1 – 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

6 – 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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