Learning wireless

blackzone

Know absolutely nothing about wireless.

Thinking to buy some cheap equipment for learning. Don't know how to start. Any suggestions?

Also, for the wireless cert, are there any which emphasis on hands on, prefering vendor specific?

I remember reading CWNA official pdf a long tme ago when it is still free. And I forgot everything

Hope to get some real hands on this tme.

JDMurray

The first thing to realize is that 802.11 wireless networking (Wi-Fi) is just an extension of 802.3 Ethernet networking. The wired network cables running between servers and workstations are replaced with wireless radio signals. This means to understand wireless networking, you must first have a solid foundation in Ethernet networking. Although it is not required, I recommend anyone wanting to pass the CWNA first pass the CompTIA Network+ exam to make sure that they have the necessary understanding of 802.3 networking.

The hands-on experience you will need with 802.11 wireless networking begins with learning how to configure wireless client software and access point firmware. A laptop with wireless software and a $50 Linksys or D-link access point is a good start. Having access to a wireless campus setup, like at a school or in a building, is a good way to learn about wireless gateways and the problems with placing multiple access points. Wireless networking is a cousin to amateur (HAM) radio, so any experience in that area is a plus.

As for certification exams:

The CWNP exams (CWNA, CWSP, Wireless#, etc.) are vendor-independant (http://www.cwnp.com), as are the wireless certifications from Are Technologies (http://www.aretechnologies.net/wirelesscareercertifications.asp).

There are several vendor-specific wireless certifications, the most noteable ones being from Cisco (http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le11/learning_all_certification_exams_list.html#wireless).

NARTE offers certification for wireless installers, engineers, and technicians (http://www.narte.org/h/wireless.asp).


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