Overview:
The 802.11 protocol on which WiFi is based uses a collision avoidance method (CSMA/CA) to grant fair access to all users in the area, many times at the expense of reliable connectivity and performance. In order to determine the cause of most WiFi problems it will be necessary to identify and locate individual sources of RF interference, including non-WLAN devices, breakdown the most likely causes, perform tests to isolate and verify those causes, create a remediation plan, document and create a final report for the entire process, as well perform ongoing monitoring of the WLAN to allow proactive intervention of future troubleshooting issues.
This course will provide the structure and knowledge needed to fulfill all of the above steps in an intensive three-day, hands-on, instructor-led curriculum. The course will provide experience in solving real-world examples of some of the most common and troublesome WiFi connectivity, performance, and security related problems using AirMagnet diagnostic applications such as Spectrum XT and WiFi Analyzer.
Who is the course for?
This wireless troubleshooting and analysis class is designed for WLAN administrators, NOC operators, engineers, technicians, installers and help desk/user support personnel, as well as consultants and system integrators who use AirMagnet products to investigate wireless network issues.
What will you get from this course?
When you have completed this course, you will be able to:
- Distinguish WLAN problems based on priority, type, and function
- Select suitable AirMagnet diagnostic tools according to the roles and abilities of WLAN staff
- Quickly diagnose connectivity, performance, and security-based WLAN problems using AirMagnet applications
- Determine the proper remediation for successfully diagnosed WLAN issues
- Document the troubleshooting process from the original notification to the final
Prerequisites: AM-101 WiFi Foundations course or valid CWNP certification
Hands-on Labs: Yes, AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer, and AirMagnet Spectrum XT
Day One - Understanding WLAN interference
- Introduction to WLAN Spectrum Analysis
- Introduction to AirMagnet Spectrum XT
- Visualizing 2.4 Ghz WLAN interference
- Analyzing 2.4 Ghz WLAN interference
- Lab: Spectrum Analysis, Part 1 - Visualizing non-Wi-Fi interference
- Lab: Spectrum Analysis, Part 2 - Visualizing Wi-Fi-based interference
- Lab: Throughput Analysis - Understanding Wi-Fi performance
- Lab: Classical WLAN Design - The way it used to be
Chapter 1: Overview of WiFi Troubleshooting
- Who is this course for?
- What Tools should you use?
- What Tools are featured?
Chapter 2: Identifying WiFi Problems
- How does WiFi Fit into the 7-layer OSI Model?
- The WiTS Trouble Tree - A WiFi Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Connectivity Problems
- Problems Getting Connected
- Problems Staying Connected
- Problems Reconnecting (Roaming)
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Performance Problems
- Connection Speed vs. Throughput
- Effects of Coexistence
- Problems Caused by Coverage
- Problems Caused by Interference
- Understanding non-WiFi Interference
- Understanding WiFi Interference
- Problems Caused by Transmission Power
- Understanding Power Symmetry
- Understanding Client Station Limitations
- Problems Caused by Congestion
- Problems Caused by Collisions
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Security Problems
- Understanding WiFi Vulnerabilities
- Problems Caused by Malicious Intruders
- Problems Caused by Legacy Security Practices
- Problems Caused by WPA/WPA2 Pre-Shared Key (PSK) Implementations
- Problems Caused by WPA/WPA2 802.1X Implementations