CCNA Wireless. Study Guide

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3 CCNA Wireless Study Guide

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5 CCNA Wireless Study Guide Todd Lammle

6 Acquisitions Editor: Jeff Kellum Development Editor: Amy Breguet Technical Editors: Keith Parsons, Benjamin Miller, Patrick Conlan, and George Stefanick Production Editor: Christine O Connor Copy Editor: Elizabeth Welch Editorial Manager: Pete Gaughan Production Manager: Tim Tate Vice President and Executive Group Publisher: Richard Swadley Vice President and Publisher: Neil Edde Media Project Manager 1: Laura Moss-Hollister Media Associate Producer: Marilyn Hummel Media Quality Assurance: Josh Frank Book Designer: Judy Fung, Bill Gibson Compositor: Craig Johnson, Happenstance Type-O-Rama Proofreader: Beth Prouty, Word One New York Indexer: Robert Swanson Project Coordinator, Cover: Lynsey Stanford Cover Designer: Ryan Sneed Copyright 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada ISBN: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) , fax (978) Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) , fax (201) , or online at Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Web site is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Web site may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Web sites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at (877) , outside the U.S. at (317) or fax (317) Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lammle, Todd. CCNA wireless study guide (IUWNE ) / Todd Lammle. 1st ed. p. cm. Summary: A complete guide to the CCNA Wireless exam by leading networking authority Todd Lammle. The CCNA Wireless certification is the most respected entry-level certification in this rapidly growing field. Todd Lammle is the undisputed authority on networking, and this book focuses exclusively on the skills covered in this Cisco certification exam. The CCNA Wireless Study Guide joins the popular Sybex study guide family and helps network administrators advance their careers with a highly desirable certification. The CCNA Wireless certification is the most respected entry-level wireless certification for system administrators looking to advance their careers. Written by Todd Lammle, the leading networking guru and author of numerous bestselling certification guides. Provides in-depth coverage of every exam objective and the technology developed by Cisco for wireless networking. Covers WLAN fundamentals, installing a basic Cisco wireless LAN and wireless clients, and implementing WLAN security. Explains the operation of basic WCS, basic WLAN maintenance, and troubleshooting. Companion CD includes the Sybex Test Engine, flashcards, and entire book in PDF format. Includes hands-on labs, end-of-chapter review questions, Exam Essentials overview, Real World Scenarios, and a tear-out objective map showing where each exam objective is covered. The CCNA Wireless Study Guide prepares any network administrator for exam success. Provided by publisher. ISBN-13: (pbk.) ISBN-10: X (pbk.) ISBN: (ebk) ISBN: (ebk) ISBN: (ebk) 1. Wireless LANs Examinations Study guides. 2. Telecommunications engineers Certification Study guides. I. Cisco Networking Academy Program. II. Title. TK L dc TRADEMARKS: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and the Sybex logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/ or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. CCNA is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book

7 Dear Reader, Thank you for choosing CCNA Wireless Study Guide. This book is part of a family of premium-quality Sybex books, all of which are written by outstanding authors who combine practical experience with a gift for teaching. Sybex was founded in More than 30 years later, we re still committed to producing consistently exceptional books. With each of our titles, we re working hard to set a new standard for the industry. From the paper we print on, to the authors we work with, our goal is to bring you the best books available. I hope you see all that reflected in these pages. I d be very interested to hear your comments and get your feedback on how we re doing. Feel free to let me know what you think about this or any other Sybex book by sending me an at nedde@wiley.com. If you think you ve found a technical error in this book, please visit Customer feedback is critical to our efforts at Sybex. Best regards, Neil Edde Vice President and Publisher Sybex, an Imprint of Wiley

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9 Acknowledgments I d like to thank the entire team Sybex assembled for their hard work and dedication in putting this book together, but especially my acquisitions editor Jeff Kellum as well as Christine O Connor, my production editor, for hanging with me, yet once again, during this sometimes daunting project. I can t thank you both enough for continuing to work with me, book after book and yet I still can t figure out why you both don t go screaming from the room when you see my name pop up on the radar of each new book! Monica Lammle s writing style, encouragement, and dedication to ensuring that this book is concise yet highly readable has been invaluable to my success of this and many other projects. Also, a big thank you to Troy Mcmillan, who helped me personally lay out almost every chapter in this book from end to end. He was indispensable when it came to writing this book, and I can t say enough how much his help and support kept me sane during the writing of this book. Troy was dependable and was very timely with his work. I look forward to hopefully working with him again in the future. Big thanks to my development editor, Amy Breguet. Amy s tireless effort helped to shape the book into a much more readable format, although I am sure I ve aged her some in the last few months! But she was a real trouper throughout this project. I d also like to thank my technical editors, Keith Parsons, Ben Miller, Patrick Conlan, and George Stefanick, who found all the little but all-so-important issues that needed to be clarified their importance to this project can t be overstated. Also, thanks to Liz Welch, my copy editor, who kept me in my favorite coffee shop way more than I wanted to be, but who worked and reworked every sentence in this book. Last, but absolutely not least, my best friend Patrick Conlan was instrumental in helping me at all hours of the day and night understanding the smallest of details that I struggled with as I was trying to finish this book. Thanks once again, Pat, for your continued support, amazing technical advice, and encouragement.

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11 About the Author Todd Lammle CCSI, CCNA/CCNA Wireless/CCNP/CCSP/CCVP, MCSE, CEH/CHFI, FCC RF Licensed, is the authority on Cisco certification Wireless and Internetworking. He is a world renowned author, speaker, trainer, and consultant. Todd has over 29 years of experience working with LANs, WANs, and large licensed and unlicensed wireless networks, and has published over 50 books, including the very popular CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, and this book, CCNA Wireless Study Guide ( ). He runs an international training and consulting company based in Colorado and Texas. You can reach Todd through his forum and blog at

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13 Contents at a Glance Introduction Assessment Test xxi xxx Chapter 1 Wireless Networks and Topologies 1 Chapter 2 WLAN RF Fundamentals 41 Chapter 3 Spread Spectrum Technologies and Modulations 83 Chapter 4 Wireless Regulation Bodies, Standards, and Certifications 107 Chapter 5 Introduction to Wireless Security 157 Chapter 6 Wireless Clients and Cisco Extension (CCX) 197 Chapter 7 Introduction to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) 233 Chapter 8 Introduction to the Cisco Mobility Express Wireless Architecture 269 Chapter 9 Installing the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) 291 Chapter 10 Configuring Wireless Security on the CUWN 331 Chapter 11 Wireless Control System (WCS) 361 Chapter 12 WLAN Maintenance and Troubleshooting 423 Appendix About the Companion CD 479 Glossary 483 Index 493

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15 Contents Introduction Assessment Test xxi xxx Chapter 1 Wireless Networks and Topologies 1 Wireless Networks 2 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) 3 Wireless LAN (WLAN) 4 Wireless Metro Area Network (WMAN) 4 Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) 5 Basic Wireless Devices 5 Wireless Access Points 5 Wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) 7 Wireless Antennas 8 Wireless Topologies 9 Independent Basic Service Set (Ad Hoc) 9 Basic Service Set (BSS) 10 Infrastructure Basic Service Set 11 Service Set ID 12 Extended Service Set 12 Workgroup Bridge 14 Repeaters 15 Bridging 16 Mesh Networks 17 Switching 19 VLAN Memberships 21 Static VLANs 21 Dynamic VLANs 21 Types of Switch Ports 22 Frame Tagging 24 VLAN Trunking Protocols 24 Configuring VLANs 25 Assigning Switch Ports to VLANs 27 Configuring Trunk Ports 28 Summary 32 Exam Essentials 32 Written Lab 1 33 Review Questions 34 Answers to Review Questions 38 Answers to Written Lab 1 40

16 xiv Contents Chapter 2 WLAN RF Fundamentals 41 Introducing Radio Frequency (RF) 43 RF Basics 43 Radio Frequency Behaviors 46 RF Operational Requirements 51 RF Math 54 RF Values 54 Rule of 3s and 10s 57 WLAN Antennas 60 Antenna Principles 60 Polarization 61 Diversity 62 Antenna Types 63 Semidirectional 67 Highly Directional 68 Antenna Accessories 69 Summary 73 Exam Essentials 74 Written Lab 75 Review Questions 76 Answers to Review Questions 80 Answers to Written Lab 82 Chapter 3 Spread Spectrum Technologies and Modulations 83 Transmission Methods: An Overview 84 Spread Spectrum 85 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum 86 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum 88 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing 91 Channel Management and Overlap 96 Channel Overlap Techniques 98 Summary 99 Exam Essentials 100 Written Lab 101 Review Questions 102 Answers to Review Questions 104 Answers to Written Lab 105 Chapter 4 Wireless Regulation Bodies, Standards, and Certifications 107 Wireless Regulations 108 IEEE Transmission 109 Unlicensed Bands 110

17 Contents xv IEEE Wireless GHz (802.11b) GHz (802.11g) 116 5GHz (802.11a) 119 5GHz (802.11h) GHz/5GHz (802.11n) 123 Wireless Frames 126 CSMA/CA 126 Three Frames Types 128 A Closer Look at Management Frames 133 A Closer Look at Control Frames 141 Nonstandard Wireless Technologies 144 Bluetooth 144 Cordless Phones 145 ZigBee 145 Non Interfering Devices 146 WiMAX 146 Summary 148 Exam Essentials 148 Written Lab 149 Review Questions 150 Answers to Review Questions 154 Answers to Written Lab 156 Chapter 5 Introduction to Wireless Security 157 Wireless Threats 158 Rogue APs 159 Ad Hoc Networks 159 Denial of Service 160 Passive Attacks 162 Open Access 163 Security Measures 164 Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) and Media Access Control (MAC) Address Authentication 165 Authentication 165 Encryption 176 Centralized Key Management 183 Implementation Standards 184 Summary 188 Exam Essentials 188 Written Lab 189 Review Questions 190 Answers to Review Questions 194 Answers to Written Lab 196

18 xvi Contents Chapter 6 Wireless Clients and Cisco Extension (CCX) 197 Wireless Clients 198 Windows XP 198 Windows Vista 203 Windows Apple 208 Linux 210 Cisco s Supplicants 212 Cisco ADU 212 Cisco Secure Services Client 217 Installation 217 Cisco-Compatible Extensions 220 CCX Versions 1 Through Summary 221 Exam Essentials 221 Written Lab 223 Hands-on Labs 224 Hands-on Lab 6.1: Installing the ADU 224 Hands-on Lab 6.2: Creating a Profile 224 Review Questions 226 Answers to Review Questions 230 Answers to Written Lab 232 Chapter 7 Introduction to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) 233 WLAN Deployment Models 234 Stand-alone Model 235 Lightweight Model 236 Cisco Unified Network Devices 239 Access Points 239 Wireless LAN Controllers 242 Wireless Control Systems 244 Lightweight AP Operation and Maintenance 245 AP Discovery and Association 245 Redundancy 250 AP Modes 252 Roaming 255 Mobility Groups 255 Layer 2 and Layer 3 Roaming 257 Radio Resource Management 259 Summary 260 Exam Essentials 261 Written Lab 262

19 Contents xvii Review Questions 263 Answers to Review Questions 267 Answers to Written Lab 268 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Introduction to the Cisco Mobility Express Wireless Architecture 269 Cisco Mobility Express 270 Small Business Communication System 270 Express Wireless Architecture 272 Cisco Mobility Express vs. CUWN Features Comparison 274 Using the Cisco Configuration Assistant 275 The Discovery Process with the CCA 279 Configuring the Express 526WLC Without the CCA 280 Summary 281 Exam Essentials 281 Written Lab 283 Hands-On Labs 283 Hands-on Lab 8.1: Installing the CCA and Connecting to the 526WLC 283 Hands-on Lab 8.2: Connecting Directly to the 526WLC Through the Management Port 284 Review Questions 285 Answers to Review Questions 289 Answers to Written Lab 290 Installing the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) 291 Understanding Controller Interfaces 292 Ports 292 Types of Interfaces 293 WLC Management 297 Initial Setup Options 298 Managing Stand-alone APs 309 Connecting To and Managing a Stand-alone AP 310 Express Setup and Security 313 Migrating Stand-alone APs 315 Reverting Back to Cisco IOS 317 Summary 318 Exam Essentials 318 Written Lab 320 Hands-On Labs 320 Lab 9.1: Performing the Initial Setup via the Service Port 320 Lab 9.2: Creating a WLAN 321

20 xviii Contents Lab 9.3: Performing the Initial Setup via the Serial Port 322 Lab 9.4: Adding an Administrative User on the WLC 322 Lab 9.5: Executing the Express Setup on a Stand-alone AP 323 Review Questions 324 Answers to Review Questions 328 Answers to Written Lab 330 Chapter 10 Configuring Wireless Security on the CUWN 331 Security and the Connection Process 332 Configuring Security on the WLC 333 Settings per WLAN 333 Global Settings 339 Configuring the Clients 340 Windows Zero Configuration 341 Linux Network Manager 345 Mac AirPort Extreme 346 Cisco ADU 348 Summary 349 Exam Essentials 349 Written Lab 351 Hands-On Labs 352 Lab 10.1: Configuring the WLC for WPA PSK 352 Lab 10.2: Configuring the WLC for 802.1x 353 Review Questions 354 Answers to Review Questions 358 Answers to Written Lab 360 Chapter 11 Wireless Control System (WCS) 361 Basics of WCS 362 WCS Versions 363 WCS Licensing 364 Cisco WCS Navigator 366 Installing and Upgrading WCS 366 Configuring Ports 366 Performing a New WCS Install 367 Upgrading WCS 374 Verifying the Upgrade/Installation 375 Basic WCS Setup 375 Configuring Passwords 376 Administration Tasks 376 Background Tasks 378 AAA 379 Configuring WLCs and APs 384 Managing the Controllers 390

21 Contents xix Configuring Maps 396 Setting Up Campus Maps 396 Setting Up Building Maps 399 Setting Up Floor Plan Maps 400 Setting Up APs on Maps 401 Monitoring the CUWN with WCS 404 Personalizing the Home Page 405 Using the Monitor Tab 407 Locating Devices 412 Summary 412 Exam Essentials 413 Written Lab 414 Hands-On Labs 414 Lab 11.1: Installing the WCS 414 Lab 11.2: Creating an Administrative Account 416 Review Questions 417 Answers to Review Questions 421 Answers to Written Lab 422 Chapter 12 WLAN Maintenance and Troubleshooting 423 Basic Troubleshooting Methods 424 WLCs 425 APs 426 Clients 426 Troubleshooting Tools 432 Troubleshooting a Client Association with a WLAN Analyzer 432 GUI Tools on the WLC 432 GUI Tools on the WCS 434 WLC CLI Troubleshooting 436 debug Commands 436 show Commands 440 Logging 441 RF Deployment Considerations 449 Interference Sources 449 Conducting the All-Important Site Survey 454 WLC and WCS Configuration and OS Files 458 Code Upgrades 458 WLC Configuration Backups 462 Collecting Information on the APs 465 WLC Access Methods 466 GUI 467 CLI 467 Summary 469

22 xx Contents Exam Essentials 469 Written Lab 470 Hands-On Labs 470 Lab 12.1: Upgrading the Code Version on the WCS 471 Lab 12.2: Performing a Manual Backup of the WCS Database 471 Lab 12.3: Performing a Controller Code Update 472 Review Questions 473 Answers to Review Questions 476 Answers to Written Lab 478 Appendix About the Companion CD 479 Glossary 483 Index 493

23 Introduction Welcome to CCNA Wireless Study Guide, a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need for Cisco s new exam For readers who are new to Cisco certifications, there is a well-defined structure to the different levels that network administrators can achieve. Cisco s current certification structure has the following five levels of certification: NN Entry level NN Associate NN Professional NN Expert NN Architect This book is written for the associate level of certification. Cisco considers this level to be the apprentice or foundation level for network administrators. Cisco has recently broadened its associate-level certifications to include not only a certification for routing and switching (CCNA) and design (CCDA) but also more targeted associate-level certifications for security (CCNA Security), wireless (CCNA Wireless), and voice (CCNA Voice). These new certifications target specific areas of Cisco technology and are to be used as stepping-stones for the professional and expert levels of certification that Cisco offers. Cisco s Wireless Certifications Cisco offers three distinct levels of Wireless certifications. The following diagram shows that the CCNA Wireless certification is a building block to the professional- and expert-level wireless certifications: CCIE Wireless CCNP Wireless CCNA Wireless This book covers the CCNA Wireless certification exam As of the writing of this book, the exam costs $250 USD. The exam tests your knowledge a great deal in areas both theoretical and technically specific to Cisco hardware and software. Once you achieve your CCNA Wireless certification, you can choose to continue on the wireless path and achieve higher certifications, such as the CCNP Wireless or the ultimate CCIE Wireless Expert. But even if you stop after achieving your CCNA Wireless certification, you will have demonstrated to your current or prospective employers that you have a

24 xxii Introduction sound knowledge of the interoperations of wireless and Cisco wireless technologies. This assurance to employers will make it easier for you to land that dream job you ve always wanted! What Skills Do You Need to Become a CCNA Wireless? Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) validates associate-level knowledge and skills to configure, implement, and support wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. With a CCNA Wireless certification, network professionals can support a basic wireless network on a Cisco WLAN in a small to mediumsized business (SMB) to enterprise network. This CCNA Wireless study guide includes written and hands-on labs to prepare you for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks. The exam tests your knowledge of installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting small to medium-sized WLANs utilizing skills that enable you to: NN Describe WLAN fundamentals NN Install a basic Cisco wireless LAN NN Install wireless clients NN Implement basic WLAN security NN Operate basic WCS NN Conduct basic WLAN maintenance and troubleshooting Be sure to check my and/or Cisco s website for the latest Cisco CCNA objectives and other Cisco exams, objectives, and certifications they can change at a moment s notice. How Do You Become a CCNA Wireless? The way to become a CCNA Wireless is to pass two tests, the CCNA and then the CCNA Wireless , each at $250 a pop, although the path may vary depending on your experience. I can t stress this enough: it s critical that you have some hands-on experience with Cisco devices. If you can get a hold of some Cisco wireless gear, you re set. But if you can t, I ve worked hard to provide hundreds of configuration examples throughout this book to help network administrators (or people who want to become network wireless administrators) learn what they need to know to pass the CCNA Wireless exam (although I can t think of anyone who s passed the CCNA or the CCNA Wireless exams without some type of handson experience).

25 Introduction xxiii For Cisco Authorized hands-on training, please see Each student will get hands-on experience by configuring their own controller and lightweight access points, as well as experience with WCS software, a wireless analyzer, and other tools. What Does This Book Cover? This book covers everything you need to know in order to pass the CCNA Wireless ( ) exam. However, taking the time to study and practice with Cisco s new wireless gear is the real key to success. You will learn the following information in this book: NN Chapter 1, Wireless Networks and Topologies, introduces you to wireless networking and topologies. You will learn the basics of wireless the way Cisco wants you to learn them. A review of switching, VLANs, and native VLANs is presented as well. There are written labs and plenty of review questions to help you focus on the exam objectives for this chapter. NN Chapter 2, WLAN RF Fundamentals, provides you with the background necessary for discussing the real-world WLAN radio frequency fundamentals. This in-depth chapter picks up where Chapter 1 left off and starts discussing the pros and cons of radio frequencies and the basic principles of RF. Both written and practice exam questions are included at the end of the chapter. NN Chapter 3, Spread Spectrum Technologies and Modulations, introduces you to modulating the RF signal you learned in Chapter 2. Although this is a technical chapter, Spread Spectrum is important information to understand for the CCNA Wireless objectives. Plenty of help is found in this chapter if you do not skip the written lab and review questions. NN Chapter 4, Wireless Regulation Bodies, Standards, and Certifications, introduces you to the wireless standards and certifications that are in use today. Nonstandard wireless products are also covered in this chapter. Be sure to complete the written lab and review questions. NN Chapter 5, Introduction to Wireless Security, provides you with the advanced wireless security that you must fully understand for the CCNA Wireless objectives. This is not the easiest chapter in the book, but it is imperative for your wireless career that you grasp the concepts provided in this chapter. Cisco s objectives cover mostly nonproprietary security standards. Complete the written lab and review questions to help you focus on the chapter and reread as many times as necessary. NN Chapter 6, Wireless Clients and the Cisco Extension (CCX), teaches you about the wireless clients that are used in today s networks. Some of the objectives were already out of date when I wrote the book, so I tried to update the chapter as much as possible without going too far outside the objectives. The written lab, hands-on labs, and review questions will help you master the understanding you need to meet the objectives.

26 xxiv Introduction NN NN NN NN NN NN Chapter 7, Introduction to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN), is where we can finally get out of the WLAN fundamentals and start talking Cisco-specific wireless with an introduction to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN). This is a great chapter to start your understanding of the Cisco wireless solutions. The written lab and review questions will provide the direction you need to understand this portion of the exam. Chapter 8, Introduction to the Cisco Mobility Express Wireless Architecture, provides an introduction to the less expensive alternative to the CUWN enterprise controllers and APs and discusses the Cisco Mobility Express, specifically the Cisco 500 series CUWN products. Go through the written lab and review questions as well as the hands-on labs to learn how to start configuring a small CUWN. Chapter 9, Installing the Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN), is where we start getting into the enterprise model of the CUWN and learn about the controller and configuration of a larger network. The written lab and review questions reinforce the material, but the hands-on labs are critical to your success on the exam objectives. Chapter 10, Configuring Wireless Security on the CUWN, covers the security options in the enterprise products for the CUWN and how to configure the networks. Written and hands-on labs, along with review questions, will help you study for the security configuration portion of the CCNA written exam. Chapter 11, Wireless Control System (WCS), is not a small chapter, but the WCS objectives are not as large as the chapter. I added much more information in this chapter than is necessary for the CCNA Wireless exam, but I wanted to provide you with information that is hard to find but necessary when designing and implementing an enterprise CUWN. The hands-on labs, written lab, and review questions will help you grasp the CCNA Wireless objectives in full. Chapter 12, WLAN Maintenance and Troubleshooting, is another large chapter, but all the information I added in this chapter is fair game in the objectives. WLAN maintenance and troubleshooting is one of the main jobs of a CCNA Wireless certified administrator. The hands-on lab, written lab, and review questions focus on the exam objectives. How to Use This Book If you want a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless ( ) exam, then look no further. I have spent hundreds of hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you to pass the CCNA Wireless exam and learn how to configure Cisco controllers and lightweight access points (among hundreds of other things!).

27 Introduction xxv This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your studying time if you understand how I put the book together. To best benefit from this book, I recommend the following study method: 1. Take the assessment test immediately following this introduction. (The answers are at the end of the test.) It s okay if you don t know any of the answers; that s why you bought this book! Carefully read over the explanations for any question you get wrong. This information should help you plan your study strategy. My recommendation is to just start reading from Chapter 1 and don t stop until you re all the way through Chapter Study each chapter carefully, making sure that you fully understand the information and the test objectives listed at the beginning of each one. Pay extra-close attention to any chapter that includes material covered in questions you missed in the assessment test. 3. Complete each written lab at the end of each chapter. Do not skip these written exercises because they directly relate to the CCNA Wireless objectives and what you must glean from the chapters in which they appear. Do not just skim these labs! Make sure you understand completely the reason for each answer. 4. Complete all hands-on labs in the chapter (not all chapters have hands-on labs), referring to the text of the chapter so that you understand the reason for each step you take. If you do not have Cisco equipment available, either buy some from ebay or your local Cisco reseller, or rent some Cisco Wireless pods from a Cisco Authorized training center. 5. Answer all the review questions related to each chapter. (The answers appear at the end of the chapters.) Note the questions that confuse you and study those sections of the book again. Do not just skim these questions! Make sure you understand completely the reason for each answer. Remember that these will not be the exact questions you find on the exam; they are written to help you understand the chapter material. 6. Try your hand at the two bonus exams that are included on the companion CD. The questions in these exams appear only on the CD. Check out for more Cisco exam prep questions. The questions found at my website will be updated at least monthly, if not weekly or even daily! Before you take your test, be sure to visit my website for questions, videos, audios, and other useful information that might be available. 7. Test yourself using all the flashcards on the CD. This is a brand-new updated flashcard program to help you prepare for the CCNA Wireless exam. It is a great study tool! To learn every bit of the material covered in this book, you ll have to apply yourself regularly, and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time period every day to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place to do so. If you work hard, you will be surprised at how quickly you learn this material. If you follow the steps listed here and study and practice the review questions, bonus exams, and the electronic flashcards, as well as all the written and hands-on labs, it would be hard to fail the CCNA Wireless exam. However, studying for the CCNA Wireless exam is like trying to get in shape if you do not go to the gym every day, you won t get in shape.

28 xxvi Introduction Recommended Home Lab Setup It is critical to get some hands-on experience with both Cisco controllers and lightweight access points. The following is a list of equipment I recommend you try to acquire (at a minimum) for your home lab studies. If you are concerned about the high cost of purchasing the equipment, keep in mind that Cisco hardware can be easily resold on used markets such as Craigslist or ebay. Combine that fact with adding an extremely hot certification to your resume, and it s an investment well worth the initial cost. Qty Item 1 Cisco 1140 or 1242 Access Point 1 Cisco 2100 Series Controller 1 Wireless laptop 1 Switch and Ethernet cables 1 Bonus: Wireless Analyzer software on wireless laptop 1 Bonus: Fast PC with WCS Software This equipment should give you the ability to practice configuring Cisco Unified Wireless Networks (CUWNs) using the command line, web GUI, and CCA methods detailed in this book. There are various combinations of controllers and lightweight APs that you can use that will get the same results as the products I listed here. Keep in mind that the CUWN 500 series devices can also be used, but I don t recommend them because of their limited upgrade path, and they do not cover all the exam objectives. Todd Lammle Videos and Audios I have created a full CCNA series of videos and audios that can be purchased in either DVD or ipod downloadable format. These can be found at While you re there, be sure and check out my forum and blog, which is updated weekly at

29 Introduction xxvii What s on the CD? We worked hard to provide some great tools to help you with your certification process. All of the following tools should be loaded on your workstation when you re studying for the test. The Sybex Test Preparation Software The test preparation software prepares you to pass the CCNA Wireless exam. In this test engine, you will find all the review and assessment questions from the book, plus two additional bonus exams that appear exclusively on the CD. Electronic Flashcards for the PC To prepare for the exam, you can read this book, study the review questions at the end of each chapter, and work through the practice exams included in the book and on the companion CD. But wait, there s more! You can also test yourself with the flashcards included on the CD. If you can get through these difficult questions and understand the answers, you ll know you re ready for the CCNA exam. The flashcards include over 100 questions specifically written to hit you hard and make sure you are ready for the exam. Between the review questions, bonus exams, and flashcards on the CD, you ll be more than prepared for the exam. CCNA Wireless Study Guide ( ) in PDF Sybex offers the CCNA Wireless Study Guide ( ) in PDF on the CD so you can read the book on your PC or laptop. (Acrobat Reader is also included on the CD.) Where Do You Take the Exams? You may take the CCNA Wireless exam at any of the Pearson VUE authorized centers ( or call (877) 404-EXAM (3926). To register for a Cisco Certified Network Associate exam: 1. Determine the number of the exam you want to take. (The CCNA Wireless exam number is ) 2. Register with the nearest Pearson VUE testing center. At this point, you will be asked to pay in advance for the exam. As of this writing, the exam is $250 and must be taken within one year of payment. You can schedule exams up to six weeks in advance or as late as the same day you want to take it but if you fail a Cisco exam, you must wait

30 xxviii Introduction five days before you will be allowed to retake it. If something comes up and you need to cancel or reschedule your exam appointment, contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours in advance. 3. When you schedule the exam, you ll get instructions regarding all appointment and cancellation procedures, the ID requirements, and information about the testing center location. Tips for Taking Your CCNA Wireless Exam The CCNA Wireless exam contains about questions and must be completed in 90 minutes or less. This information can change per exam. You must get a score of about 85 percent to pass this exam, but again, each exam can be different. Many questions on the exam have answer choices that at first glance look identical especially the syntax questions! Remember to read through the choices carefully because close doesn t cut it. If you get commands in the wrong order or forget one measly character, you ll get the question wrong. So, to practice, do the hands-on exercises at the end of this book s chapters over and over again until they feel natural to you. Also, never forget that the right answer is the Cisco answer. In many cases, more than one appropriate answer is presented, but the correct answer is the one that Cisco recommends. On the exam, you re always instructed to pick one, two, or three, never choose all that apply. The CCNA Wireless exam may include the following test formats: NN Multiple-choice single answer NN Multiple-choice multiple answer NN Drag-and-drop NN Fill-in-the-blank NN Simulations In addition to multiple choice and fill-in response questions, Cisco Career Certification exams may include performance simulation exam items, which makes hands-on experience even more important before taking the exam. Here are some general tips for exam success: NN Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials. NN Read the questions carefully. Don t jump to conclusions. Make sure you re clear about exactly what each question asks. NN When answering multiple-choice questions that you re not sure about, use the process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. Doing this greatly improves your odds if you need to make an educated guess. NN You can no longer move forward and backward through the Cisco exams, so doublecheck your answer before clicking Next since you can t change your mind.