Course Contents

This five-day course focuses on deploying a Wireless LAN (WLAN) solution and how it expands the overall operation of the network. Learners will be able to perform basic tasks to design and implement a small branch type office network using Cisco wireless networking features available through web-based GUIs (Wireless LAN Controller [WLC] and Wireless Control System [WCS]) and the command-line interface (CLI) on the Cisco wireless products.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will gain foundational knowledge required to prepare for the CCNA Wireless Certification [Associate level] exam (640-721). Learners will be able to:

• Create an ad-hoc connection and analyze the communication
• Configure a controller and access point (AP)
• Convert an autonomous AP to controller-based mode
• Install and configure a mobility express wireless controller and AP
• Configure EAP-FAST authentication with WPA
• Configure the controller and the AP from the WCS interface
• Work with the map editor tool
• Back up the controller configuration and WCS database

Target Audience

Individuals who possess a general networking background, have prior experience with the Cisco Internetworking Operating System (IOS), and have achieved CCNA© certification are the target audience for this class. Targeted learners perform jobs in engineering support, development test engineering and other technical areas that may have a need to configure, monitor and troubleshoot connectivity within Cisco wireless networks.

Prerequisites

To fully benefit from CCNA Wireless, you should already possess a valid CCNA certification or equivalent work experience that provides routing and switching fundamentals.

The participant should have working skills and knowledge of the following:

• Basic browser navigation
• Basic understanding of LAN, WAN, and Internet operation
• IP addressing including subnetting
• Routing and switching principles
• Access Control List (ACL) functionality

Course Outline

Course topics include basic wireless components and terminology, wireless and antenna fundamentals, controller and AP options, utilizing configuration interfaces, monitoring tools, and an overview of endpoint security - including APs and client devices. Utilizing the skills learned in this course, participants will be able to design, install, configure, monitor and perform basic troubleshooting of a Cisco WLAN in small and medium-sized business and enterprise installations.

Specific course topics include:

Module 1: Wireless Fundamentals

• Wireless Networks and Topologies
• Wireless LANs RF Principles
• Radio Frequency Mathematics
• Antennae
• Spread Spectrum Technologies Basics
• Wireless Regulatory Bodies, Standards and Certifications
• Examining Wireless Media Access
• Other Wireless Technologies and Their Impact
• Wireless Frame Journey: End-to-End
• Cisco Unified Wireless Network Architecture Basics

Module 2: Basic Cisco WLAN Installation

• Configure a Controller
• Discovering and Associating to a Controller
• Different AP Modes
• Roaming
• Managing the Network from the Controller
• Configuring and Migrating Stand-Alone Access Points
• Cisco Mobility Express Wireless Architecture

Module 3: Wireless Clients

• Using Default OS Configuration Tool
• Cisco Aironet WLAN Client Adapter
• Cisco Secure Services Client
• Cisco Client Extension Program

Module 4: WLAN Security

• Wireless Security Framework and Components
• Establishing Basic IEEE 802.11 Security
• Centralizing the WLAN Authentication
• EAP Authentications
• Managing Authentication and Encryption with WPA and WPA2
• Configuring Security on Controllers and Clients

Module 5: WCS Administration

• WCS and Navigator
• Installing WCS
• Administering WCS
• Working with Controllers from WCS
• Working with Maps
• Monitoring the Network with WCS

Module 6: WLAN Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Maintaining the System
• Design and Site Survey Considerations
• Using Troubleshooting Tools