| Aim of Module | To provide students with an understanding of wireless networking principles and the knowledge and skills required for installing and maintaining wireless networks |
| Credits | 7 |
| Student Learning hours | 70 |
| Content Revised | New 2004 |
| Prescription Expiry Date | Nov 2007 |
| Note | Based on the CISCO FUNDAMENTALS OF WIRELESS NETWORKING programme content |
| Topics | Highest Skill Level | Suggested Assessment Percentage | |
| 1 Wireless networks, standards and network interface cards (NICs) | A | 15 | |
| 2 Wireless radio technology | C | 10 | |
| 3 Wireless topologies | C | 10 | |
| 4 Access points and bridges | A | 10 | |
| 5 Antennas | C | 10 | |
| 6 Security | A | 10 | |
| 7 Wireless Network Design | C | 10 | |
| 8 Site surveys | A | 10 | |
| 9 Wireless network management | P | 5 | |
| 10 Emerging technologies | C | 5 | |
| 11 Wireless certification and product families | C | 5 | |
| 100 | |||
| LEARNING OUTCOMES The Student Will | ||
| A | 1 | Describe the key features and components of wireless networks, 802.11 standards and configure client adaptors and utilities |
| C | 2 | Describe the underlying physics and mathematics used to analyse wireless networks |
| C | 3 | Describe the fey features and components and of wireless LANs WLANs and their topologies |
| A | 4 | Describe and explain the operation of wireless bridges and connect access points and configure Ethernet and radio ports to provide client network services |
| C | 5 | Describe and explain the operation and installation of various antennas in wide use and define their performance |
| A | 6 | Describe the technologies used to secure wireless networks and demonstrate their configuration |
| C | 7 | Describe the key components of a wireless network design in relation to a number of widely used applications |
| A | 8 | Prepare for and conduct a site survey including the provision of appropriate documentation |
| P | 9 | Manage, monitor and troubleshoot a typical wireless network installation |
| C | 10 | Describe the various emerging wireless technologies their uses and applications |
| C | 11 | Describe and explain the various wireless certifications, specifications and equipment typically used in wireless networks and describe how they may be sourced |
| 1 | Wireless networks, standards and network interface cards (NICs) |
| > | A description of the key features and components of wireless networks, 802.11 standards will include: | |
| - | Basic Wireless LAN function: | |
| - Networking Media | ||
| - Wireless technologies | ||
| - Components of a wireless network | ||
| - WLANs | ||
| - 802.11 Standards | ||
| - 802.11 MAC Layer | ||
| - Physical Layer | ||
| - | Configuring client adaptors and utilities will involve: | |
| - Client Adaptors | ||
| - Client Utility | ||
| - Conducting diagnostics on a wireless network | ||
| 2 | Wireless radio technology |
| > | Mathematics for studying radio | |
| > | Electromagnetic waves | |
| > | Signals in time | |
| > | Signals in frequency | |
| > | Radio systems | |
| > | Multiple access | |
| > | Radio wave propagation | |
| 3 | Wireless topologies |
| > | Components | |
| > | WLAN topologies | |
| > | Channel set up | |
| > | Bridge topologies | |
| > | Sample topologies: | |
| 4 | Access points and bridges |
| > | Access point connection | |
| > | Basic configuration | |
| > | Management navigation | |
| > | Ethernet port configuration | |
| > | Wireless bridges | |
| > | Basic bridge configuration | |
| > | Configuring the radio and Ethernet ports | |
| > | Configuring services | |
| > | Managing configuration files | |
| > | Statistics | |
| 5 | Antennas |
| > | Describing antenna performance | |
| > | 2.4 Ghz Omni-directional Antennas | |
| > | 2.4 Ghz Directional Antennas | |
| > | 5 Ghz Antenna | |
| > | Cable and accessories | |
| > | Link engineering | |
| > | Antenna installation | |
| 6 | Security |
| > | Security fundamentals | |
| > | WLAN security technologies | |
| > | Configuring users and WEP | |
| > | Configuring associations and filters | |
| > | Scalable WLAN Security | |
| 7 | Wireless Network Design |
| > | Scalable enterprise WLAN security | |
| > | Wireless network applications | |
| > | WLAN design | |
| > | Building to building design | |
| > | Site survey equipment and utilities: | |
| 8 | Site surveys |
| > | Infrastructure awareness | |
| > | Conducting surveys | |
| > | Mounting and installation | |
| > | Accessories | |
| > | Documentation | |
| > | Surveying WLANs and project management | |
| 9 | Wireless network management |
| > | Troubleshooting methodology | |
| > | OSI Troubleshooting | |
| > | TCP/IP troubleshooting | |
| > | Diagnostic tools | |
| > | WLAN problems and single point failures | |
| > | LAN troubleshooting | |
| > | Wireless network monitoring and management | |
| 10 | Emerging technologies |
| > | Ultra wideband wireless | |
| > | VoIP and Voice over WLANS | |
| > | Mobile Wireless | |
| > | Unified communications and integrated solutions | |
| > | Wireless network installation case studies | |
| 11 | Wireless certification and product families |
| > | Wireless organisations and certifications | |
| > | Bluetooth and HomeRF specifications | |
| > | Adaptor product vendors and specifications | |
| > | Bridge product vendors and specifications | |
| > | Antenna product vendors and specifications | |
| > | Other relevant organisations | |
| Note | ||
| > | A typical assessment strategy should include: | |
| - | practical skills tests | |
| - | laboratory exercises | |
| - | group activities | |
| - | progressive on-line tests (CISCO Web Portal) | |
| - | summative (final) on-line test (CISCO Web Portal) | |
| - | kinaesthetic activities | |