Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals: An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks
- By Jeff Smith, Jake Woodhams, Robert Marg
- Published Oct 29, 2010 by Cisco Press. Part of the Fundamentals series.
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- Copyright 2011
- Dimensions: 7-3/8" x 9-1/8"
- Pages: 320
- Edition: 1st
- Book
- ISBN-10: 1-58705-825-1
- ISBN-13: 978-1-58705-825-7
Controller-Based Wireless LAN Fundamentals
An end-to-end reference guide to design, deploy, manage, and secure 802.11 wireless networks
Jeff Smith
Jake Woodhams
Robert Marg
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
Online Sample Chapter
Cisco Unified Wireless LAN Security Fundamentals
Sample Pages
Download the sample pages (includes Chapter 4 and Index)
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
9781587058257 TOC 10/11/2010