CWAP training course description

This WiFi analysis course consists of hands-on learning using the latest enterprise wireless LAN analysis and troubleshooting tools. The course takes an in-depth look at the functionality of WLANs, intended operation of the 802.11 protocol and Wi-Fi Alliance specifications, WLAN frame formatting and structure, troubleshooting methodology, and protocol analysis. It also includes extensive training in modern spectrum analysis with a focus on advanced RF behaviour analysis, data collection methods, interpreting spectrum plots and charts, and understanding advanced features of WLAN spectrum analysers.

What will you learn

• Analyse WiFi frames using Wireshark.
• Explain 802.11 protocol operation.
• Troubleshoot WiFi networks using Wireshark.
• Troubleshoot WiFi networks using spectrum analysers.

CWAP training course details

CWAP training course contents

Principles of WLAN Communication
802.11 Working Group, OSI reference model and the 802.11 PHY and MAC, Communication sublayers and data units, WLAN architecture components, Organization of station forwarding Addressing and internetworking operation, Modern WLAN product architectures.

Physical (PHY) and MAC Layer Formats and Technologies
Physical layer functions, Preamble function and format, Header purpose and structure, Analysis of PHY problems, Physical PPDU formats, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, MAC frame components, MAC encapsulation, Fields and subfields of the MAC header, Frame Control, Frame types and subtypes and their uses, Addressing, Frame body, Data frame format, Control frame format, Management frame format, Information elements and fields.

Beaconing and synchronization
Scanning, Client state machine, 802.11 contention, QoS, Admission control, Band steering and airtime fairness mechanisms Fragmentation, Acknowledgments and Block acknowledgments, Protection mechanisms and backward compatibility, Power management, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC), Security components, methods, and exchanges, Roaming procedures exchanges, Future protocol enhancements.

802.11n
Transmit beamforming, Spatial multiplexing, Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC), Space-Time Block Coding, 40 MHz channels, Frame aggregation, HT-OFDM format, Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS), HT frame formatting and more.

Protocol Analysis Tools and Methodology
Troubleshooting methodology, Protocol analyser types, Analysis NIC/adapter selection and constraints, Interpreting results based on location, Analyzer settings and features, Filtering and channel scanning, Interpreting decodes, Using advanced analysis features, Assessing WLAN health and behaviour factors, Evaluating network statistics, Troubleshooting common problems, Wired analysis to support wireless network issues.

Spectrum Analysis Tools and Methodology
Radio frequency behaviour review, Visualizing RF domains using spectrum measurement tools, Spectrum analyser types and operation, Analyser specifications and characteristics, Understanding spectrum data presentation, Interpreting plots and charts, Common WLAN spectrum analyser features, Identifying transmit patterns, Device classification and network impact, Recognizing transmit signatures.

Hands on lab exercises

- Capabilities, configuration, and data display
- Opening, collecting, saving, and modifying capture files.
- Filtering traffic, and using colouring rules as analysis aides.
- Live captures based on a set of desired collection criteria.
- Identify and isolate network problems.
- Conversation analysis.
- Remote packet capture with an AP.

- Understanding the MAC header
- Comparing the three major frame types and their subtypes
- Analysing frame formats of individual frame types
- Analysing 802.11n frame components
- Additional information is reported by protocol analysers
- Information not visible in protocol analysers

- Connectivity exchanges and sequences
- Legacy and modern security exchanges
- ERP and HT protection mechanisms
- Power save behaviour
- Acknowledgments, block acknowledgments, and supporting action frames
- Dynamic rate switching
- Band steering

- Trouleshooting connectivity exchanges
- Troubleshooting 802.1X and EAP exchanges
- Troubleshooting roaming

- Installing the analyser and using display and navigation
- The “RF perspective” provided by each plot and chart
- Using built-in features and automated device identification
- Characterizing the behaviours of an interference source
- Assessing the impact of an interference source
- Determining the impact of transmitter proximity on interference.
- Identifying signatures of common transmitters
- Remote spectrum analysis with an AP

Learning path

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