Abstract: A system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a conduit is provided. The transmitter is within a first network, and is in communication with at least one other device within the first network. The receiver is within a second network, and is in communication with at least one other device within the second network. The conduit is formed between the transmitter and the receiver, and is capable of carrying a signal transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. To maintain the unidirectional nature of the conduit, either the transmitter is incapable of receiving any signal via the conduit or the receiver is incapable of transmitting any signal via the conduit.

Abstract: Characteristics about one or more wireless access devices in a wireless network, whether known or unknown entities, can be determined using a system and method according to the present invention. An observation is made of the activity over a Wireless Area Network (WLAN). Based on this activity, changes in state of wireless access devices within the WLAN can be observed and monitored. These changes in state could be indicative of normal operation of the WLAN, or they may indicate the presence of an unauthorized user. In the latter case, an alert can be sent so that appropriate action may be taken. Additionally, ad hoc networks can be detected that may be connected to a wireless access point.

Abstract: A wireless access device in a wireless network, whether a known or unknown entity, can be located using a geolocation system according to the present invention. A signal strength is determined by a wireless intrusion detection system (WIDS) node in a wireless network for each wireless access device that it detects. Based on the signal strength, an approximate distance from the node is determined, which, in one embodiment corresponds to a radius of a circle around the node. To account for error, an approximation band of the circle is calculated that will allow a user to determine the approximate location of the device within the wireless network.