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The #1 selling Wi-Fi networking reference guide in the world 

The CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Study Guide is the ultimate preparation resource for the CWNA exam. Fully updated to align with the latest version of the exam, this book features expert coverage of all exam objectives to help you pass the exam. But passing the exam is just a first step. For over 16 years, the CWNA Study Guide has helped individuals jump-start their wireless networking careers. Wireless networking professionals across the globe use this book as their workplace reference guide for enterprise Wi-Fi technology. 

Owning this book provides you with a foundation of knowledge for important Wi-Fi networking topics, including: 

  • Radio frequency (RF) fundamentals 
  • 802.11 MAC and medium access 
  • Wireless LAN topologies and architecture 
  • WLAN design, troubleshooting and validation 
  • Wi-Fi networking security 

The book authors have over 40 years of combined Wi-Fi networking expertise and provide real-world insights that you can leverage in your wireless networking career. Each of the book’s 20 chapters breaks down complex topics into easy to understand nuggets of useful information. Each chapter has review questions that help you gauge your progress along the way. Additionally, hands-on exercises allow you to practice applying CWNA concepts to real-world scenarios. You also get a year of free access to the Sybex online interactive learning environment, which features additional resources and study aids, including bonus practice exam questions. 

The CWNA certification is a de facto standard for anyone working with wireless technology. It shows employers that you have demonstrated competence in critical areas, and have the knowledge and skills to perform essential duties that keep their wireless networks functioning and safe. The CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Study Guide gives you everything you need to pass the exam with flying colors. 

 

Table of Contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. About the Authors
  7. About the Technical Editor
  8. Table of Exercises
  9. Foreword
  10. Introduction
    1. CWNA Exam (CWNA-108) Objectives
    2. Assessment Test
    3. Answers to the Assessment Test
  11. Chapter 1: Overview of Wireless Standards, Organizations, and Fundamentals
    1. History of Wireless Local Area Networks
    2. Standards Organizations
    3. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
    4. Core, Distribution, and Access
    5. Communications Fundamentals
    6. Summary
    7. Exam Essentials
    8. Review Questions
  12. Chapter 2: IEEE 802.11 Standard and Amendments
    1. Original IEEE 802.11 Standard
    2. IEEE 802.11-2020 Ratified Amendments
    3. IEEE 802.11 Draft Amendments
    4. Defunct Amendments
    5. IEEE Task Group m
    6. Summary
    7. Exam Essentials
    8. Review Questions
  13. Chapter 3: Radio Frequency Fundamentals
    1. What Is a Radio Frequency Signal?
    2. Radio Frequency Characteristics
    3. Radio Frequency Behaviors
    4. Summary
    5. Exam Essentials
    6. Review Questions
  14. Chapter 4: Radio Frequency Components, Measurements, and Mathematics
    1. Components of RF Communications
    2. Units of Power and Comparison
    3. RF Mathematics
    4. Noise Floor
    5. Signal-to-Noise Ratio
    6. Received Signal Strength Indicator
    7. Link Budget
    8. Summary
    9. Exam Essentials
    10. Review Questions
  15. Chapter 5: Radio Frequency Signal and Antenna Concepts
    1. Azimuth and Elevation Charts (Antenna Radiation Envelopes)
    2. Interpreting Polar Charts
    3. Beamwidth
    4. Antenna Types
    5. Visual Line of Sight
    6. RF Line of Sight
    7. Fresnel Zone
    8. Earth Bulge
    9. Antenna Polarization
    10. Antenna Diversity
    11. Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output
    12. Antenna Connection and Installation
    13. Antenna Accessories
    14. Regulatory Compliance
    15. Summary
    16. Exam Essentials
    17. Review Questions
  16. Chapter 6: Wireless Networks and Spread Spectrum Technologies
    1. Throughput vs. Bandwidth
    2. Narrowband and Spread Spectrum
    3. Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum
    4. Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
    5. Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing
    6. Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Bands
    7. 5 GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure Bands
    8. 60 GHz for Wi-Fi
    9. Below 1 GHz
    10. 2.4 GHz Channels
    11. 5 GHz Channels
    12. 6 GHz Channels
    13. Summary
    14. Exam Essentials
    15. Review Questions
  17. Chapter 7: Wireless LAN Topologies
    1. Wireless Networking Topologies
    2. 802.11 Stations
    3. 802.11 Service Sets
    4. 802.11 Configuration Modes
    5. Summary
    6. Exam Essentials
    7. Review Questions
  18. Chapter 8: 802.11 Medium Access
    1. CSMA/CA vs. CSMA/CD
    2. Collision Detection
    3. Distributed Coordination Function
    4. Hybrid Coordination Function
    5. Wi-Fi Multimedia
    6. Airtime Fairness
    7. Summary
    8. Exam Essentials
    9. Review Questions
  19. Chapter 9: 802.11 MAC
    1. Packets, Frames, and Bits
    2. Data-Link Layer
    3. Physical Layer
    4. 802.11 and 802.3 Interoperability
    5. 802.11 MAC Header
    6. 802.11 Frame Body
    7. 802.11 Trailer
    8. 802.11 State Machine
    9. Management Frames
    10. Control Frames
    11. Data Frames
    12. Power Management
    13. Summary
    14. Exam Essentials
    15. Review Questions
  20. Chapter 10: MIMO Technology: HT and VHT
    1. MIMO
    2. Multi-User MIMO
    3. Channels
    4. Guard Interval
    5. 256-QAM Modulation
    6. 802.11n/ac PPDUs
    7. 802.11n/ac MAC
    8. HT/VHT Protection Mechanisms
    9. Wi-Fi Alliance Certification
    10. Summary
    11. Exam Essentials
    12. Review Questions
  21. Chapter 11: WLAN Architecture
    1. WLAN Client Devices
    2. Management, Control, and Data Planes
    3. WLAN Architecture
    4. Specialty WLAN Infrastructure
    5. Cloud Networking
    6. Application Programming Interface
    7. Infrastructure Management
    8. Summary
    9. Exam Essentials
    10. Review Questions
  22. Chapter 12: Power over Ethernet (PoE)
    1. History of PoE
    2. PoE Devices
    3. Planning and Deploying PoE
    4. Summary
    5. Exam Essentials
    6. Review Questions
  23. Chapter 13: WLAN Design Concepts
    1. WLAN Coverage Design
    2. Roaming Design
    3. Channel Design
    4. Capacity Design
    5. Voice vs. Data
    6. Dual 5 GHz and Software-Defined Radios
    7. 6 GHz WLAN Design
    8. Physical Environment
    9. Antennas
    10. Outdoor Design
    11. Summary
    12. Exam Essentials
    13. Review Questions
  24. Chapter 14: Site Survey and Validation
    1. WLAN Site Survey and Design Interview
    2. Vertical Market Considerations
    3. Legacy AP-on-a-Stick Survey
    4. Hybrid Survey
    5. Validation Survey
    6. Site Survey Tools
    7. Documents and Reports
    8. Summary
    9. Exam Essentials
    10. Review Questions
  25. Chapter 15: WLAN Troubleshooting
    1. Five Tenets of WLAN Troubleshooting
    2. Layer 1 Troubleshooting
    3. Layer 2 Troubleshooting
    4. Security Troubleshooting
    5. Roaming Troubleshooting
    6. Channel Utilization
    7. Layers 3–7 Troubleshooting
    8. WLAN Troubleshooting Tools
    9. Summary
    10. Exam Essentials
    11. Review Questions
  26. Chapter 16: Wireless Attacks, Intrusion Monitoring, and Policy
    1. Wireless Attacks
    2. Intrusion Monitoring
    3. Wireless Security Policies
    4. Summary
    5. Exam Essentials
    6. Review Questions
  27. Chapter 17: 802.11 Network Security Architecture
    1. 802.11 Security Basics
    2. Legacy 802.11 Security
    3. Robust Security
    4. Management Frame Protection
    5. WPA2
    6. WPA3
    7. Enhanced Open
    8. 6 GHz Wi-Fi Security
    9. Traffic Segmentation
    10. VPN Wireless Security
    11. Summary
    12. Exam Essentials
    13. Review Questions
  28. Chapter 18: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Guest Access
    1. Mobile Device Management
    2. Company-Issued Devices vs. Personal Devices
    3. Self-Service Device Onboarding for Employees
    4. Guest WLAN Access
    5. Hotspot 2.0 and Passpoint
    6. Network Access Control
    7. Summary
    8. Exam Essentials
    9. Review Questions
  29. Chapter 19: 802.11ax: High Efficiency (HE)
    1. 802.11ax = Wi-Fi 6
    2. Wi-Fi Traffic Congestion
    3. HE Overview
    4. Multi-User
    5. OFDMA
    6. MU-MIMO
    7. BSS Color and Spatial Reuse
    8. Target Wake Time
    9. Additional 802.11ax PHY and MAC Capabilities
    10. Wi-Fi 6 Key Questions
    11. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6
    12. Summary
    13. Review Questions
  30. Chapter 20: WLAN Deployment and Vertical Markets
    1. Deployment Considerations for Commonly Supported WLAN Applications and Devices
    2. Corporate Data Access and End-User Mobility
    3. Network Extension to Remote Areas
    4. Bridging: Building-to-Building Connectivity
    5. Wireless ISP: Last-Mile Data Delivery
    6. Small Office/Home Office
    7. Temporary Office Networking
    8. Branch Offices
    9. Teleworker Wi-Fi
    10. Educational/Classroom Use
    11. Industrial: Warehousing and Manufacturing
    12. Retail
    13. Healthcare
    14. Municipal Networks
    15. Hotspots: Public Network Access
    16. Stadium Networks
    17. Transportation Networks
    18. Law Enforcement Networks
    19. First-Responder Networks
    20. Managed Service Providers
    21. Fixed Mobile Convergence
    22. WLAN and Health
    23. Internet of Things
    24. WLAN Vendors
    25. Summary
    26. Exam Essentials
    27. Review Questions
  31. Appendix A: Answers to Review Questions
    1. Chapter 1: Overview of Wireless Standards, Organizations, and Fundamentals
    2. Chapter 2: IEEE 802.11 Standard and Amendments
    3. Chapter 3: Radio Frequency Fundamentals
    4. Chapter 4: Radio Frequency Components, Measurements, and Mathematics
    5. Chapter 5: Radio Frequency Signal and Antenna Concepts
    6. Chapter 6: Wireless Networks and Spread Spectrum Technologies
    7. Chapter 7: Wireless LAN Topologies
    8. Chapter 8: 802.11 Medium Access
    9. Chapter 9: 802.11 MAC
    10. Chapter 10: MIMO Technology: HT and VHT
    11. Chapter 11: WLAN Architecture
    12. Chapter 12: Power over Ethernet (PoE)
    13. Chapter 13: WLAN Design Concepts
    14. Chapter 14: Site Survey and Validation
    15. Chapter 15: WLAN Troubleshooting
    16. Chapter 16: Wireless Attacks, Intrusion Monitoring, and Policy
    17. Chapter 17: 802.11 Network Security Architecture
    18. Chapter 18: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Guest Access
    19. Chapter 19: 802.11ax: High Efficiency (HE)
    20. Chapter 20: WLAN Deployment and Vertical Markets
  32. Appendix B: Abbreviations and Acronyms
    1. Certifications
    2. Organizations and Regulations
    3. Measurements
    4. Technical Terms
  33. Index
  34. Comprehensive Online Learning Environment
    1. Register and Access the Online Test Bank
  35. End User License Agreement
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