Wireless Networking & the IT Professional

Welcome to the Wireless Enterprise

Surely the WLANs have proved themselves in the vertical marker like Health Care,
Education and Retail markets they are now making incursions into general business computing environments. The technology no doubt has witnessed increased acceptance in the last view years not only within the enterprise, but also within the home, public access, and embedded device markets. This is made possible not only by improvements in performance and manageability but also in security and interoperability and the general decrease in price.

Why is an organization considering wireless?
Getting an answer to this multi-million Naira question is the very first steps to putting
your WLAN on the ground of successful deployment. A proper definition of
organization business and user requirements will not only make possible the deployment of a wireless networks that will save networking million of Naira, but also increase productivity and user satisfaction. Organization deploying WLAN should as well know many users require mobility, and their roaming coverage. Since knowing the users and their application requirements will help define coverage areas that reduce cost or compromise security by sending the signal beyond the intended areas. In the area off bandwidth requirements, the question of what user applications will run on the wireless network should be considered, this will help determine bandwidth requirements and identify wireless LAN candidates.

Noteworthy is the fact that WLAN is a shared medium and not a switched medium.
While most mainstream networked applications can be migrated to a shared WLAN, it’s not necessarily appropriate for all applications.

Other Issues to Consider in Wireless Deployment
The ABGs of Wireless, Choosing the standards, ROI and Security.
Why Become a Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
The wireless segment of the networking industry is growing at an astounding rate of over 40% per year and according to Frost and Sullivan, will generate over $B 5 in revenue by 2004. Infact, during recent networking company slumps, the wireless networking sector continued to grow at an astonishing pace.
Thomson Prometric, of the of the worldwide leaders in online testing claimed that, there are over 100 different brands of wireless networking equipment on the market today, and that no one is qualified to administer all of them. The Certified wireless Network Professional (CWNP) program is going to change this by offering the first vendor neutral exam to certify the wireless networking knowledge.

WIRELESS LAN BENEFITS
Wireless LANs offer the following productivity, convenience, and cost advantages over
traditional wired networks:

Mobility
Wireless LAN system can provide LAN users with access to real-time information
anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports productivity and service
opportunities not possible with wired networks.

Installation Speed and Simplicity
Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to
pull cable through walls and ceilings.

Installation Flexibility
Wireless technology allows the network required for wireless LAN hardware can be
higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and lifecycle
costs can be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in
dynamic environments requiring frequent moves and changes.

Reduced Cost-of-Ownership
While the initial investment required for wireless LAN hardware can be higher than
the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs can
be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments
requiring frequent moves and changes.

Scalability
Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs
of specific applications and installations and installations. Configurations are easily
changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users to
full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that enable roaming over a broad
area.

Wireless LANs in Your Industry
Explore how you can benefit from wireless LANs in your specific industry.
Corporate With a wireless LAN, corporate employees can take advantage of mobile networking for e-mail; file sharing, and web browsing regardless of where they are in the office.

Education
Academic institutions leverage the benefits of mobile connectivity by enabling users
with notebook computers to connect to the university network for collaborative class
discussions and to the Internet for e-mail and web browsing.

Finance
By carrying a handheld PC with a wireless LAN adapter, financial traders can receive
pricing information from a database in real-time and improve the speed and quality of
trades. Accounting audit teams increase productivity with quick network setup

Healthcare
Using wireless handheld computers to access real-time information, healthcare
providers increase productivity and quality of patient care by eliminating patient
treatment delays, redundant paperwork, potential transcription errors, and billing
cycle delays.

Hospitality and Retail
Hospitality services can use wireless LANs to directly enter and send food orders
from the table. Retail stores can use wireless LANs to set up temporary registers for
special events.

Manufacturing
Wireless networking helps link factory floor workstations and data collection devices
to a company’s network.

Warehousing
In warehouses, handheld and forklift-mounted data terminals with barcode readers
and wireless data links are used to enter and maintain the location of pallets and
boxes. Wireless improves inventory tracking and reduces the costs of physical
inventory counts.

CERTIFIED WIRELESS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
Wireless technologies have been exploding in the IT arena over the past 4 to 5 years, and more WLANs solutions. CWNP program offer a series of training on wireless
technologies that can earn credits- a CWNA certification and a network wireless
technologies, which are strong credentials for IT professionals.
Partly due to the proliferation of wireless LAN equipment at home and work place,
CWNP program addresses the IT industry’s demand for skilled network expert
administrators who are capable of implementing and administering many different types of wireless LAN equipment and create standard measurement of knowledge.
The CWNA certification is the first level of certification on the way to earning the
CWNA certification. Earning the CWNE will measure your knowledge of the following
wireless networking topics.

WLAN security
WLAN concept
Vendor-specific information
Networking Technologies
In addition, once you’ve earned your CWNA, you’ll be qualified to administer over 100
brands of wireless networking equipment from companies like Agere, Intersil, Intel, Bell South, Harris etc.
The CWNA certification covering the current objectives will certify that successful
candidates with knowledge in fundamentals of RF behavior, can describe the features and functions of components, and have the skills and functions of components, and have the skills needed to install, can configure and troubleshoot hardware peripheral and protocols.

CWNA is the foundation of the CWNP program covering a broad range of wireless
networking topics, CWNA bring IT professionals who are new to wireless networking up to speed quickly. For those individuals already familiar with wireless LANs, earning the CWNA certification fills in the gaps in their knowledge, students learn how to
administer, install, configure and troubleshoot wireless network systems.
The following chart provides the breakdown of the CWNA subject area and % focus

The CWNP program consists of 4 training and certification tacks. Administrator,
Security, Integrator and Expert. Each certification offers you the opportunity to enhance and measure your wireless networking knowledge.
CWNA – Certified Wireless Network Administrator
CWSP – Certified Wireless Security Professional
CWNI - Certified Wireless Network Integrator
CWNE – Certified Wireless Network Expert

As organizations adopt wireless LAN technology to gain competitive advantages of an
increasingly mobile and productive workforce, they need qualified professionals who can design, install, support, troubleshoot and operate a wireless solution.
The CWNA certification indicates significant knowledge of relevant factors involved n
deploying over 100 brands of WLAN products in the market. CWNA understands radio
technologies associated with the IEEE 802.11 standards, understand and WLAN and
bridge topologies and applications, can configure WLAN products including access
points, bridges, clients device and accessories, can explain software and network
management issues, understand basic antenna theory, understand how to perform a site survey covering WLAN topology and challenges including equipment utility and cable awareness plus the main issues bordering on security and it emerging standards.

TARGET AUDIENCE OF CWNA
As part of the CWNP training and certification program, the CWNA certification picks
up where other popular networking certification program leaves off-Wireless LANs.

Bringing together the two fascinating worlds of wired and wireless technology, which
could be the main benefits of CWNA training, because wireless networks are the
culmination of RF and networking technologies. No study of wireless LANs would be
complete without first making sure the student understands the foundations of both RF and Local area networking fundamentals (Networking+, A+,MCSE, or CCNA).

1. New to wireless
If you’ve been working on networks – LANs, MANs, WANs, etc-but not yet taken a
course on wireless, then this certification exam is great introductions into wireless LAN technology. Though wireless is an extension of the wired network in the access layer of the network, wireless LAN is a field of study on it own, do not burn your fingers assuming they are same.

2. Wireless Experts
If you’re experienced in wireless networking already, there is a substantial amount of
topics covered towards the award of CWNA certification such that you will marvel from
the first day how much you don’t know. If you’ve been working with wireless LANs for
years, be careful you don’t assume that you know all there is to know about them.

3. RF Experienced
Having work with RF for years elsewhere and moved into the networking industry your
knowledge and experience is right on the track with the evolution of wireless LAN
technology, but you have probably never measure your knowledge of these two
technologies by taking the course leading to the ultimate award of recognition as CWNA.
I mean within the field of study like Electrical Electronic Engineering, RF
Metrology, Physics and Electronics, Satellite Communications, and others that typically provides a solid background in RF fundamentals. Many people have crossed over form careers in radio frequency (RF) to careers Information Technology) IT, but never reamed where the two some field of study might meet. Wireless LAN technology is the meeting point.

4. New to networking
Finally, if you are stepping into the networking world for the first time, please make sure you’ve basic understanding of networking concepts and then jump right in, for this we are going to offer an introduction into essentials of networking as part of the course.
Wireless LAN industry is growing at a phenomenal rate such that it seems to be evolving in a similar fashion to the networking industry as a whole starting with early adopters using whatever technology available. The market has moved into a rapid growth stage, for which popular standards are providing the catalyst. 

802.11b, hold a tremendous market share, partly due to it compatibility and
interoperability as defined by the WIFI Alliance.

5. The CWNA certification is also appropriate for:
Systems and Network Administrators
Systems and Network Engineers
Systems and Network Analysts
Technical Support and Implementation Engineers
Technical Consultants
Network Architects

WHY BECOME A CWNA?
Planet3 wireless, inc. has created a certification program, not unlike those of Cisco, Novell and Microsoft etc, that gives networking professionals a standardized set of measurable wireless LAN skills and employers a standard level of wireless LAN expertise to require of their employees.
Passing the CWNA exams proves you’ve achieved a certain of knowledge about wireless networking where Cisco and Microsoft certifications will prove a given level of proficiency about their products, the CWNA exam is proof of achievement about wireless technology that can be applied to any vendor’s products. The wireless LANs industry is still in its infancy, much like the world of networking LANs and WANs was in the early 1990s. Learning wireless networking sets you apart from your peer and your competition.
For some positions, certification is a requirement for employment, advancement, or
increase in salary; the CWNP program is positioned to be that certification for wireless networking. Imagine you had CCIE, MCSE, or CNE in 1993! Advancements in wireless technology will follow the same steps as other certifications –an increase in responsibilities within your organization, perhaps followed by increases in salary!

FOCUS AND BENEFITS OF CWNA
CWNA is the foundation of the CWNP program covering a broad range of wireless
networking topics, CWNA brings IT professionals who are new to wireless networking
up to speed quickly. For those individuals already familiar with wireless LANs, earning
the CWNA certification fills in the gaps in their knowledge. Students will learn how to
administer, install, configure, and troubleshoot wireless network systems.

CWNA TEST ESSENTIALS
MODULE ONE:-
1 : Introduction to Wireless LANs
Lesson 1, “Introduction to Wireless LANs, “discusses the wireless LAN market,
presenting an overview of the past, present, and future of wireless LANs, and an
introduction to the standards that govern wireless LANs. It aims to discuss some of the appropriate applications of wireless LANs and introduce you to the various organizations that guide the evolution and development of wireless LANs.

2: RF Fundamentals
“RF Fundamentals, “discusses the properties of RF radiation and its effect on wireless LANs’ performance. It explains key antenna concepts, including antenna gain, intentional radiator, and equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). You will learn the mathematical relationships that exist in RF circuits and how to perform necessary RF math calculations.

3: Spread Spectrum Technology
Lesson 3 defines and describes spread spectrum technology and discusses how it is used according to FCC guidelines. The two main spread spectrum technologies, FHSS and DSSS are differentiated, compared, and discussed in depth. This unit also explains how spread spectrum technology is implemented in wireless LANs.

4: Wireless LAN Infrastructure Devices
Lesson 4 covers the different categories of wireless network infrastructure equipment and some of variations within each category. The hardware items within each category are the physical building blocks of every wireless LAN. As you read this unit, you will become more versed in the implementation of wireless LANs by learning how to configure and install each type of hardware.

MODULE TWO:-
5: “Antennas and Accessories, “discuss a basic element of the devices that make access points, bridges, PC cards, and other wireless devices communicate:
antennas. It describes the many different items that connect antennas to other wireless LAN hardware. Antennas are most often used to increase the range of wireless LAN systems, but proper antenna selection can also enhance the security of a wireless LAN.

All wireless LAN antennas fall into three general categories: omni-directional,
semidirectional, and highly directional. You will learn the attributes of each of these
groups and the proper methods for install each kind of antenna.
It describes the following wireless LAN accessories: RF amplifiers, RF attenuators, and lightening arrestors. Knowing these devices’ uses, specifications, and effects on RF signal strength is essential for building a functional wireless LAN. Also covered is 
Power over Ethernet (PoE), an important technology in today’s wireless networks that
has spawned new product lines and new standards.

6: Wireless LAN Organizations and Standards, “discuss the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)’s role in defining and enforcing the regul ations
governing wireless communication, and the role of the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in creating standards that allow wireless devices to work together. It covers the different frequency bands on which wireless LANs operate, and examine the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. It covers three major organizations that contribute to growth and education in the wireless LAN marketplace: Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and Wireless LAN Association (WLANA). Finally, this unit covers some of the emerging technologies and standards that compete with the 802.11 family of standards and drive enterprise spending, including HomeRF, Bluetooth, Infrared, and Open Air.
By understanding the regulations and the standards that govern and guide wireless LAN technology, you will be able to ensure that any wireless system you implement will be interoperable and comply with the regulation.

7: The 802.11 Network Architecture
covers some of the key concepts found in the 802.11 network architecture.
Most of the topics in this unit are defined directly in the 802.11 standard, and are required for implementation 802.11 – compliant hardware. We examine the process by which clients connect to an access point, the terms used for organizing wireless LANs, and how power management is accomplished in wireless LAN client devices.

8 : Physical Layers
“discuss some of the media access control (MAC) and Physical Layer characteristics of wireless LANs that are common to all wireless LAN products, regardless of the manufacturer. It explains the difference between Ethernet and wireless LAN frames and how wireless LANs avoid collisions. It also describes how wireless LAN stations communicate with one another under normal circumstances, and how collision handling occurs in wireless LAN.

MODULE THREE:-
9: Troubleshooting Wireless LAN Installations
This discusses the more common obstacles to successful implementation of a
wireless LAN, how to troubleshoot them. There are different methods of discovering
when these challenges exist, and each of the challenges discussed has its remedies and workarounds. Many consider the challenges to implementing any wireless LAN to be “textbook” problems that can commonly occur and, therefore, can be avoided by careful planning.

10: Wireless LAN Security
This explains the key to making a wireless LAN secure: educating those who
implement and manage the wireless LAN about preventing security breaches. It 
discusses the much-maligned 802.11 security solution known as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). You will learn why WEP alone will not keep a hacker out of a wireless LAN, and how to use WEP with some level of effectiveness.
To prepare you as an administrator to prevent security problem, it explains the various
methods that can be used to attack a wireless LAN. This discusses some of the emerging security solutions that are available, but not yet specified by any of the 802.11 standards. 

Finally, some recommendations for maintaining wireless LAN security and
discuss corporate security policy as it pertains specifically to wireless LANs

11: Site Survey Fundamentals
discuss the process of conducting a site survey, also known as a “facilities analysis. “Concepts such as throughput needs, power accessibility, extendibility, application requirements, budget requirements, and signal range are all key components as you conduct a site survey. It further discusses the ramifications of a weak site survey and no site survey at all. This discussion covers a checklist of tasks that you need to accomplish and equipment you will use. These checklists are applied to several hypothetical examples.

ABOUT THE EXAM
By earning the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) credential, the first
level of certification in the CWNP Program, network experts and administrators
demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to administer, install, configure, and
troubleshoot wireless network systems.

CWNA is the foundation of the CWNP program. Covering a broad range of wireless
networking topics, CWNA brings IT professionals who are new to wireless networking
up to speed quickly. For those individuals already familiar with wireless LANs, earning
the CWNA certification fills in any gaps in their knowledge. Students learn how to
administer, install, configure and troubleshoot wireless network systems.
The CWNA certification covering the current objectives will certify that successful
candidates know the fundamentals of RF behaviour, can describe the features and
functions of wireless LAN components, and have the skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot wireless LAN hardware peripherals and protocols. A typical candidate should have Network+, CCNA, CAN or MCP certification or equivalent knowledge, although these certifications are not required.

The skills and knowledge measured by this examination are derived from a survey of
wireless networking experts and professionals. The results of this survey were used in
weighing the subject areas and ensuring that the weighting is representative of the
relative importance of the content.

ABOUT PLANET3 WIRELESS, INC.
Planet3 Wireless is the creator of the Certified Wireless Network Professional TM
(CWNPä) training and certification program. The CWNP program is the IT industry’s
first and only vendor-neutral training and certifications program for wireless networking.
Detail about the CWNP program can be found at http://www.cwne.com and at
+1.866.GET.CWNE or +1.720.851.8137. Planet3 Wireless is a privately help Georgia
corporation with operations in Georgia and Colorado.

The World is going wireless. Where are you going?

By

Lekan Akinremi, CCNA, CWNA
Lekan Akinremi is a seasoned network administrator with experience in both wired and wireless networking. One of the first CWNAs in Nigeria, he is a Btech graduate of
Physics and Electronics. 

For more coverage and information related to this topic,  Click here for more Wireless Networking (WLAN) resources

Practical Wireless (RF) Networking Training

Page Top