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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.
List of contents
Foreword xxxv
Introduction xxxvii
Assessment Test lvi
Chapter 1 Overview of Wireless Standards, Organizations, and Fundamentals 1
History of Wireless Local Area Networks 3
Standards Organizations 5
Federal Communications Commission 5
International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector 6
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 8
Internet Engineering Task Force 9
Wi-Fi Alliance 11
International Organization for Standardization 21
Core, Distribution, and Access 22
Communications Fundamentals 24
Communication Terminology 24
Understanding Carrier Signals 25
Understanding Keying Methods 27
Summary 33
Exam Essentials 33
Review Questions 34
Chapter 2 IEEE 802.11 Standard and Amendments 39
Original IEEE 802.11 Standard 42
IEEE 802.11-2020 Ratified Amendments 44
802.11a-1999 45
802.11b-1999 46
802.11d-2001 47
802.11e-2005 47
802.11g-2003 48
802.11h-2003 50
802.11i-2004 52
802.11j-2004 53
802.11k-2008 53
802.11n-2009 54
802.11p-2010 55
802.11r-2008 55
802.11s-2011 56
802.11u-2011 57
802.11v-2011 58
802.11w-2009 58
802.11y-2008 59
802.11z-2010 59
802.11aa-2012 59
802.11ac-2013 59
802.11ad-2012 60
802.11ae-2012 61
802.11af-2014 61
802.11ah-2016 62
802.11ai-2016 63
802.11aj-2018 63
802.11ak-2018 63
802.11aq-2018 63
IEEE 802.11 Draft Amendments 63
802.11ax (High Efficiency) 64
802.11ay (Next-Generation 60 GHz) 65
802.11az (Next-Generation Positioning) 65
802.11ba (Wake-Up Radio) 65
802.11bb (Light Communications) 65
802.11bc (Enhanced Broadcast Service) 65
802.11bd (Enhancements for Next-Generation V2X) 65
802.11be (Extremely High Throughput) 66
Defunct Amendments 66
802.11F 66
802.11T 67
IEEE Task Group m 68
Summary 69
Exam Essentials 69
Review Questions 70
Chapter 3 Radio Frequency Fundamentals 75
What is a Radio Frequency Signal? 77
Radio Frequency Characteristics 78
Wavelength 78
Frequency 83
Amplitude 85
Phase 86
Radio Frequency Behaviors 87
Wave Propagation 87
Absorption 88
Reflection 89
Scattering 91
Refraction 91
Diffraction 92
Loss (Attenuation) 94
Free Space Path Loss 96
Multipath 98
Gain (Amplification) 101
RF Analysis Tools 102
Summary 103
Exam Essentials 103
Review Questions 104
Chapter 4 Radio Frequency Components, Measurements, and Mathematics 109
Components of RF Communications 112
Transmitter 112
Antenna 113
Receiver 114
Intentional Radiator 114
Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power 114
Units of Power and Comparison 115
Watt 116
Milliwatt 117
Decibel 117
Decibels Relative to an Isotropic Radiator (dBi) 120
Decibels Relative to a Half-Wave Dipole Antenna (dBd) 120
Decibels Relative to 1 Milliwatt (dBm) 121
Inverse Square Law 122
RF Mathematics 123
Rule of 10s and
About the author
DAVID D. COLEMAN, CWNE #4, David D. Coleman, CWNE #4, is a technology evangelist and public speaker who specializes in Wi-Fi and cloud technologies. David is also Director of Product Marketing for Extreme Networks. He is the author of numerous books, white papers and videos about Wi-Fi technology.
DAVID A. WESTCOTT, CWNE #7, is an independent consultant and WLAN technical trainer of thirty years. He provides vendor and custom wireless training to government agencies, corporations and universities around the world.
