The CWNA Wireless (Certified Wireless Network Associate) course will help you learn how to install, manage, and support wireless networks, while also preparing you for the CWNA certification exam. This study of wireless networking will combine radio frequency (RF) and local area networking (LAN) technology fundamentals. For that reason, it is recommended that you obtain a basic level of networking knowledge, as exhibited in the CompTIA Network+™ certification. If you have achieved other certifications such as CCNA, MCSE, or CNA, then you already have the understanding of networking technologies necessary to move into the CWNA course. This course begins with the basic concepts and building blocks of the convergence between RF and networking technologies. It focuses on the technologies and tasks vital to installing, managing, and supporting wireless networks, based on the exam objectives of the CWNA certification exam # PW0-100. You will learn wireless technology standards, governing bodies, hardware, RF math,RF behavior, security, troubleshooting, and site survey methodology. The CWNA certification is a Planet3 Wireless certification program, similar to Cisco, Novell, and Microsoft, yet vendor neutral like CompTIA. The certification 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. The wireless LAN 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 peers and your competition.
Key Topics
Fundamentals of RF behavior
Features and functions of wireless LAN components
Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting wireless LAN hardware peripherals and protocols
Wireless technology organizations and standards
Spread spectrum technology
Wireless LAN infrastructure devices
Antennas and accessories
802.11 networking architectures
Mac and physical layers
Security
Site survey methodology
Course Objectives
Define concepts of radio frequency communications as they apply to contemporary spread spectrum wireless networks including 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, Bluetooth, HomeRF, and OpenAir
Identify and apply concepts of 802.11 network authentication, associatioervice sets, roaming, and power management
Explain concepts of 802.11 physical and data link layer protocols, including media contention, frame timing, modulation, and coding
Troubleshoot common wireless network problems pertaining to RF interference, hidden node, near-far, system throughput, all-band interference, and weather
Prepare for wireless LAN installations by performing site surveys and auditing security vulnerabilities
Identify wireless LAN standards and the regulators and organizations responsible for their development and maintenance
