Enterprise Wi-Fi Fundamentals, CWTS Certification (CWTS) – Outline

Detailed Course Outline

Introduction to Networking

  • Understanding Network Models
  • Understanding Protocols
  • SDU
  • PDU
  • OSI – The de facto reference model
  • The seven layer model
  • Equipment per layer
  • Mapping other protocols into the OSI model
  • TCP/IP – four layer model

Wi-Fi Organizations and Standards

  • Regulatory Bodies
  • IEEE
  • Wi-Fi Alliance
  • WLAN Connectivity
  • WLAN Security
  • WLAN QoS & Power-Save
  • IEEE 802.11 Standards,
  • Amendments, and Drafts
  • 802.11-2007
  • 802.11a/b/g
  • 802.11e/h/i
  • 802.11n Draft

Wi-Fi Hardware & Software

  • Access Points
  • Lightweight
  • Autonomous
  • WLAN Routers
  • WLAN Bridges
  • WLAN Repeaters
  • WLAN Controllers/Switches
  • Direct-connect APs
  • Distributed-connect APs
  • PoE Infrastructure
  • Midspan
  • Endpoint
  • Client hardware and software
  • Antenna types and uses

Wi-Fi Security & Compliance

  • 802.11 Legacy Security Methods
  • Encryption – TKIP/CCMP
  • Authentication Passphrases & 802.1X/EAP
  • WPA/WPA2-Personal
  • WPA/WPA2-Enterprise
  • WPS Pushbutton/ PIN
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • VPN Security
  • Wireless Intrusion
  • Protection Systems (WIPS)
  • PCI Compliance
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Enforcing Compliance

Wi-Fi Site Surveying

  • Information gathering and reporting
  • Multiple Channel Architecture (MCA) cell planning basics
  • Single Channel Architecture (SCA) cell planning basics
  • Predictive Site Survey
  • Manual Site Survey
  • Passive Survey
  • Active Survey
  • Mesh Access Layers
  • Use of Analyzers
  • Protocol
  • Survey
  • Spectrum
  • Identifying and locating RF interference sources
  • Wi-Fi vs. Non-Wi-Fi
  • Hardware placement limitations
  • Best practices for antenna use

Wi-Fi Operational Concepts

  • Range, coverage, and capacity
  • Frequencies/channels used
  • Channel reuse and co-location
  • Active and passive scanning
  • Power saving operation
  • Data rates and throughput
  • Dynamic rate selection
  • Authentication and association
  • The distribution system and roaming
  • Infrastructure and ad hoc modes
  • BSSID and ESSID
  • Protection mechanisms

Applications, Support, and Troubleshooting

  • Installation/configuration of common network types
  • Small Office / Home Office (SOHO)
  • Extension of existing networks into remote locations
  • Building-to-building connectivity
  • Public wireless hotspots
  • Mobile office, classroom, industrial, and healthcare
  • Municipal and law-enforcement connectivity
  • Corporate data access and end-user mobility
  • Last-mile data delivery (WISP)
  • Transportation networks
  • Recognize and troubleshoot wireless network problems
  • Decreased throughput
  • Intermittent or no connectivity
  • Weak signal strength
  • Device upgrades
  • Wi-Fi Network Optimization Procedures
  • Infrastructure hardware selection and placement
  • Identifying, locating, and removing sources of interference
  • Client load-balancing
  • Analyzing infrastructure capacity and utilization
  • Multipath and hidden nodes

Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals

  • Units of RF measurements
  • Factors affecting network range and speed
  • Environment
  • Line-of-sight
  • Interference
  • Defining differences between physical layers
  • OFDM
  • HR/DSSS
  • MIMO

Spread Spectrum Concepts

  • OFDM & HR/DSSS channels
  • Co-location of HR/DSSS and OFDM systems
  • Adjacent-channel and co-channel interference
  • WLAN / WPAN co-existence
  • CSMA/CA operation half duplex

RF Antenna Concepts

  • Passive gain
  • Beam widths
  • Simple diversity
  • Polarization
  • Antenna Mounting
  • Pole/mast mount
  • Ceiling mount
  • Wall mount

WLAN Accessories

  • RF cables
  • RF connectors
  • Lightning arrestors and grounding rods

Classroom Demonstrations

  • AP/Client Connectivity with WPA2-Personal Security and PoE Power
  • Spectrum Analysis of RF Environment
  • Protocol Analysis of RF Environment
  • Configuration Parameter Modification in an Enterprise-Class Autonomous AP