Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks As wired networks are increasingly replaced with 802.11n wireless connections, enterprise users are shifting to centralized, next-generation architectures built around Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC). These networks will increasingly run business-critical voice, data, and video applications that once required wired Ethernet. In Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals, three senior Cisco wireless experts bring together all the practical and conceptual knowledge professionals need to confidently design, configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot 802.11n networks with Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) technologies. The authors first introduce the core principles, components, and advantages of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco offerings. Drawing on their pioneering experience, the authors present tips, insights, and best practices for network design and implementation as well as detailed configuration examples. Next, they illuminate key technologies ranging from WLCs to Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP), Fixed Mobile Convergence to WiFi Voice. They also show how to take advantage of the CUWN’s end-to-end security, automatic configuration, self-healing, and integrated management capabilities. This book serves as a practical, hands-on reference for all network administrators, designers, and engineers through the entire project lifecycle, and an authoritative learning tool for new wireless certification programs. This is the only book that Fully covers the principles and components of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco WLCs and Cisco 802.11n AP Brings together real-world tips, insights, and best practices for designing and implementing next-generation wireless networks Presents start-to-finish configuration examples for common deployment scenarios Reflects the extensive first-hand experience of Cisco experts Gain an operational and design-level understanding of WLAN Controller (WLC) architectures, related technologies, and the problems they solve Understand 802.11n, MIMO, and protocols developed to support WLC architecture Use Cisco technologies to enhance wireless network reliability, resilience, and scalability while reducing operating expenses Safeguard your assets using Cisco Unified Wireless Network’s advanced security features Design wireless networks capable of serving as an enterprise’s primary or only access network and supporting advanced mobility services Utilize Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to plan, deploy, monitor, troubleshoot, and report on wireless networks throughout their lifecycles Configure Cisco wireless LANs for multicasting Quickly troubleshoot problems with Cisco controller-based wireless LANs This book is part of the Cisco Press® Fundamentals Series. Books in this series introduce networking professionals to new networking technologies, covering network topologies, sample deployment concepts, protocols, and management techniques. Category: Wireless Covers: Cisco Controller-Based Wireless LANs

Gain a practical understanding of the underlying concepts of the 802.11n standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation Practical, start-to-finish guidance for successful deployment of 802.11n wireless LANs With the ratification of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard, thousands of companies are moving rapidly toward implementation. However, 802.11n is very different from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, and successful deployment requires new knowledge and techniques. In this book, leading wireless expert Jim Geier systematically presents all the information and guidance that network architects, engineers, administrators, and managers need to maximize the performance and business value of new 802.11n networks. Drawing on extensive experience with real-world 802.11n deployments, Geier guides you through the entire project lifecycle: planning, design, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. Each phase of wireless LAN deployment is organized into clearly defined steps, and multiple case studies and hands-on exercises show how to apply each technique. You’ll find practical guidance for deploying in enterprises without existing wireless infrastructure, as well as migrating from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g networks. For convenient reference, Geier also provides an extensive, up-to-date wireless networking glossary. Understanding 802.11n MAC, physical layer, and related standards Designing 802.11n wireless networks for diverse scenarios: considering architecture, range, performance, roaming, and RF issues Migrating from 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks Choosing the right tools and equipment, and using them effectively Planning effectively: scoping projects; creating work breakdown structures; organizing teams, schedules, and budgets; defining requirements, and more Securing WLANs via encryption, authentication, rogue access point detection, RF shielding, and polices Performing site surveys and identifying optimum access point locations Installing and configuring wireless LANs: planning, staging, deployment, documentation, and more Systematic testing to improve signal coverage, performance, and security Managing wireless LANs: help desk support, network monitoring, maintenance, engineering, configuration management, security, tools, and more Troubleshooting 802.11n networks: identifying issues with connectivity, performance, and more

The next frontier for wireless LANs is 802.11ac, a standard that increases throughput beyond one gigabit per second. This concise guide provides in-depth information to help you plan for 802.11ac, with technical details on design, network operations, deployment, and monitoring. Author Matthew Gast—an industry expert who led the development of 802.11-2012 and security task groups at the Wi-Fi Alliance—explains how 802.11ac will not only increase the speed of your network, but its capacity as well. Whether you need to serve more clients with your current level of throughput, or serve your existing client load with higher throughput, 802.11ac is the solution. This book gets you started. Understand how the 802.11ac protocol works to improve the speed and capacity of a wireless LAN Explore how beamforming increases speed capacity by improving link margin, and lays the foundation for multi-user MIMO Learn how multi-user MIMO increases capacity by enabling an AP to send data to multiple clients simultaneously Plan when and how to upgrade your network to 802.11ac by evaluating client devices, applications, and network connections

As we all know by now, wireless networks offer many advantages over fixed (or wired) networks. Foremost on that list is mobility, since going wireless frees you from the tether of an Ethernet cable at a desk. But that's just the tip of the cable-free iceberg. Wireless networks are also more flexible, faster and easier for you to use, and more affordable to deploy and maintain.The de facto standard for wireless networking is the 802.11 protocol, which includes Wi-Fi (the wireless standard known as 802.11b) and its faster cousin, 802.11g. With easy-to-install 802.11 network hardware available everywhere you turn, the choice seems simple, and many people dive into wireless computing with less thought and planning than they'd give to a wired network. But it's wise to be familiar with both the capabilities and risks associated with the 802.11 protocols. And 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition is the perfect place to start.This updated edition covers everything you'll ever need to know about wireless technology. Designed with the system administrator or serious home user in mind, it's a no-nonsense guide for setting up 802.11 on Windows and Linux. Among the wide range of topics covered are discussions on: deployment considerations network monitoring and performance tuning wireless security issues how to use and select access points network monitoring essentials wireless card configuration security issues unique to wireless networks With wireless technology, the advantages to its users are indeed plentiful. Companies no longer have to deal with the hassle and expense of wiring buildings, and households with several computers can avoid fights over who's online. And now, with 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition, you can integrate wireless technology into your current infrastructure with the utmost confidence.

Provides the key practical considerations for deploying wireless LANs and a solid understanding of the emerging technologies.

This is the only complete, all-in-one guide to deploying, running, and troubleshooting wireless networks with Cisco® Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP)/Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP). Authored by two of the most experienced Cisco wireless support professionals, the book presents start-to-finish coverage of implementing WLCs in existing wired and wireless network environments, troubleshooting design-related issues, and using LWAPP/CAPWAP solutions to achieve your specific business and technical goals. One step at a time, you’ll walk through designing, configuring, maintaining, and scaling wireless networks using Cisco Unified Wireless technologies. The authors show how to use LWAPP/CAPWAP to control multiple Wi-Fi wireless access points at once, streamlining network administration and monitoring and maximizing scalability. Drawing on their extensive problem-resolution experience, the authors also provide expert guidelines for troubleshooting, including an end-to-end problem-solving model available in no other book. Although not specifically designed to help you pass the CCIE® Wireless written and lab exams, this book does provide you with real-world configuration and troubleshooting examples. Understanding the basic configuration practices, how the products are designed to function, the feature sets, and what to look for while troubleshooting these features will be invaluable to anyone wanting to pass the CCIE Wireless exams. Efficiently install, configure, and troubleshoot Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers Move autonomous wireless network solutions to LWAPP/CAPWAP Integrate LWAPP/CAPWAP solutions into existing wired networks Understand the next-generation WLC architecture Use Hybrid REAP and Home AP solutions to centrally configure and control branch/remote access points without deploying controllers in every location Use Mobility Groups to provide system-wide mobility easily and cost-effectively Use Cisco WLC troubleshooting tools, and resolve client-related problems Maximize quality in wireless voice applications Build efficient wireless mesh networks Use RRM to manage RF in real-time, optimizing efficiency and performance Reference the comprehensive WLC and AP debugging guide Part of the CCIE Professional Development Series, this is the first book to offer authoritative training for the new CCIE Wireless Exam. It will also serve as excellent preparation for Cisco’s new CCNP® Wireless exam.

Wireless has finally come of age. With a significant jump in throughput over previous standards, 802.11n is the first wireless technology that doesn’t trade speed for mobility, and users have stormed onto wireless networks with a passion. In this concise guide, Matthew Gast—chair of the IEEE group that produced revision 802.11-2012—shows you why wireless has become the default method of connecting to a network, and provides technical details you need to plan, design, and deploy 802.11n today. Building a network for the multitude of new devices is now a strategic decision for network engineers everywhere. This book gives you an in-depth look at key parts of 802.11n, and shows you how to achieve an Ethernet-free wireless office. Learn how MIMO’s multiple data streams greatly increase wireless speed Discover how 802.11n modifications improve MAC efficiency Examine advanced PHY features such as beanforming and space-time code block Use advanced MAC features to maintain interoperability with older devices Plan an 802.11n network by determining traffic demand, key applications, power requirements, and security Choose the architecture, select hardware, and plan coverage to design and build your network