Department: Engineering & Technology
Discipline: Computer Networking
Subject Code: CNT
Course #: 260
Course Title: Wireless Network Administration
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at a
minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]
1.
Digital Description:
Credit hours:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
3.0
3.0
1.5
BL: [ ]⅓ [ ]½ [ ]⅔ [ ] Other (Indicate fraction or percent)
2.
3.
Catalog Description:
Provides the networking professional a complete foundation of knowledge for entering into or
advancing in the wireless networking industry. From basic RF theory to link budget math,
including topics from troubleshooting to performing a site survey, this course delivers hands
on training that benefits the novice as well as the experienced network professional. This
course targets both novice and experienced networking professionals who wish to gain a solid
understanding of wireless networking to complement their knowledge of traditional wired
networking. This course can be used to help students prepare for the CWNA (Certified
Wireless Network Administrator) exam. A course fee is required.
Prerequisites: CNT 120 (or) CTEC 101
(and)
CNT 125 (or) CTEC 102
Corequisites:
Minimum Grade Required
C
C
Other:
4.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Define the fundamentals of RF behavior, specifically as it applies to contemporary
spread spectrum wireless technologies
 Describe the features and functions of wireless LAN components
 Identify and apply concepts of 802.11 network authentication, association, service
sets, roaming, and power management
 Identify wireless LAN standards and the regulators and organizations responsible for
their development and maintenance
 Install, configure, and troubleshoot wireless LAN hardware peripherals and protocols
 Implement the proper security practices in a wireless LAN environment as identified
in a wireless security audit
 Troubleshoot common wireless network problems
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/14/11
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Department: Engineering & Technology
Discipline: Computer Networking
Subject Code: CNT
Course #: 260
Course Title: Wireless Network Administration


5.
Conduct site surveying and security audits for planning and installation of a wireless
LAN
Describe the features and functions of Bluetooth and Ultra Wide Band piconet
technologies
Planned Sequence of Instruction
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]
A. Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals
1. RF behavior and properties
2. Principles of antennas
3. RF math calculations
4. Link budgets and system operating margins
B. Spread Spectrum Technologies
1. Uses of Spread Spectrum
2. Comprehend the differences between, and apply the different types of spread spectrum
technologies
B.2.1.1. Frequency Hopping (FHSS)
B.2.1.2. Direct Sequencing (DSSS)
B.2.1.3. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
B.2.1.4. Packet Binary Convolutional Coding (PBCC)
B.2.1.5. Comparing DSSS, FHSS, PBCC, and OFDM
3. Identify and apply the concepts that make up the functionality of spread spectrum
technology
4. Identify the regulations set forth by the FCC that govern spread spectrum technology
C. Hardware Installation, Configuration, and Management
1. Access points
2. Wireless bridges
3. Wireless workgroup bridges
4. Client devices and accessories
5. Residential gateways
6. Enterprise gateways
7. Wireless LAN switches
8. PoE Switches and patch panels
9. VoWiFi systems
10. Wireless Routers
D. Troubleshooting Wireless LANs
1. Multipath
2. Hidden node
3. Near/Far
4. Identifying and resolving interference problems
5. Maximizing system throughput
6. Maximizing co-location throughput
7. Range considerations
E. Antennas and Accessories
1. Omni-directional
2. Directional:
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/14/11
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Department: Engineering & Technology
Discipline: Computer Networking
Subject Code: CNT
Course #: 260
Course Title: Wireless Network Administration
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
a. Yogi
b. Parabolic dish
3. Patch antenna
4. Determining coverage areas
5. Proper mounting and safety
6. Performing outdoor/indoor installations
7. Power over Ethernet (802.3af and proprietary implementations)
8. Cables and connector usage requirements
9. Amplifiers, attenuators, lightning arrestors, and splitters
10. Fresnel Zones and Free Space Path Loss
11. Interference, Fading, and Multipath
Wireless Network Management
1. Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) functions
2. Bandwidth control
3. Wireless Network Management features and products
Physical and MAC Layers
1. Differences between wireless and Ethernet frames
2. Collision handling and the use of RTS/CTS
3. Throughput and dynamic rate selection
4. Analysis of DCF mode and the CSMA/CA protocol
5. How frame fragmentation works and its affects on throughput
Wireless LAN Security
1. Analysis of 802.11 security including WEP, WPA, 802.1x/EAP types, and 802.11i
2. Available security solutions at Layer2, 3, & 7
3. Types of network attacks, and protecting the network from attacks
4. Corporate security policies including baseline practices, and common security
solutions
5. Security recommendations
Organizations and Standards
1. FCC rules
2. Frequency ranges and channels
3. IEEE 802.11 family of standards
4. Wireless LAN organizations
5. Proper application of WLANs in distribution and access roles
6. Interoperability standards
802.11 Network Architecture
1. Joining a wireless LAN
2. Authentication and association
3. Basic Service Sets
4. Extended Service Sets
5. Independent Basic Service Sets
6. Distribution systems
7. Roaming in a wireless LAN
8. Scanning modes using Beacons and Probe Frames
9. Power management features
Site Surveying
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/14/11
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Department: Engineering & Technology
Discipline: Computer Networking
Subject Code: CNT
Course #: 260
Course Title: Wireless Network Administration
1. Understanding the need for a site survey
2. Defining business requirements and justification
3. Facility analysis
4. Interviewing network management and users
5. Identifying bandwidth requirements
6. Determining contours of RF coverage
7. Documenting installation problems
8. Locating interference
9. Reporting methodology and procedures
10. Understanding specifics of each vertical market
11. Understanding the customer's network topology
12. Creating appropriate documentation during and after the site survey
13. Understanding FCC/FAA rules regarding towers
14. Understanding safety hazards
15. Using appropriate hardware and software to perform the survey
L. Internet research, lectures, classroom discussions, hands-on laboratory exercises, group &
individual projects, quizzes, exams and site visits.
6.
Assessment of Student Learning
[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed above.]
Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by AP 765, is part of
regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan has been determined
by the pertinent faculty involved and is maintained in the College’s assessment management
system.
7.
List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning Materials (code
each item based on instructional use): C-Lecture/Laboratory, A-Lecture, B-Laboratory, LCLecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,
BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,
F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily accessible
to students.]
C – Certified Wireless Network Administrator: Official CWNA Study Guide, WestNet
Learning Technologies (ISBN 1-58676-139-0).
C – Wireless # Guide to Wireless Communications, by Jorge Olenewa and Mark Ciampa,
second edition, Course Technology (ISBN 1-4188-3699-0)
C – http://hacc.desire2learn.com : classroom site provided; students must make a
D2L account and add this account to the classroom site.
8.
9.
Prepared by Faculty Member: William Forney
Approved by Department Chairperson: Eric Yoxheimer
Date: 9/12/11
Date: 9/19/11
10.
Approved by Academic Division Dean: Margie Mattis
Date: 10/28/11
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/14/11
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Department: Engineering & Technology
Discipline: Computer Networking
Subject Code: CNT
Course #: 260
Course Title: Wireless Network Administration
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335, subchapters A / B.
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the policies,
standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is consistent with the
college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar courses
generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and universities.
11.
Associate Dean, Curriculum & Assessment: Karen Tombs-Harling
Date: 11/2/11
12.
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs: Ronald R. Young
Date: 11/4/11
13.
Original Date of course approval by the college: 200720
14.
Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]:
9/12/11- Learning outcome, Planned sequence of Instruction, Reference materials
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/14/11
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