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Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN...

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Chapter 10-Wireless Devices • WLAN Client Devices • Progression of WLAN architecture • Specialty WLAN infrastructure
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Page 1: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Chapter 10-Wireless Devices

• WLAN Client Devices

• Progression of WLAN architecture

• Specialty WLAN infrastructure

Page 2: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Know the major radio card formats.

– The 802.11 standard does not mandate what type of format can be used by an 802.11 radio. 802.11 radios exist in multiple formats.

• Understand the need for client adapters to have an operating system interface and a user interface. – A client adapter requires a special driver to communicate with the

operating system and a software client utility for user configuration.• Identify the four major types of client utilities.

– The four types of client utilities are Soho, enterprise, integrated, and third party.

• Explain the progression of WLAN architecture. – Be able to explain the differences and similarities of autonomous AP

solutions and WLAN controller solutions.• Identify the capabilities of all WLAN legacy infrastructure devices.

– Understand the capabilities of autonomous APs. Explain the differences between autonomous APs and lightweight APs.

Page 3: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Identify the capabilities of a WLAN controller solution.

– Understand all the features and functionality that a WLAN controller solution provides. Be able to explain IP tunneling, split MAC architecture, virtual BSSIDs, WLAN profiles, and dynamic RF. Be able to explain the various ways that a WLAN controller solution can be scaled. explain the concept of distributed data forwarding.

• Explain the role and configuration of WLAN bridges and workgroup bridges. – The CWNA test covers bridging quite extensively. know all of the

different types of bridges and the difference between root and nonroot bridges. Be able to explain the differences between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint bridging. understand bridging problems such as ACk time-out, and study other bridging consideration that are covered in other chapters, such as the Fresnel zone and system operating margin

Page 4: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Define WLAN mesh networking.

– Be able to explain that WLAN mesh routers use self-healing and self-forming methods and proprietary layer 2 routing protocols. understand the difference between single-band and dual-band mesh networks.

• Explain other WLAN specialty infrastructure. – Be able to explain how EEG solutions, RTLS

solutions, and VoWiFi solutions can all be integrated with a WLAN. explain other nontraditional WLAN solutions such as WLAN arrays, virtual APs, and cooperative control APs.

Page 5: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless LAN Client Devices• Half-duplex radio receiver

– Many hardware formats and chipsets

• Need a software driver for the OS to use– When buying, make sure drivers exist for your

OS

Pg 320

Page 6: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Radio Card Formats• Radio cards in both APs and client adapters

– Mostly focused on client adapters

• Form Factors– How it fits into your device

• PCMCIA/PC Card• ExpressCard• Secure Digital/CompactFlash

– PDAs

• PCI – Often a PCMCIA slot for PCI

• Bad location for wireless

• USBPg 320

Page 7: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Form Factors

Page 8: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Form Factors

Page 9: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Radio Card Formats• Not just in PDA, PC, Laptop

• Also in handheld devices– Bar code scanner– Wireless POS systems– VoWiFi phones– Stereo– Gaming Systems– Video/camera

Pg 324

Page 10: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Radio Card Chipsets• Support specific frequencies/technology

• 2.4 Ghz

• 5 Ghz

• If support both, often an a/b/g card– Common today

• 802.11n are different

Pg 325

Page 11: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Client Utilities• End User tool for configuring the wireless card

– Create connection profiles

• Configure settings for connections– SSID, passkey, etc

• Four major types, or categories, of client utilities exist:– Small office, home office (Soho) client utilities– enterprise-class client utilities– Integrated operating system client utilities– Third-party client utilities

Pg 326

Page 12: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Client Utilities• End User tool for configuring the wireless card

– Create connection profiles• Configure settings for connections

– SSID, passkey, etc

– Look for networks (site survey)– Signal Strength measurements

• Four major types, or categories, of client utilities exist:– Small office, home office (Soho) client utilities– enterprise-class client utilities– Integrated operating system client utilities– Third-party client utilities

Pg 326

Page 13: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Client Utilities• Different types for different jobs• Enterprise usually have more features

than SOHO• Windows Wireless Zero Configuration

Service (WZC)– Very common

• Third Party– Becoming more common for enterprise

deployments

Pg 326

Page 14: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Client Utilities

Pg 326

Page 15: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Progression of WLAN architecture• General purpose of 802.11 is to provide a

portal to the wired network

Pg 328

Page 16: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Intelligent Edge-Autonomous AP• Traditional APs had the brains

– Edge intelligence

• Autonomous– Fat, stand-alone, etc.

• Configuration and management done on the device– At the access level, not core or distribution

• Distribution System Service and Integration Service on the AP

Pg 329

Page 17: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Intelligent Edge-Autonomous AP• Not Quite the same as the APs for home

use– Older ones were similar

• Usually two physical interfaces bridged together– Wireless– Wired

• Bridged Virtual Interface has the IP address

Pg 329

Page 18: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Intelligent Edge-Autonomous AP• Multiple management interfaces, such as command line, web GuI,

and SNMP • WeP, WPA, and WPA2 security capabilities • WMM quality-of-service capabilities • Fixed or detachable antennas • Filtering options, such as MAC and protocol • Connectivity modes, such as root, repeater, bridge, and scanner • Removable radio cards • Multiple radio card and dual-frequency capability: 2.4 Ghz and 5

Ghz • Adjustable transmit power, which is used mostly for cell sizing • VLAN support (VLANs are created on a managed wired switch.) • Ieee standards support • 802.3-2005, clause 33, Power over ethernet (Poe) support

Pg 329

Page 19: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Intelligent Edge-Autonomous AP• Are being replaced by lightweight APs with

a WLAN switch/controller– More centralized administration and access

Pg 330

Page 20: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless Network Management System• Centralizing of the administrative tasks• Make configuration on WLAN controller

– Controller sends configs to APs

• Hardware or software solution• Usually allows for additional functionality

– RF spectrum Planning and management– Check alarms– Reporting– Management consoles

• Some security functions– Not a Wireless Intrusion Detection System (WIDS)

• Not part of data path

Pg 330

Page 21: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless Network Management System

Pg 331

Page 22: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless Network Management System

• Must be sure they can control APs in use

• Purpose is to provide centralized management– Being replaced by WLAN controllers

• Can also be used to control WLAN controllers and Autonomous APs

Pg 330

Page 23: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Centralized WLAN architecture

• WLAn controller that is in the core of the network

• Autonomous APs replaced by lightweight APs or thin APs– Less intelligence at the AP– Most logic handled by the WLAN controlled

• WLAn controller handles the DSS and IS– Encryption may still be on the AP

Pg 332

Page 24: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Lightweight APs

• Somewhat limited software– Designed to be controlled/configured by

WLAn controller

• Can have dual 2.4 and 5 Ghz radios

• Also have software defined radios (SDR)– Support multiple frequency bands

• Not at same time

• Some APs can be either lightweight or Autonomous

Pg 332

Page 25: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller

• Also called wireless switches– Similar functionality to ethernet LAN switch– Make traffic management decisions based on

layer 2 addresses

Pg 334

Page 26: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• AP management-As mentioned earlier, the majority of

the lightweight access point functions such as power, channels, and supported data rates are configured on the WLAN controller. This allows for centralized management and configuration of lightweight APs.

• 802.11 traffic tunneling-A key feature of most WLAN controllers is that the integration service (IS) and distribution system service (DSS) operate within the WLAN controller. All 802.11 traffic that is destined for wired-side network resources must first pass through the controller and be translated into 802.3 traffic by the integration service before being sent to the wired destination.

Pg 334

Page 27: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller

• 802.11 Frame is passed from AP to WLAN controller using an IP tunnel– Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)

• Adds a new IP header to frame to pass it to WLAN controller

• Lightweight APs often use POE– Tunnel frames to WLAN controller

Pg 335

Page 28: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller

Pg 335

Page 29: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller

• Although often at core, may also be at distribution, or access– Depends on vendor solution and network

architecture

• Can also have multiple WLAN controllers

Pg 335

Page 30: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• AP group profile defines the configuration settings for a single AP or group

of access points. – channel, transmit power, and supported data rates

• Virtual WLANs, often called WLAN profiles– Different groups of 802.11 clients exist in a virtual WLAN. Set of configuration

parameters that are configured on the WLAN controller. – The profile parameters can include the WLAN logical name (SSID), WLAN

security settings, VLAN assignment, and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters.– WLAN profiles often work together with role-based access control (RBAC)

mechanisms. When a user connects to a virtual WLAN, users are assigned to specific roles. Do not confuse the WLAN profile with an AP group profile. Multiple WLAN profiles can be supported by a single AP; however, an AP can alone belong to one AP group.

• Virtual BSSIDs-the BSSID is typically the MAC address of the access point’s radio card.

– WLAN controllers have the capability of creating multiple virtual BSSIDs. Each Virtual WLAN needs a unique logical identifier (SSID) that is also assigned to a specific VLAN.

Pg 336

Page 31: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Virtual WLAN

Pg 338

Page 32: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• VLANs WLAN controllers fully support the creation of VLANs and

802.1Q VLAN tagging. Multiple wireless user VLANs can be created on the WLAN controller. The ability to create user VLANs is one of the main benefits of a WLAN controller, because they can provide for segmentation and security. VLANs may be assigned statically to WLAN profiles or may be assigned using a RADIuS attribute. A more detailed discussion of wireless VLANs can be found in Chapter 13, “802.11 Network Security Architecture.”

• User management WLAN controllers usually provide the ability to control the who, when, and where in terms of using role-based access control (RBAC) mechanisms. A more detailed discussion of RBAC can be found in Chapter 13.

• Layer 2 security support WLAN controllers fully support layer 2 WeP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption. Authentication capabilities include internal databases as well as full integration with RADIuS and LDAP servers.

Pg 339

Page 33: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• Layer 3 and 7 VPN concentrators Some WLAN controller vendors

also offer VPN server capabilities within the controller. The controller can act as a VPN concentrator or end point for PPTP, IPSec, or SSL VPN tunnels.

• Captive portal WLAN controllers have captive portal features that can be used with guest WLANs and guest WLAN profiles. Because the captive portal authenticates users but has very limited encryption capabilities, it is rarely used for anything other than guest access.

• Automatic failover and load balancing WLAN controllers usually provide support for Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) for redundancy purposes. Most vendors also offer proprietary capabilities to load-balance wireless clients between multiple lightweight APs.

• Internal Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems Some WLAN controllers have integrated WIDS capabilities for security monitoring. A more detailed discussion on WIDS can be found in Chapter 14, “Wireless Attacks, Intrusion Monitoring, and Policy.”

Pg 339

Page 34: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• Dynamic RF spectrum management. WLAN controllers can use the

RF information gathered from the lightweight access points to make changes to channel assignments and power levels for the APs. – Often called radio frequency spectrum management (RFSM)– RFSM provides automatic cell sizing, automatic monitoring,

troubleshooting, and optimization of the RF environment• Self-organizing and self-healing wireless LAN

• Bandwidth management Bandwidth pipes can be restricted upstream or downstream.

• Firewall capabilities Stateful packet inspection is available with an internal firewall in some WLAN controllers.

• Layer 3 roaming support Capabilities to allow seamless roaming across layer 3 routed boundaries are fully supported. A more detailed discussion on layer 3 roaming and the Mobile IP standard can be found in Chapter 12, “WLAN Troubleshooting.”

Pg 339

Page 35: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• 802.3-2005, clause 33—Power over

Ethernet (PoE) When deployed at the access layer, WLAN controllers can provide direct power to lightweight APs via Poe. however, most lightweight APs are powered by third-party edge switches.

• Management interfaces Many WLAN controllers offer full support for common management interfaces such as GuI, CLI, SSh, and so forth.

Pg 339

Page 36: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN controller• Key Features:

– AP Management– User management– Dynamic RF– VLAN segmentation– Roaming

• Possible problems:– WLAN controlled can be bottleneck– Complexity

Pg 340

Page 37: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Split MAC• Some MAC services managed at the WLAN

controlled, some at the AP– WMM at the controller– Encryption at the AP

• WLAN controller becomes the gateway for 802.11 to 802.3 networking– All AP frames are tunneled to the WLAN controller

• Many control and management frames go from AP to client– No need for controller to be involved– Beacon, probe responses, ACKs

Pg 340

Page 38: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Remote Office WLAN controller

• Access layer WLAN controller deployment

• Often less processing power than full WLAN controller– Smaller office support– Communicate to main system over WAN

• Often use VPN tunnel over WAN– Possibly support NAT and DHCP for remote

office

Pg 341

Page 39: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Distributed WLAN Architecture

• Larger deployments need more than one WLAN controller– Each controller can only support a limited

number of APs– Add more controllers at core or distribution

layer

• Usually parent and child controllers– Set up a hierarchy

• WNMS might be used as well.Pg 341

Page 40: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Distributed WLAN Architecture

• Can also help manage data flow

• Distributed Data Forwarding

Pg 341

Page 41: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Distributed WLAN Hybrid

• Managing fat/thin APs– Hybrid APs

• QoS and forwarding handled at the edge– APs are mananged centrally

Pg 343

Page 42: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Unified WLAN Hybrid

• Integrate WLAN controller capabilities into wired devices– Switches and routers

• Create multifunction devices

Pg 343

Page 43: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Specialty WLAN Infrastructure• Wireless Workgroup Bridges• Wireless LAN bridge• Enterprise Wireless Gateway• Residential Wireless Gateway• VPN Wireless Router• Wireless LAN Mesh AP• Enterprise Encryption Gateway• WLAN Array• Real Time Location Systems

Pg 343

Page 44: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless Workgroup Bridge

• Provide Wireless connectivity for wired infrastructure devices that do not have radio cards

• WGB card joins that BSS as a client– Connect the wired devices– Does not provide wireless access to other

stations!!

• Less need due to commonness of wireless cards

Pg 343

Page 45: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless Workgroup Bridge

Pg 343

Page 46: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless LAN Bridge• Bridge two or more wired networks

– Backbone between buildings• Can be root or non-root

– Root is parent– Non-root is child

• Point to Point or Point to Multipoint• Bridge Modes:

– AP mode-Converts a bridge into an access point– WGB mode-Converts a bridge into a workgroup bridge– Repeater mode-Repeats the cell of a root bridge to a nonroot

bridge– Root with clients-Root bridge that also allows clients to associate– Nonroot with clients-Nonroot bridge that also allows clients to

associate

Pg 344

Page 47: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless LAN Bridge• Generally don’t want clients connecting to bridge

– Security risk– Traffic and bandwidth management

• Considerations:– Fresnel zone, earth bulge, free space path loss, link

budget, and fade margin. – IR and eIRP power regulations as defined by the

regulatory body of your country.

• On longer links, you have to manage ACK times• Connections between building-Height

Pg 346

Page 48: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Wireless LAN Bridge

Pg 344

Page 49: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Enterprise Gateway

• Older device to segment wireless network

• Provides VPN/router/firewall functionality

• Used when there was less security on wireless networks

• Some functionality of WLAN controller– Moving the IS and DSS to central device

• Not as common

Pg 347

Page 50: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Residential Gateway• Home wireless mutlifunction device

– Configurable 802.11 radio card– Support for simple routing protocols such as RIP– Network Address Translation (NAT)– Port Address Translation (PAT)– Port forwarding– Firewall– L2 security support (WeP or WPA-Personal or WPA2-

Personal)– DhCP server– Multiport ethernet switch for connecting wired clients

Pg 347

Page 51: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

VPN Wireless Router

• Similar to SOHO devices but provide VPN connections

• Used in remote offices to provide VPN connection and wireless to branch

Pg 348

Page 52: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Mesh Access Point• APs that interconnect to provide self-healing,

self-forming infrastructure• Mesh networks route data between APs to find

connection to DS– Allow for re-routing as well

• No standard yet• Can be part of core, distribution or access layer

– Depends on where and what connections it has

Pg 348

Page 53: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Enterprise Encryption Gateway

• Middleware device to provide segmentation and encryption

• Provides encryption overlay

Pg 349

Page 54: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

WLAN Array

• Combine a WLAn controller and multiple APs in a single device– Multiple APs are multiple radios– Sector antennas

• Simplify physical arrangements

Pg 350

Page 55: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Cooperative Control

• Proprietary solution

• Cooperative control protocols that let APs provide WLAN controller like functionality without a WLAN controller– Like a mesh

Pg 351

Page 56: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Virtual AP system• Different way of setting up ESS• All APs use the same BSSID (MAC Address)• Clients can’t tell which AP they are connected to• Also requires single channel architecture (SCA)

– All APs use same channel/frequency

• Needs WLAN controller/switch to handle intelligence

Pg 352

Page 57: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Real Time Location Systems

• WLAN controllers and WIDs can track 802.11 clients by using APs as sensors

• Some vendors provide real time locations systems– Track the client radio or RFID like tag to find a

mobile device

Pg 353

Page 58: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

VoWiFi• VoIP over WiFi• Data and voice on mobile wireless devices• VoWiFi phones

– Like a cell phone, but with 802.11 radio

• 802.11 APs and contorllers– Need to support QoS to get good services

• PBX– Link VoWiFi phones to PSTN

• QoS server– Manages QoS for network/Voice

Pg 354

Page 59: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Know the major radio card formats.

– The 802.11 standard does not mandate what type of format can be used by an 802.11 radio. 802.11 radios exist in multiple formats.

• Understand the need for client adapters to have an operating system interface and a user interface. – A client adapter requires a special driver to communicate with the

operating system and a software client utility for user configuration.• Identify the four major types of client utilities.

– The four types of client utilities are Soho, enterprise, integrated, and third party.

• Explain the progression of WLAN architecture. – Be able to explain the differences and similarities of autonomous AP

solutions and WLAN controller solutions.• Identify the capabilities of all WLAN legacy infrastructure devices.

– Understand the capabilities of autonomous APs. Explain the differences between autonomous APs and lightweight APs.

Page 60: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Identify the capabilities of a WLAN controller solution.

– Understand all the features and functionality that a WLAN controller solution provides. Be able to explain IP tunneling, split MAC architecture, virtual BSSIDs, WLAN profiles, and dynamic RF. Be able to explain the various ways that a WLAN controller solution can be scaled. explain the concept of distributed data forwarding.

• Explain the role and configuration of WLAN bridges and workgroup bridges. – The CWNA test covers bridging quite extensively. know all of the

different types of bridges and the difference between root and nonroot bridges. Be able to explain the differences between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint bridging. understand bridging problems such as ACk time-out, and study other bridging consideration that are covered in other chapters, such as the Fresnel zone and system operating margin

Page 61: Chapter 10-Wireless Devices WLAN Client Devices Progression of WLAN architecture Specialty WLAN infrastructure.

Exam Essentials• Define WLAN mesh networking.

– Be able to explain that WLAN mesh routers use self-healing and self-forming methods and proprietary layer 2 routing protocols. understand the difference between single-band and dual-band mesh networks.

• Explain other WLAN specialty infrastructure. – Be able to explain how EEG solutions, RTLS

solutions, and VoWiFi solutions can all be integrated with a WLAN. explain other nontraditional WLAN solutions such as WLAN arrays, virtual APs, and cooperative control APs.


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