WLAN Concepts

WLAN Concepts

1. Introduction to Wireless

   • Benefits of Wireless
     • WLAN make mobility possible within the home and business environments.
   • Types of Wireless Networks
     • Wireless Personal-Area Networks (WPAN)
     • Wireless LANs (WLAN)
     • Wireless MANs (WMAN)
     • Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs)
   • Wireless Technologies
     • Bluetooth
     • WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
     • Cellular Broadband
     • Satellite Broadband

2. WLAN Components

   • Wireless NICs
     • End devices with wireless NICs
     • A network device, such as a wireless router or wireless AP
   • Wireless Home Router
     • Access point
     • Switch
     • Router
   • Wireless Access Points
     • Provide dedicated wireless access to the user devices
   • AP Categories
     • Autonomous APs
     • Controller-based APs
   • Wireless Antennas
     • Omnidirectional antenna
     • Directional antennas
     • Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)

3. WLAN Operation

   • 802.11 Wireless Topology Modes
     • Ad hoc mode
     • Infrastructure mode
     • Tethering
   • BSS and ESS
     • Basic Service Set
     • Extended Service Set
   • 802.11 Frame Structure
     • Frame Control
     • Duration
     • Address1
     • Address2
     • Address3
     • Sequence Control
     • Address4
     • Payload
     • FCS
   • Wireless Client and AP Association
     • Discover a wireless AP
     • Authenticate with AP
     • Associate with AP

4. CAPWAP Operation

   • Introduction to CAPWAP
     • CAPWAP is an IEEE standard protocol that enables a WLC to manage multiple APs and WLANs.
   • Split MAC Architecture
     • AP MAC Functions
     • WLC MAC Functions
   • DTLS Encryption
     • DTLS is a protocol which provides security between the AP and the WLC.
   • FlexConnect APs
     • Connected mode
     • Standalone mode

5. Channel Management

   • Frequency Channel Saturation
     • Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
     • Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
     • Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

6. WLAN Threats

   • Wireless Security Overview
     • Interception of data
     • Wireless intruders
     • Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
     • Rogue APs
   • DoS Attacks
     • Improperly configured devices
     • A malicious user intentionally interfering with the wireless communication
     • Accidental interference