LIVE Online Course: Wireless LAN Fundamentals
Learn critical concepts, including RF signal concepts, components, implications and 802.11 standards , and gain hands on experiences with wireless LANs.
Your instructor
Jim Geier is the Principal Consultant of Wireless-Nets, Ltd. and author of over a dozen books, including Deploying 802.11n Wireless LANs (Cisco Press). His 25 years of experience includes the analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of numerous wireless network-based solutions for enterprises, municipalities, hospitals, universities, airports, warehouses, and product manufacturers worldwide. Read Jim's full bio and CV.
How you learn
With a web browser, you attend a total of four 2-hour live / interactive online classes over a period of two weeks in our virtual classroom, where the instructor explains concepts and conducts demonstrations. You can ask the instructor questions during class sessions via chat integrated in the virtual classroom or between classes through email. As an option (included in the course tuition), you can complete practical hands-on experiments under the guidance of the instructor, weekly reading assignments, and quizzes that reinforce the learning experience. Experiments include the use of RF measurement and packet analysis tools that you may already have (or you can use freely-available tools, such as NetStumbler and Wireshark). Ideally, you should also have an 802.11 access point or router (and computer with 802.11 client card) for most of the experiments.
What you learn
This course is divided into four modules that provide an extensive introduction and hands-on experiences with wireless LANs, which offers a solid foundation for learning more advanced topics:
Week 1
Module 1: Radio Frequency (RF) Signal Concepts
Learn what you need to know about RF signals.
This module defines RF signal attributes, such as frequency, power, signal propagation, attenuation, noise, and multipath. In addition, the module explains how RF transceivers operate and regulatory rules and limitations. Students practice measuring RF signals to understand RF signal attributes and propagation.
Module 2: Wireless LAN Components and Systems
Learn what components comprise a wireless LAN system.
This module describes wireless LAN architectures, such as infrastructure, ad hoc, and mesh, and components, such as client radio cards, access points, mesh nodes, antennas, amplifiers, repeaters, bridges, switches, authentication servers, and test tools. This module also explains how these components operate together as a wireless LAN system. Students practice installing a small wireless LAN in their home or office.
Week 2
Module 3: Wireless LAN Implications
Learn how to resolve implications that may impact the operation of a wireless LAN.
This module discusses issues that can impede the operation of a wireless LAN, such as radio signal interference, attenuation, and security vulnerabilities. The module also explains how to counter the issues. Students practice performing tests to determine the impacts of the various implications.
Module 4: 802.11 Standard Overview
Learn important 802.11 functions as the basis for implementing a wireless LAN.
This module describes and compares the various flavors of 802.11 (Wi-Fi), which includes 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n, as well as MAC layer enhancements, such as 802.11i and 802.11r. This module also describes 802.11 functions, such as scanning, authentication, association, data delivery, error control, rate shifting, security, roaming, power management, and quality-of-service. Students practice performing throughput and protocol tests that illustrate the behavior of the 802.11 protocols.