaining network services.

6) UDP - Flood Attack :- Two UDP services: echo (which echos back any character received) and chargen (which generates character) were used in the past for network testing and are enabled by default on most systems. These services can be used to launch a DOS by connecting the chargen to echo ports on the same or another machine and generating large amounts of network traffic.

reference: 

< http://hacking-class.blogspot.com/2011/02/denial-of-service-dos-attacks.html >

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