Abstract
The $4^{th}$ generation mobile communications, through several radio access networks such as WLAN, Bluetooth, UMTS, GPRS, CDMA 1X, and IMT-2000 in the same area offering different type of coverage, will support interactive multimedia services in additions to wider bandwidths, higher bit rates, and service portability. Regardless of various radio access networks, they will also support robust security mechanisms, as well as seamless mobility and common authentication. In this paper, we give an overview of WLAN security and examine its security problems. We also explain the enhanced security schemes, such as port-based authentication, EAP, and IEEE 802.1X. For secure wireless communications, several possible security solutions are offered and evaluated in various respects to improve WLAN security. This paper will make a contribution to provide more secure wireless communications to cellular operators embracing WLAN technology as a means to generate new revenues based on data services.