Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)

The Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) training is a comprehensive, vendor-neutral program that provides IT professionals with the fundamental knowledge and hands-on skills to design, install, configure, troubleshoot, and support wireless local area networks (WLANs). This course serves as the foundation for all CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional) certifications and aligns with the CWNA-109 exam objectives.

Through interactive lectures, real-world examples, and live demonstrations, participants gain a deep understanding of 802.11 wireless networking technologies, radio frequency (RF) fundamentals, WLAN design, security, and troubleshooting methodologies.

By the end of this training, students will be prepared to take and pass the CWNA certification exam, validating their expertise in enterprise wireless networking.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand wireless networking fundamentals and 802.11 standards
• Explain radio frequency (RF) behavior and concepts such as modulation and antennas
• Design, deploy, and optimize WLAN infrastructure
• Implement WLAN security best practices
• Conduct site surveys and performance troubleshooting
• Prepare for and pass the CWNA certification exam

Target Audience

• Network administrators and engineers
• IT professionals supporting wireless networks
• WLAN designers and planners
• Those pursuing CWNP certifications (CWNA, CWSP, CWDP, CWAP)

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of TCP/IP networking
• Familiarity with wired LAN concepts (Ethernet, switches, routers)

Course Format

• Duration: 5 Days (40 Hours)
• Delivery: Virtual, Live Instructor-Led
• Includes: Digital course materials, labs, and exam preparation resources

5-Day Detailed Agenda (40 Hours)

Day 1 – Wireless Fundamentals and RF Basics (8 Hours)

• Introduction to WLAN Concepts and CWNA Certification Overview
• Wireless Networking Standards (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
• Understanding Frequency Bands, Channels, and Regulations
• Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals
• RF Behavior: Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, Scattering
• RF Measurements: dB, dBm, mW, SNR
• Hands-on Lab: Exploring WLAN interfaces and tools

Day 2 – Antennas, WLAN Devices, and WLAN Architectures (8 Hours)

• Antenna Fundamentals and Types (Omni, Directional, Sector, Patch, Yagi, Parabolic)
• Polarization, Gain, and Beamwidth Concepts
• WLAN Infrastructure Components: APs, Controllers, and Clients
• WLAN Architectures: Autonomous, Controller-Based, Cloud-Managed
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Cabling Considerations
• Hands-on Lab: Antenna placement and configuration exercises

Day 3 – WLAN Design, Site Surveys, and Installation (8 Hours)

• WLAN Design Principles and Capacity Planning
• Performing Site Surveys: Predictive and Active
• WLAN Installation Best Practices
• WLAN Configuration: SSIDs, Channels, Power, and Security
• Roaming and Mobility Concepts
• Hands-on Lab: Using site survey software and interpreting heatmaps

Day 4 – WLAN Security and Troubleshooting (8 Hours)

• Wireless Security Fundamentals: WEP, WPA/WPA2/WPA3
• Authentication and Encryption Methods
• Enterprise Security with 802.1X and RADIUS
• Guest Access and BYOD Considerations
• WLAN Troubleshooting: Connectivity, Interference, Performance
• Tools and Techniques for WLAN Analysis (Wi-Fi analyzers, spectrum tools)
• Hands-on Lab: Capturing and analyzing wireless packets

Day 5 – WLAN Management, Optimization, and Exam Preparation (8 Hours)

• WLAN Monitoring and Performance Optimization
• Wireless QoS and Voice over WLAN
• WLAN Policy Enforcement and Network Segmentation
• Common Wireless Issues and Solutions
• Review of CWNA Exam Domains
• Practice Exam and Review Session
• Q&A and Certification Guidance

Training Includes

• Live instruction by a certified CWNP trainer
• Access to online labs and study materials
• Practice exams and test-taking tips
• Certificate of Completion