Implementing Wi-Fi Wireless Networks

Course Overview

This unique course provides detailed, hands-on instruction in the planning, implementation and security of 802.11 series wireless networks.

Audience

IT professionals wanting to move into the rapidly growing wireless networks industry; network planners, network designers; security managers, security auditors; IT management; anyone concerned with the security of their organisation.

Skills Gained

On completing this course, you wll be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles used in wireless LANs, making students more effective in WLAN problem analyse & troubleshooting.
• Install and configure wireless networks using wireless NICs, access points, gateways and antennas.
• Understand the problems that can occur with wireless LAN data transmission, including multipath, hidden nodes, and interference.
• Perform a basic site survey for the installation of a wireless LAN, and explain what needs to be taken into consideration.
• Explain the insecurities in IEEE 802.11 WLANS and list the techniques that can be used to secure them.

Prerequisites

Students must have a fundamental understanding of Ethernet LANs and TCP/IP protocols. Practical experience with a Microsoft Windows operating system, or UNIX, is also required.

Course Outline

Introduction to Wireless LANs

• The Wireless LAN market
• Wireless terminology
• The applications of Wireless LANs
• Wireless LAN organisations

RF Fundamentals

• RF behaviour
• WLAN antennas
• Power output regulations
• Basic RF calculations

Spread Spectrum technologies

• Uses of Spread Spectrum
• Frequency Hopping
• Direct Sequencing
• Co-location and throughput

802.11 Infrastructure Devices

• Access points
• Wireless Repeaters
• Client devices
• Wireless bridges
• Workgroup bridges
• Residential gateways
• Enterprise wireless gateways

Antennas and Accessories

• Omni/Semi/Directional
• Determining coverage areas
• Antenna mounting and safety
• Performing outdoor and indoor installations
• Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Wireless Standards

• FCC rules
• ETSI / UK rules
• Frequency ranges and channels
• Emerging IEEE 802.11 standards

802.11 Network Architecture

• Joining a wireless LAN
• Authentication and association
• Roaming in a wireless network
• Beacons and Probe frames
• Power management features

Physical and MAC Layers

• 802.11 medium access scheme
• Management, Control and Data frames
• DCF, PCF
• Interframe spacing
• RTS/CTS
• Fragmentation
• Throughput and dynamic rate selection

Troubleshooting Wireless LANs

• Understanding multipath
• Hidden nodes
• Near/Far issue
• Identifying and resolving interference problems
• Maximising system throughput
• Maximising Co-location throughput
• Channel reuse for roaming
• Range considerations

Wireless LAN Security

• Analysis of 802.11 security
• Understanding access point security
• The insecurity problems with WEP
• Cracking WEP security
• Available security solutions
• Security best-practice and recommendations

802.11 Site Survey

• Defining business requirements
• Facility analysis
• Identifying bandwidth requirements
• Determining RF coverage
• Locating interference
• Documenting installation problems
• Reporting methodology and procedures

Follow On Courses

• Understanding Wi-Fi Wireless Networks - 1-day, Non-Technical
• Implementing Wi-Fi Network Security - 2-day training course
• Wi-Fi Network Design Professional (WNDP)- 2-day training course
• Wireless Site Survey Professional (WSSP) - 2-day training course
• Wi-Fi User-level Support for Help Desk Staff - 1-day training course
• Wi-Fi Mesh RF Designer Boot Camp - 3-day training course
• Broadband Municipal Wireless Networks - 1-day, Non-Technical
• WiMAX Overview, 1-day training course - Non-Technical