An unauthorized, rogue access point can compromise the security of a wireless network by exposing the company's network to the outside world. A draft 802.11n home wireless router is an example of a rogue device that a network manager encounters. To remove this security vulnerability, the network manager must first detect the presence of a rogue AP on his network and then locate it.

The two most common search methods to find the physical location of a rogue AP are the omnidirectional method and the unidirectional method. Each method has its advantages and each requires different tools. An understanding of these methods will assist the network manager in his task of keeping his wireless network secure.