Implementing and Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Networks: Hands-On

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Wi-Fi networks? Wi-Fi is a term coined from Wireless Fidelity. Wi-Fi networks allow you to build a local area network without the need for hard-wired connections. The Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit, international association to certify interoperability of wireless local area network products based on IEEE 802.11 standards. What is this course about? This course teaches you to make informed decisions about Wi-Fi technology and products. The course covers the practical aspects as well as underlying theory. A major focus of the course is using wireless network analysis tools to perform site surveys, measure interference and to diagnose network problems. You plan the deployment of multiple access points to cover larger areas and implement roaming. We learn how to extend the network using repeaters, bridges and antennas. Another major focus is on configuring all the features of a wireless access point/router including securing the network by enabling encryption, authentication and VPN technologies. You will tour practical applications including an inventory database, Voice-Over-IP and a hotspot controller for Internet access. Who will benefit from this course? This course is valuable for anyone involved in using, planning, configuring and implementing Wi-Fi networks. What background should I have? The course approach and content assume that participants have some prior background in network administration, configuration and concepts, especially with TCP/IP and Ethernet networks. Some understanding of radio communication concepts is also helpful. Completion of Course 450, A Comprehensive Introduction to Networking, or equivalent experience is highly recommended if you do not have a technical or network administration background. Course 466, Cisco® Networking: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction, also provides suitable practical skills in network configuration that would be helpful in understanding this course. What is an access point? Wi-Fi access point devices allow you to coordinate the wireless workstations and mobile devices on the network, and route data to upstream connections and the Internet. Access points also provide a wide variety of security features including encryption, authentication, access control, firewalls and filtering. Will I learn why and how to use an access point to set up a wireless LAN? Yes. You install and configure a wireless access point to coordinate the workstations in your office. You set up the many configuration parameters and features, including enabling security standards. Can I use wireless security standards to ensure privacy in my office environment? Yes. In this course you enable the WPA encryption standard to prevent outsiders from intercepting your data. How much time is spent on each topic? Content Hours The wireless LAN revolution 1.5 Installing and configuring access points 2.0 Wireless network fundamentals 3.0 Troubleshooting and interference 5.0 Wi-Fi security, encryption and authentication 5.0 Planning and deployment 3.5 Virtual private networks 1.5 Repeaters, bridges and VLANs 2.5 Mobile applications and VoIP 2.0 Joining and creating public hotspots 1.0 Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class. What kinds of exercises are included in the course? The course exercises build upon typical network evolution starting with configuration of a single access point. You perform a site survey, measuring signal strength and eliminating interference and troubleshooting problems. You plan and configure multiple access points to extend the coverage and provide roaming. You learn to extend the network with repeaters and bridges and how to use antennas to implement long distance point-to-point links. You set up the many configuration parameters and features of a wireless access point including enabling encryption standards such as WEP and WPA. You configure MAC and EAP access control. You set up virtual private networks (VPNs) to securely tunnel through an insecure network. You also enable Cisco VLANs and test a typical applications with mobile devices. We use Cisco routers. Will I learn how to take advantage of additional enterprise integration and security features provided by Cisco access points? Yes. You learn about the additional proprietary features available with Cisco products to set up repeaters, Virtual LANs (VLANs), proprietary encryption schemes, and fast secure roaming. I don't use Cisco products. Will I learn how to configure other vendors' access points? Yes. We examine the types of Wi-Fi equipment available from various vendors and compare the features. Many of the course examples and exercises use Linksys access points. Will this course show me how to enhance the security of my wireless LANs (WLANs)? Yes. You learn about the weaknesses of WLANs and how to use current encryption, authentication and VPN technologies to heighten security. You also learn how to employ VPNs to make an encrypted tunnel through the Wi-Fi network. Does this course include how to extend the network beyond the immediate vicinity? Yes. You configure multiple access points to cooperate as a larger network to cover greater floor space. You learn how to use antennas to create point-to-point networks and campus networks. Does this course cover how to create a public hotspot? Yes. You learn how to set up a hotspot to allow visitors on your premises' Internet access and how to control access. How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses? 450, A Comprehensive Introduction to Networking is the recommended prerequisite for this course. It provides participants with a thorough understanding of how the basic networking components work and how they're put together to implement a system. 420, Securing Wireless Networks: Hands-On provides the knowledge and skills to defend against attacks and maintain security within your wireless network.

Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.