Identifying unique devices through wireless fingerprinting

Abstract

We propose a new fingerprinting technique that differentiates between unique devices over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) simply through the timing analysis of 802.11 probe request frames. Our technique can be applied to spoof detection, network reconnaissance, and implementation of access control against masquerading attacks. Experimental results indicate that our technique is consistent and accurate in differentiating between unique devices. In contrast with existing wireless fingerprinting techniques, our technique is passive, non-invasive and does not require the co-operation of fingerprintee hosts.