Overview

  Gain a practical understanding of the underlying concepts of the 802.11n standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation   Practical, start-to-finish guidance for successful deployment of 802.11n wireless LANs   With the ratification of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard, thousands of companies are moving rapidly toward implementation. However, 802.11n is very different from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, and successful deployment requires new knowledge and techniques. In this book, leading wireless expert Jim Geier systematically presents all the information and guidance that network architects, engineers, administrators, and managers need to maximize the performance and business value of new 802.11n networks. Drawing on extensive experience with real-world 802.11n deployments, Geier guides you through the entire project lifecycle: planning, design, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. Each phase of wireless LAN deployment is organized into clearly defined steps, and multiple case studies and hands-on exercises show how to apply each technique. You’ll find practical guidance for deploying in enterprises without existing wireless infrastructure, as well as migrating from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g networks. For convenient reference, Geier also provides an extensive, up-to-date wireless networking glossary.   Jim Geier founded Wireless-Nets, Ltd., and serves as its principal consultant. His 25 years of experience include analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of wireless network-based solutions for cities, enterprises, airports, manufacturers, warehouses, hospitals, and other facilities worldwide. He is author of more than a dozen books, including Wireless Networks - First Step and Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs (Cisco Press) and Implementing 802.1X Security Solutions. He has been active with the IEEE 802.11 Working Group developing international wireless LAN standards, and chaired the IEEE International Conference on Wireless LAN Implementation.   Understanding 802.11n MAC, physical layer, and related standards Designing 802.11n wireless networks for diverse scenarios: considering architecture, range, performance, roaming, and RF issues Migrating from 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks Choosing the right tools and equipment, and using them effectively Planning effectively: scoping projects; creating work breakdown structures; organizing teams, schedules, and budgets; defining requirements, and more Securing WLANs via encryption, authentication, rogue access point detection, RF shielding, and polices Performing site surveys and identifying optimum access point locations Installing and configuring wireless LANs: planning, staging, deployment, documentation, and more Systematic testing to improve signal coverage, performance, and security Managing wireless LANs: help desk support, network monitoring, maintenance, engineering, configuration management, security, tools, and more Troubleshooting 802.11n networks: identifying issues with connectivity, performance, and more    

Full Product Details

Author:   Jim Geier
Publisher:   Pearson Education (US)
Imprint:   Cisco Press
Dimensions:   Width: 19.60cm , Height: 3.30cm , Length: 23.30cm
Weight:   1.034kg
ISBN:  

9781587058899

ISBN 10:   1587058898
Pages:   528
Publication Date:   10 June 2010
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Replaced By:   9781587144301
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Print
Availability:   In Print  
Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock.

Table of Contents

                Introduction xxv Part I Fundamental Concepts Chapter 1 Introduction to Wireless LANs 1 Wireless LAN Markets and Applications 1                 Retail 2                 Warehousing 3                 Healthcare 4                 Hospitality 9                 Voice over WLAN 9                 Video Surveillance 11                 Home and Small Office 12                 General Enterprise Systems 13                 Location-Aware Wireless Applications 13 Benefits of Wireless Networks 15                 Mobility 15                 Installation in Difficult-to-Wire Areas 16                 Increased Reliability 17                 Reduced Installation Time 17                 Long-Term Cost Savings 17                 Productivity Gain Is the Answer 18 Wireless Network Technologies 19                 IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) 20                 Initial 802.11 20                 802.11a 21                 802.11b 21                 802.11g 22                 802.11n 23                 Comparison of 802.11 Standards 24                 Wi-Fi Certification 24 Other Wireless Network Technologies 26                 IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) 26                 IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth) 30                 IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) 32                 Certified Wireless USB 33 Wireless LANs: A Historical Perspective 34                 The Early Days 34                 Initial 802.11 Standardization 35                 802.11n Standardization 36 Chapter 2 Radio Wave Fundamentals 39 Radio Wave Attributes 39                 Amplitude 40                 Frequency 40                 Phase 41 RF System Components 41                 RF Transceiver 41                 RF Modulation 43                 Amplitude Shift-Keying 43                 Frequency Shift-Keying 44                 Phase Shift-Keying 45                 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation 45                 Spread Spectrum 45                 Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing 48 RF Signal Propagation 48                 Attenuation 48                 Free Space Loss 49                 Physical Obstacles 50                 Multipath Propagation 51                 Noise and Signal-to-Noise Ratio 51 RF Mathematics 53                 Converting Units 53 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Types and Components 55 Types of Wireless LANs 55                 Ad Hoc Wireless LANs 55                 Infrastructure Wireless LANs 57                 Mesh Wireless Networks 59 Wireless LAN Components 62                 Client Devices 62                 Client Radio 63                 Industry Standard Architecture 65                 Peripheral Component Interconnect 66                 Mini-PCI 66                 PC Card 66                 ExpressCard 67                 CompactFlash 67                 Universal Serial Bus 67                 Access Points 68                 Autonomous Access Points 68                 Controller-Based Access Points 69                 Wi-Fi Routers 69                 Mesh Nodes 72                 Antennas 72                 RF Amplifiers 74                 Repeaters 75                 Bridges 75 Network Infrastructure Components 77                 Network Distribution Systems 77                 Switches 77                 Optical Fiber 79                 Power over Ethernet 79                 Application Connectivity Software 82                 Terminal Emulation 82                 Browser-Based Approaches 83                 Direct Database Interfaces 84                 Wireless Middleware 84 Chapter 4 Wireless LAN Implications 87 Security Vulnerabilities 87                 Passive Monitoring 88                 Unauthorized Access 91                 Denial of Service 95 Radio Signal Interference 97                 Microwave Oven Interference 99                 Cordless Phone Interference 101                 Bluetooth Interference 103                 Neighboring Wireless LAN Interference 105 Impacts of Multipath Propagation 108                 Roaming Issues 109                 Battery Limitations 110                 Interoperability Problems 111                 Installation Issues 112 Part II The 802.11 Standard Chapter 5 Introduction to IEEE 802.11 and Related Standards 115 The Importance of Standards 115                 Types of Standards 115                 Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers 117                 Benefits of the 802.11 Standard 117                 Appliance Interoperability 118                 Fast Product Development 119                 Stable Future Migration 119                 Price Reductions 119                 Avoiding Silos 119 The IEEE 802 LAN Standards Family 120                 802.11 MAC Sublayer 121                 802.11 Physical Layer 123                 IEEE 802.2 123                 Unacknowledged Connectionless Service 124                 Connection-Oriented Service 125                 Continuous ARQ 126                 Stop-and-Wait ARQ 127                 Acknowledged Connectionless Service 128 IEEE 802.11 Features 129                 Station Services 130                 Authentication 130                 Deauthentication 131                 Privacy 131                 Distribution System Services 131                 Association 131                 Disassociation 131                 Distribution 131                 Integration 132                 Reassociation 132                 Station States and Corresponding Frame Types 132 Chapter 6 IEEE 802.11 Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer 135 Primary 802.11 MAC Layer Functions 135                 Data Delivery 136                 Medium Access 137                 Distributed Coordination Function 138                 Hybrid Coordination Function 139                 Error Recovery 140                 Data Frame Acknowledgments 140                 Dynamic Rate Switching 141                 Data Frame Aggregation 142                 MSDU Aggregation 143                 MPDU Aggregation 143                 Data Frame Fragmentation 143                 Encryption 145                 Wired Equivalent Privacy 145                 Temporal Key Integrity Protocol 146                 Advanced Encryption Standard 146                 Multicasting 147 Connectivity 148                 Scanning for Networks 149                 Authentication 151                 Open System Authentication 151                 Shared Key Authentication 152                 IEEE 802.1X Port-Based Authentication 153                 Association 154                 Reassociation 155 Timing and Synchronization 156                 Short IFS 156                 PCF IFS 157                 DCF IFS 157                 Extended IFS 157 RTS/CTS 158                 Power Management 159 802.11 MAC Frame Structures 160                 Protocol Version Field 160                 Type Field 161                 Subtype Field 161                 To DS Field 161                 From DS Field 161                 More Frag Field 161                 Retry Field 163                 Power Management Field 163                 More Data Field 164                 Protected Frame Field 164                 Order Field 164                 Duration/ID Field 164                 Address 1, 2, 3, and 4 Fields 164                 Sequence Control Field 165                 QoS Control Field 166                 HT Control Field 166                 Frame Body Field 166                 Frame Check Sequence Field 166 MAC Frame Types 166                 Management Frames 167                 Association Request Frame 167                 Association Response Frame 167                 Reassociation Request Frame 167                 Reassociation Response Frame 167                 Probe Request Frame 168                 Probe Response Frame 168                 Beacon Frame 168                 ATIM Frame 170                 Disassociation Frame 170                 Authentication Frame 170                 Deauthentication Frame 170                 Action Frame 170                 Action No ACK Frame 171                 Management Frame Body Contents 171                 Control Frames 172                 Control Wrapper Frame 172                 Block ACK Request Frame 172                 Block ACK Frame 172                 Power-Save Poll Frame 173                 Request-to-Send Frame 173                 Clear-to-Send Frame 173                 Acknowledgment Frame 173                 Contention-Free End Frame 173                 CF End + CF ACK Frame 173                 Data Frames 174 Interoperability 174 Chapter 7 IEEE 802.11 Physical Layers 177 802.11 Physical Layer Architecture 177                 PLCP Sublayer 177                 PMD Sublayer 178 802.11 Physical Layer Functions 179                 Carrier-Sense Function 179                 Transmit Function 179                 Receive Function 180 Legacy 802.11 Physical Layers 180                 Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum PHY 180                 Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum PHY 182                 Infrared PHY 185                 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing PHY (802.11a) 185                 High-Rate Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum PHY (802.11b) 188                 Extended-Rate PHY (802.11g) 190 HT-OFDM (802.11n) 190                 MIMO Concepts 190                 Transmit Beamforming 190                 Spatial Multiplexing 191                 Channel Bonding 193                 802.11n Modulation 194 Interoperability 198 Part III Wireless Network Design Chapter 8 Planning a Wireless LAN Deployment 201 Project Management Principles 202 Wireless LAN Deployment Planning Steps 204 Step 1: Defining the Project Scope 204                 Project Charter 204                 Assumptions 204                 Constraints 205 Step 2: Developing the Work Breakdown Structure 206                 Requirements Definition Phase 206                 Design Phase 207                 Implementation Phase 209                 Operations and Maintenance Phase 211 Step 3: Identifying Staffing 214 Step 4: Creating a Schedule 217 Step 5: Developing a Budget 218                 Preliminary Requirements and Design 218                 Hardware and Software Costs 219                 Deployment Services Costs 221                 Ongoing Operations and Maintenance Costs 223 Step 6: Evaluating Risks 225 Step 7: Analyzing Feasibility 227                 Costs 228                 Benefits 228                 Impacts on Users 229                 Impacts on Existing Systems 229                 Making the Decision to Proceed 229 Executing the Project 232                 The Kick-Off Meeting 232                 Periodic Activities 233 Evaluating the Outcome of the Project 233 Chapter 9 Defining Requirements for a Wireless LAN 237 Requirements Attributes 238 Requirements Definition Steps 238 Step 1: Gathering Information 239                 Interviewing Users 239                 Interviewing IT Staff 240                 Reviewing the Existing Infrastructure and Systems 240 Step 2: Analyzing Requirements 241                 Application Requirements 241                 Client Device Requirements 243                 Signal Coverage Requirements 244                 Utilization Requirements 246                 Mobility Requirements 248                 Continuous Movement 248                 Portable Access 249                 Stationary Access 249                 Security Requirements 250                 Sensitivity of Information and Systems 250                 Organization Security Policies 251                 Network Access Privileges 251                 Existing Security Mechanisms 252                 Scalability Requirements 253                 Existing Network Infrastructure Requirements 254                 Integration Requirements 255                 Environmental Requirements 256                 Building Construction and Obstacles 256                 Floor Plans 256                 Temperature and Humidity 256                 Durability 257                 Aesthetic Requirements 258 Step 3: Documenting Requirements 259 Step 4: Obtaining Requirements Approval 260 Chapter 10 System Architecture Considerations 263 Architectural Considerations 264 Wireless Access Networks 264                 Autonomous Access Point Architecture 265                 Controller-Based Access Point Architecture 267                 Mesh Network Architecture 269                 Ad Hoc Architecture 270                 2.4 GHz Versus 5 GHz 272                 Geographical Location Considerations 272                 Performance Considerations 272                 Existing Client Device Considerations 273                 Facility Size Considerations 273                 Radio Signal Interference Considerations 273                 Hybrid Frequency Band Considerations 274                 Common Infrastructure Considerations 274                 Migration Considerations 276                 Redundancy Considerations 277                 Controller Redundancy 277                 Access Point Redundancy 279 Distribution Systems 282                 Switch Considerations 282                 PoE Considerations 282 Voice over WLAN Systems 284                 Single-Site Architecture 284                 Multisite WAN with Centralized Call Processing 285                 Multisite WAN with Distributed Call Processing 287 Application Connectivity 289                 Terminal Emulation Considerations 289                 Browser-Based Connectivity Considerations 292                 Direct Database Considerations 293                 Wireless Middleware Considerations 294 Chapter 11 Range, Performance, and Roaming Considerations 299 Range Versus Performance 299 Range Considerations 300                 Signal Coverage Requirements 300                 Radio Frequency Bands 301                 Transmit Power Settings 302                 Transmission Channel Settings 303                 Data Rate Settings 304                 Antennas 306                 Amplifiers 307                 Repeaters 308                 Physical Obstacles 309                 Radio Signal Interference 309 Performance Considerations 311                 Throughput Versus Data Rate 312                 Radio Frequency Bands 313                 Transmit Power Settings 313                 Transmission Channel Settings 314                 Data Rate Settings 315                 Antennas 315                 Amplifiers 316                 Radio Signal Interference 316                 Channel Width Settings 316                 Signal Coverage 317                 Fragmentation Settings 317                 RTS/CTS Settings 318                 Bandwidth Control Mechanisms 319                 Microcell Deployment Strategies 319 Roaming Considerations 321                 Roaming Levels 322                 Access Point Roaming 322                 Subnet Roaming 323                 Wireless ISP Roaming 324                 Wireless IP Phone Roaming 324                 Mobility Settings 325 Chapter 12 Radio Frequency Considerations 327 Frequency Band Selection 327                 2.4-GHz Frequency Band 327                 5-GHz Frequency Band 328 Transmission Channel Settings 328                 Manual Channel Settings 328                 Single-Level Facilities 329                 Multilevel Facilities 330                 Adaptive Channel Settings 332 Difficult-to-Cover Areas 333                 Signal Coverage in Elevators 333                 Signal Coverage in Stairwells 336                 Signal Coverage in Parking Areas 336 Radio Signal Interference Reduction 337 Chapter 13 Security Considerations 339 Security Elements 339 Encryption 340 Authentication 342                 EAP Methods 342                 Authentication Servers 344                 Guest Access 345 Rogue Access Point Detection 346 RF Shielding 347 Wireless Security Polices 349 Part IV Wireless Network Installation and Testing Chapter 14 Test Tools 353 Tool Considerations 353 Spectrum Analyzers 354                 Real-Time Fast Fourier Transform 354                 FFT Duty Cycle 356                 Swept Spectrogram 357                 Active Devices 357                 Recording Spectrum Data 358 Signal Coverage Testers 358                 Heat Maps 358                 Positioning 360                 Passive Versus Active Modes 361                 Simulation 361                 Free Signal Coverage Tester: NetStumbler 361 Wireless Protocol Analyzers 362                 Filtering Frames 363                 Recording Traces 363                 Free Protocol Analyzer: WireShark 364 Chapter 15 Performing a Wireless Site Survey 367 Wireless Site Survey Considerations 368 Reviewing Requirements 369 Selecting Site Survey Tools 370 Obtaining Floor Diagrams 371 Inspecting the Facility 372 Assessing the Existing Network Infrastructure 372                 Communications Rooms 372                 Switches and Power over Ethernet 373                 WAN 373 Identifying Potential Radio Signal Interference 373 Defining Signal Values for Acceptable Signal Coverage 376                 Minimum Received Signal Strength 376                 Minimum SNR 376                 Uplink Versus Downlink Signal Values 377 Identifying Optimum Access Point Antenna Installation Locations 379                 Propagation Testing 379                 Test Access Point Configuration 379                 Antenna Considerations 379                 Identifying Test Locations 380                 Measuring Test Signals 381                 Assessing Propagation Test Results 382                 Cell Overlap Considerations 383                 Annotate Access Point Antenna Installation Locations 384 Writing an RF Site Survey Report 385 Chapter 16 Installing and Configuring a Wireless LAN 387 Wireless LAN Installation Considerations 387 Planning the Installation 388                 Developing an Installation Plan 388                 Points of Contact 388                 Safety Tips 389                 Installation Procedures 389                 Required Facility Changes 390                 Tools 390                 Reference to Design Documentation 390                 Schedule 390                 Resources 391                 Budget 391                 Risks 391                 Coordinating the Installation 391 Staging the Components 392 Installing Ethernet Switches and Cabling 393 Installing Access Points 394                 Mounting Practices 394                 Antenna Alignment 395                 Configuration Setting Access 396                 Firmware 396                 Access Point Configuration Settings 396                 802.11n Enable 396                 SSID 396                 DTIM Interval 397                 Beacon Interval 397                 Radio Frequency Bands 398                 Transmit Power 398                 Transmission Channel 399                 Data Rates 399                 Antenna Diversity 399                 Channel Width 401                 Fragmentation Threshold 401                 RTS/CTS Threshold 402 Testing the Installation 402 Documenting the Installation 403 Chapter 17 Testing a Wireless LAN 405 Wireless LAN Testing Considerations 405 Signal Coverage Testing 406                 Wireless Site Survey Coverage Testing 406                 As-Installed Coverage Testing 407                 Consider Beacon Rates 407 Performance Testing 408                 Association Tests 408                 Registration Tests 409                 Network Connection Tests 409                 Authentication Tests 410                 Application Connection Tests 410                 Application Tests 410                 Load Tests 411 In-Motion Testing 412 Security Vulnerability Testing 413                 Security Settings Verification 413                 Penetration Testing 414                 Private-Side Testing 414                 Public-Side Testing 414 Acceptance/Verification Testing 415 Simulation Testing 416 Prototype Testing 417 Pilot Testing 418 Test Documentation 419 Part V Operational Support Considerations Chapter 18 Managing a Wireless LAN 421 Operational Support Considerations 421 Help Desk 422                 Connection Problems 422                 Poor Signal Coverage 423                 Poor Performance 423                 System Status 423                 Additional Considerations 423 Network Monitoring 424                 Performance Monitoring 424                 Access Point Monitoring 424                 Configuration Monitoring 425                 Security Policy Management 425                 Installation Control Policies 425                 Monitoring Policies 425                 Periodic Testing Policies 426 Maintenance 426                 Inoperative Access Points 426                 Poor Performance 426                 Poor Signal Coverage 426                 Broken Hardware 427                 Firmware Updates 427                 Signal Coverage Verification 427                 Access Point Inspections 428                 Troubleshooting 428                 Sparing 428 Engineering 428                 Advanced Problem Resolution 429                 Coverage Expansion 429                 Capacity Increases 429                 Firmware Review 429                 Technology Upgrades 430                 Design Review 430 Configuration Management 430                 Change-Control Processes 430                 Security Management 431                 Review Existing Security Policies 432                 Review the System Architecture 432                 Review Management Tools and Procedures 432                 Interview Users 433                 Verify Configurations of Wireless Devices 433                 Investigate Physical Installations of Access Points 433                 Identify Rogue Access Points 433                 Perform Penetration Tests 434                 Analyze Security Gaps 434                 Recommend Improvements 434 Trouble Ticket Coordination 435                 Help Desk Group 435                 Desktop Support Group 436                 Network Support Group 436 Preparing for the Transfer to Operational Mode 436 Chapter 19 Troubleshooting a Wireless LAN 439 Troubleshooting Methodology 439                 Identify the Problem 439                 Identify the Underlying Cause of the Problem 440                 Fix the Problem 440 Connection Problems 440                 Insufficient Signal Coverage 441                 Radio Signal Interference 442                 Access Point Failure 442                 Incompatible Client Radio 442                 Faulty Firmware 443                 Incorrect Client Radio Configuration 443 Performance Problems 444                 Insufficient Signal Coverage 444                 Radio Signal Interference 444                 Faulty Firmware 445                 Nonoptimal Client Radio Configuration 445                 Nonoptimal Access Point Configuration 445                 Misaligned Antennas 446                 High Utilization 447 Chapter 20 Preparing Operational Support Staff 449 Support Staff Considerations 449 Availability of Existing Staff 450 Experience Requirements 450 Education and Training Requirements 451                 Vendor-Neutral Training 451                 Vendor-Specific Training 452                 College Education 452 Certifications 452 Staffing Sources 453 Glossary 455 9781587058899, TOC, 5/7/10  

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Jim Geier is the founder and principal consultant of Wireless-Nets, Ltd., an independent consulting firm assisting organizations with the development and deployment of wireless networks. His 25 years of experience includes the planning, analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of numerous wireless network-based solutions for enterprises, municipalities, hospitals, universities, airports, warehouses, and product manufacturers worldwide. Jim is the author of more than a dozen books, including Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs (Cisco Press), Wireless Networks: First Step (Cisco Press), Implementing 802.1X Security Solutions (Wiley), and Network Reengineering (McGraw-Hill). He is the author of numerous tutorials and other publications and has developed and instructed dozens of training courses on wireless networking topics. Jim has been active within the Wi-Fi Alliance, responsible for certifying interoperability of 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless LANs. He has also been active with the IEEE 802.11 Working Group, responsible for developing international standards for wireless LANs. He served as Chairman of the IEEE Computer Society, Dayton Section, and Chairman of the IEEE International Conference on Wireless LAN Implementation. Jim’s education includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in electrical engineering, with emphasis in wireless communications.

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