Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals: An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks(Fundamentals)

Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks   As wired networks are increasingly replaced with 802.11n wireless connections, enterprise users are shifting to centralized, next-generation architectures built around Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC). These networks will increasingly run business-critical voice, data, and video applications that once required wired Ethernet.   In Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals, three senior Cisco wireless experts bring together all the practical and conceptual knowledge professionals need to confidently design, configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot 802.11n networks with Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) technologies.   The authors first introduce the core principles, components, and advantages of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco offerings. Drawing on their pioneering experience, the authors present tips, insights, and best practices for network design and implementation as well as detailed configuration examples.   Next, they illuminate key technologies ranging from WLCs to Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP), Fixed Mobile Convergence to WiFi Voice. They also show how to take advantage of the CUWN’s end-to-end security, automatic configuration, self-healing, and integrated management capabilities.   This book serves as a practical, hands-on reference for all network administrators, designers, and engineers through the entire project lifecycle, and an authoritative learning tool for new wireless certification programs. This is the only book that Fully covers the principles and components of next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco WLCs and Cisco 802.11n AP Brings together real-world tips, insights, and best practices for designing and implementing next-generation wireless networks Presents start-to-finish configuration examples for common deployment scenarios Reflects the extensive first-hand experience of Cisco experts Gain an operational and design-level understanding of WLAN Controller (WLC) architectures, related technologies, and the problems they solve Understand 802.11n, MIMO, and protocols developed to support WLC architecture Use Cisco technologies to enhance wireless network reliability, resilience, and scalability while reducing operating expenses Safeguard your assets using Cisco Unified Wireless Network’s advanced security features Design wireless networks capable of serving as an enterprise’s primary or only access network and supporting advanced mobility services Utilize Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to plan, deploy, monitor, troubleshoot, and report on wireless networks throughout their lifecycles Configure Cisco wireless LANs for multicasting Quickly troubleshoot problems with Cisco controller-based wireless LANs This book is part of the Cisco Press® Fundamentals Series. Books in this series introduce networking professionals to new networking technologies, covering network topologies, sample deployment concepts, protocols, and management techniques.   Category: Wireless Covers: Cisco Controller-Based Wireless LANs

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1 The Need for Controller-Based Wireless Networks Why Wireless LAN Controllers Were Created Why You Need to Use a Wireless LAN Controller Controller-Based WLAN Functional and Elemental Architecture Autonomous AP Issues and the WLC Remedy Problem: WLAN APs Are Difficult to Deploy Problem: WLANs Are Not Secure Problem: Infrastructure Device Configuration and Scaling Problem: Autonomous AP Costs for Configuring Each AP Problem: Autonomous AP Costs for Keeping Each AP’s Software Up to Date Problem: RF Expertise and Configuration Challenges Mobility Applications Enabled by Controller-Based WLANs WLANs Do Not Provide the Performance and Robustness Needed for Use as a Primary Access Network Summary Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Protocols Understanding the Relevant Standards Wi-Fi Alliance Cisco Compatible Extensions IETF The Physical Layer Physical Layer Concepts CAPWAP CAPWAP Versus LWAPP CAPWAP Protocol Fundamentals CAPWAP Terminology CAPWAP Control Messages CAPWAP Data Messages CAPWAP State Machine CUWN Implementation of the CAPWAP Discovery CAPWAP Transport CAPWAP MAC Modes Split MAC Mode Local MAC Mode Summary of CAPWAP Packet Flow in the Cisco Unified Wireless Network CAPWAP Control CAPWAP Data Path: Centrally Bridged Traffic CAPWAP Data Path: Locally Bridged Traffic Summary of Packet Flow Summary References Chapter 3 802.11n IEEE 802.11n Standard 802.11n MAC Other 802.11 Standards Used with 802.11n Frequency Bands Supported by 802.11n Antenna Arrays Transmit Beam Forming (TxBF) Beam Steering Spatial Multiplexing Transmit Diversity Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) Multipath MIMO Nomenclature Receiver Diversity Branch Selection Diversity Branch-Combining Diversity Diversity Antenna Array, Type, Orientation, and Spacing Transmit Beam-Forming Types Legacy Beam Forming Implicit Beam Forming Explicit Beam Forming MIMO Antenna Array Coverage and Placement Coding Binary Convolutional Coding (BCC) Low-Density Parity Checking (LDPC) HT PHY and Operation HT Mixed HT-Greenfield Format Channel Bonding/40-MHz-Wide Channels Protection Power Management Packet Aggregation Bursting/Block ACK (BACK) Short Guard Interval (GI) Reduced Inter-Frame Spacing (RIFS) Reverse Direction Protocol (RDP) Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) Configuration Requirements to Obtain HT Rates Predicting 802.11 Link Performance Summary Chapter 4 Cisco Unified Wireless LAN Security Fundamentals Understanding WLAN Security Challenges Vulnerabilities Inherent to the Radio Transmission Medium Physical Containment Problem Unlicensed Radio Spectrum Problem Vulnerabilities Inherent to the Standards Definitions Authentication and Encryption Weaknesses Unauthenticated Management Frames Vulnerabilities Inherent to Mobility Misconfigured Wireless Devices and Clients Rogue Access Points and Devices Readily Available Profiling and Attack Tools Addressing the WLAN Security Challenges Background on Strong Authentication and Privacy How WEP Encryption Works How WEP Is Broken 802.11 Authentication Addressing the Strong Authentication and Privacy Challenges Authentication Framework Authentication Algorithm Data Privacy and Integrity Alternative Approaches to Authentication and Data Privacy Rogue Access Point Detection and Wireless Intrusion Prevention Secure Management and Security Policies Summary References Chapter 5 Design Considerations 100 Percent Wireless Access Layer Client Device Power RF Vulnerability Volume of Network Traffic Increased and Difficult WLAN Coverage Requirements Elevators External Bleed-Through Elevator Shaft Coverage Access Point Installed in Elevator Car Continuous Availability and Outage Planning Power Loss Equipment Failures: APs, WLCs, and Backhaul Network RF Interference Denial of Service Attacks Business Operation Continuity in the WLAN Era Power Conservation Flexibility WLAN Capacity Summary Chapter 6 Cisco Unified Wireless LAN Architectures Cisco Unified Wireless LAN Architecture Review Architectural Flexibility, Scalability, and Resiliency Architectural Flexibility Architectural Resiliency N:1 WLC Redundancy N:N WLC Redundancy N:N:1 WLC Redundancy Architectural Scalability Mobility Mobility Domains Campus Architectures Enterprise Wiring Closet Deployment Enterprise Distribution Layer Deployment Data Center or Services Block Deployments Campus HREAP Branch Architectures Distributed Branch Controller Placement Centralized Controller Placement with HREAP Office Extend AP (OEAP) Summary Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Tools for Troubleshooting 802.11 Wireless Networks Wireless LAN Controller Command-Line Interface Wireless Control System (WCS) Wireless Protocol Analyzer Spectrum Analyzers Isolating Issues on the Cisco Unified Wireless Network Protocol/Network Issues LWAPP/CAPWAP Discovery Process Troubleshooting the LWAPP CAPWAP Discovery Process Network Considerations Client Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Client Issues Using the WLC CLI Troubleshooting Client Issues Using WCS Common Client Problems and Solutions The Wireless Medium: Troubleshooting Performance-Related Issues Coverage and Interference Issues Detecting, Isolating, and Solving Coverage Issues Detecting, Isolating, and Solving Interference Issues Troubleshooting Advanced Wireless LAN Services Voice over WLAN Voice over WLAN Challenges Troubleshooting VoWLAN Location Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Location Accuracy Summary Chapter 8 Introduction to WCS Designing Wireless Networks with WCS WCS Requirements WCS Interface WCS Monitoring Maps Controllers and AP Monitor Client Monitoring WCS Reporting WCS Configuration Controller Configuration Templates WCS Configuration and Template Auditing AP Configuration Templates WCS Services WCS Administration Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) WCS Virtual Domains WCS License Center Additional Benefits of WCS: Planning and Calibration Tools WCS Planning WCS Calibration Summary Chapter 9 Next-Generation Advanced Topics: Multicast Multicast Multicast Definition Multicast Addressing Multicast Forwarding Multicast Distribution Trees Protocol Independent Multicasting (PIM) IGMP Multicast Configuration in the CUWN Access Point–to–Client Delivery Client–to–Access Point Delivery Enabling Multicast on a Cisco WLAN Controller MGIDs Multicast Mobility Messaging Enabling Multicast on a Cisco Router or Layer 3 Switch VideoStream Principles of VideoStream Multicast Reliability QoS Configuring VideoStream on the WLC Additional Design Recommendations Wireless Multicast Roaming Wireless CAPWAP Fragmentation All WLCs Have the Same CAPWAP Multicast Group Address WLC Placement Summary

About the Author :
Jeff Smith is a wireless consulting systems engineer in the Cisco Systems Borderless Networking Organization. His 25 years of experience include the planning, analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of numerous wireless network-based solutions for enterprises, municipalities, hospitals, universities, airports, warehouses, mines, and product manufacturers worldwide. He has developed and instructed dozens of training courses on wireless networking topics. Prior to joining Cisco Systems, Jeff was an early employee at several wireless and security startup companies. Jeff’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in telecommunications with emphasis on wireless communications. Jeff’s certifications include CWNE (Certified Wireless Network Expert), IEEE WCET (Wireless Communications Engineering Technology Certification), and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).   Jake Woodhams is a senior manager of technical marketing in the Cisco Wireless Networking Business Unit. In this role, he is responsible for technical product definition and systems architecture, focusing on Cisco Unified Wireless LAN architecture. He hass been working with wireless technology at Cisco for seven years and has an intimate knowledge of the protocols and products in the Cisco wireless portfolio. As a writer, he’s the author of numerous white papers and design and deployment guides as well as several contributed articles.   Robert Marg is a wireless consulting systems engineer in the Cisco Systems Borderless Networks Organization. As a technical leader in wireless, Robert is responsible for planning, designing, and supporting numerous wireless network–based solutions for enterprises, hospitals, universities, manufacturers, and K–12 customers. Prior to his role as a wireless consulting systems engineer, Robert spent time as a member of the federal, public sector, enterprise, and commercial sales organizations as a systems engineer, helping customers solve business challenges with technical solutions. Mr. Marg holds a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. As a writer, Robert has been the author of numerous white papers and a technical editor for the Cisco Press CCNA Exam Certification Guide.