Local area networks (LANs) are essential to today’s enterprises. Wi-Fi (also known as wireless-LAN and 802.11) solutions allow organizations to extend their existing LANs to mobile and remote users and to benefit from ad-hoc networks formed when mobility-enabled devices come together. Wi-Fi deployment is accelerating in all markets including SOHO, private enterprise, government, military and public network access (Hot-Spots). This course provides a detailed understanding of the functions, benefits, challenges and opportunities of Wi-Fi and the deployment practices required to install secure wireless solutions that are cost-effective, productive and risk-free.

2-days (general audiences) or 3-days (technical audiences).

A 2-day seminar where students are actively engaged with dialog, workshops and demonstrations designed to maximize learning and retention. The three-day version adds additional detailed content in all topics for technical audiences.

After this training participants will be able to: 

• Understand basic terminology and concepts and take the lead in Wi-Fi discussions with suppliers, contractors, clients and colleagues
• Compare and contrast the features, functions, benefits and challenges of wired and wireless LAN solutions
• Explain and manage the unique challenges, impairments and markets for radio-based communication used in Wi-Fi 
• Identify, deploy and configure the elements comprising a Wi-Fi LAN including: network adapter cards, access points, routers, bridges, Windows operating system and drivers
• Describe the properties, functions and complementary relationship of the TCP/IP and 802.11 protocol and configure the protocols for correct operation
• Systematically investigate and troubleshoot problems that are likely to occur in Wi-Fi environments
• Identify wireless LAN security threats and implement and configure standard countermeasures including: closed access points, address filtering, wired equivalent privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• Stay current as wireless LANs evolve to even higher performance and greater market penetration

• Non-technical personnel who wish to understand the business case, market opportunities and target deployments for Wi-Fi and desire to develop a general appreciation for the challenges and opportunities in this market. (Line and staff management, contract and personnel supervisors, marketing, sales, finance…)
• Technical personnel will develop a deep understanding of the fundamental technical challenges and best practices developed to implement, secure and troubleshoot practical Wi-Fi extensions to their LANs. (Technical staff and managers, engineers, technicians, system and LAN administrators, IT specialists, help-desk staff…)

An understanding of LAN implementations and Ethernet.

• The Case for Wi-Fi
• Overview of radio communication and Wi-Fi
• TCP/IP and 802.11 (Wi-Fi) Protocols
• Configuring an 802.11b Wi-Fi LAN
• Troubleshooting Wireless LANs
• Security Challenges and Strategies
• The Future of Wireless LANs.