DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF Wi-Fi DEAUTHENTICATION SYSTEM USING NODEMCU ESP8266

Approved

Relevance and Originality

The research article addresses an important and timely security threat: Wi-Fi de-authentication attacks, which are becoming more prevalent as wireless networks expand. The choice to use the NodeMCU ESP8266 platform for the practical implementation of a Wi-Fi deauther is innovative and aligns with modern needs for low-cost and scalable solutions. The originality of the study lies in its combination of both theoretical and experimental aspects, making it relevant for network managers and cybersecurity professionals seeking practical, budget-friendly defense mechanisms against wireless attacks.

Methodology

The methodology is well-structured, utilizing widely accessible tools such as the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller, Arduino IDE, and NodeMCU Flasher for implementation and testing. This approach makes the experiment replicable and accessible to a broad audience, including those with limited resources. The testing of the Wi-Fi deauther to detect and prevent de-authentication threats in real-time adds significant practical value to the study. However, the methodology could be further strengthened by detailing how the experimental setup simulates real-world conditions or by including a broader set of tests to measure effectiveness across different network environments.

Validity & Reliability

The research article demonstrates validity by effectively addressing de-authentication attacks and providing a solution with measurable outcomes, such as high detection accuracy and minimal impact on network performance. The experimental results showing CPU usage below 70% and a less than 5% reduction in network performance offer reliable evidence of the system’s efficiency. However, the reliability could be enhanced by running the experiments over a longer period, involving multiple network setups, and using different hardware configurations to ensure the generalizability of the findings across various scenarios.

Clarity and Structure

The article is clearly written and logically organized, making it easy to follow both the problem and the proposed solution. The explanations of the NodeMCU ESP8266 platform, the Arduino IDE, and the testing procedures are accessible even to readers with limited technical background. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more visual aids, such as diagrams of the experimental setup or flowcharts detailing the detection process. A more in-depth explanation of the specific algorithms or techniques used for threat detection and prevention could also help readers understand the mechanics behind the system.

Result Analysis

The result analysis is solid, with the study providing convincing data on the performance of the Wi-Fi deauther in mitigating de-authentication attacks. The metrics used—CPU usage, network performance impact, and response times—are appropriate for evaluating the system's effectiveness. However, the article could benefit from a comparative analysis with existing solutions, showcasing how the proposed system performs in contrast to other de-authentication defense mechanisms. Additionally, incorporating feedback from cybersecurity professionals or network managers who have tested the system in real-world environments would add further weight to the findings.