Course Overview
Enterprises are analysing ways to transfer data over long distances using wireless. Others are looking for integrated solutions between wireless and wired worlds to gain efficiency, cut costs, create value, and deliver new services. Take advantage of these opportunities by exploring wireless options, advantages, and benefits. Spend much of class time in hands-on labs.
Audience
- Administrators: network, systems, infrastructure, security, and LAN/WANs
- Designers: network, systems, and infrastructure, Developers: wireless software and hardware products
- Consultants and integrators: IT and security
- Decision makers: infrastructure managers, IT managers, security directors, telecom managers, chief security officers
Skills Gained
- The 802.11 WLAN family (802.11a, b, and g)
- Wireless networking including air interfaces and radio transmission technologies
- Network structure
- Applications driving wireless network implementation
Examinations
This course provides the preparation required for the CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) certification exam.
Prerequisites
Fundamental knowledge of TCP/IP and solid understanding of wireless transmission and telecommunications systems. Our Mastering TCP/IP course provides an excellent foundation.
Course Outline
Content
- Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals
- Spread Spectrum Technologies
- Hardware Installation, Configuration, and Management
- Troubleshooting Wireless LANs
- Antennas and Accessories
- Wireless Network Management
- Physical and MAC Layers
- Wireless LAN Security
- Organisations and Standards
- 802.11 Network Architecture
- Site Surveying
Lab 1: Infrastructure Mode Connectivity
This exercise demonstrates wireless client devices connecting to an access point. Students configure the access point and wireless stations and view the association table in the access point in order to understand the process a client goes through to become connected to the network. RF output power is explained and client utilities are viewed to show RF signal quality and strength. Access point features, authentication, association, and encryption are all discussed and demonstrated. 802.11a/b/g technologies are each shown independently to demonstrate channel usage and spread spectrum technologies.
Lab 2: Infrastructure Mode Throughput Analysis
This exercise demonstrates the expected throughput achievable from a wireless station to a wired station and a wireless station to a wireless station using FTP and throughput measuring software. The point of this lab is for the student to understand the half-duplex nature of wireless LANs and how the data rate relates to actual throughput in a real-world scenario. Access point frame relay is proven and explained.
Lab 3: Ad Hoc Connectivity and Throughput Analysis
In this exercise, wireless clients will connect to each other without use of an access point. Beaconing and channel configuration in an Ad Hoc environment will be explained and throughput will be analysed and compared against an infrastructure environment. Use of SSIDs, WEP/WPA, channels, and other connectivity factors will be discussed and demonstrated
Lab 4: Cell Sizing and Automatic Rate Selection (ARS) in an Infrastructure Environment
In this exercise, RF cell sizing and ARS will be demonstrated. Cell sizing is important for seamless connectivity while roaming and for security purposes. ARS is the wireless LAN client's ability to increase or decrease the data rate of the wireless connection in order to maintain optimum connectivity with the access point. Environmental factors will be analysed. A basic site survey will be performed during this lab exercise using 802.11a/b/g technologies.
Lab 5: Co-Channel and Adjacent Channel Interference
In this exercise, the effects of co-channel and adjacent channel interference are demonstrated and explained. Throughput tests using FTP and throughput measurement software are performed using fully overlapping, partially overlapping, and non-overlapping
Follow On Courses
- GK-3665 - Securing Wireless Networks
- GK-3670 Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
