In wireless networking, which mechanism encrypts data traveling over the air?

In wireless networking, which mechanism encrypts data traveling over the air?

• A. H.323
• B. WEP
• C. LDAP
• D. IKE

Answer: (B)

Data traveling over the air in wireless networks needs encryption to prevent eavesdropping. WEP was designed to provide that protection by encrypting the payload of 802.11 frames as they are transmitted through the air. It specifically targets the data being broadcast over the wireless medium, making it the mechanism that historically encrypted air traffic. While modern networks use stronger protections like WPA2/WPA3, the concept in this question is about which mechanism encrypts the wireless air itself, and WEP fits that role. The other options don’t serve that purpose. H.323 is a multimedia signaling protocol and doesn’t provide encryption of the wireless air by itself. LDAP is a directory access protocol with no encryption role in protecting over-the-air wireless data. IKE is a key-exchange protocol used to establish secure tunnels for IPSec, not the direct method that encrypts data as it travels over the air in a wireless LAN.

Data traveling over the air in wireless networks needs encryption to prevent eavesdropping. WEP was designed to provide that protection by encrypting the payload of 802.11 frames as they are transmitted through the air. It specifically targets the data being broadcast over the wireless medium, making it the mechanism that historically encrypted air traffic. While modern networks use stronger protections like WPA2/WPA3, the concept in this question is about which mechanism encrypts the wireless air itself, and WEP fits that role.

The other options don’t serve that purpose. H.323 is a multimedia signaling protocol and doesn’t provide encryption of the wireless air by itself. LDAP is a directory access protocol with no encryption role in protecting over-the-air wireless data. IKE is a key-exchange protocol used to establish secure tunnels for IPSec, not the direct method that encrypts data as it travels over the air in a wireless LAN.