CWAP: Certified Wireless Analysis Professional
Wireless troubleshooting involves knowledge of RF operations, 802.11 protocols, analysis tools (such as protocol and spectrum analyzers) and troubleshooting methodologies. All these knowledge areas are addressed in the CWAP-404 exam, making a CWAP-certified professional an individual you can trust to analyze networks and quickly resolve any problems discovered.
From performance tuning to connectivity issues, the CWAP-certified professional is prepared to tackle the job.
CWAP will cover in-depth analysis of Wireless networks, from a Spectrum Analysis, Protocol Analysis domain, but also from a design, security aspect and for small and large wireless networks.
About the instructor Martin Ericson
Martin is working as a principal consultant with specialty in WLAN and design/ performance/troubleshooting analysis of Wi-Fi installations. As a trainer Martin has his focus on CWNP trainings. He is CWNE #148 from 2014 (which means he was the 148th person in the world to achieve the Certified Wireless Network Expert certification), CWNT (Certified Wireless Network Trainer) and former member of CWNE Advisory Board.
Martins is also ECSE (Ekahau Certified Survey Engineer) and Ekahau Master. Martin has experience with Enterprise Wi-Fi since 2005, and has done training for Novel and Cisco, as well as developed training for Ascom.
Major Goal of this training
The Wireless LAN Analysis course covering the CWAP exam objectives, will certify that the successful candidate:
- understands the frame structures and exchange processes for each of the 802.11 series of standards
- how to use the tools that are available for analyzing and troubleshooting today’s wireless LANs
CWAP-404 Certification domains
- 802.11 Physical (PHY) Layer Frame Formats and Technologies
- 802.11 MAC Layer Frame Formats and Technologies
- 802.11 Operation and Frame Exchanges
- Spectrum Analysis and Troubleshooting
- Protocol Analysis and Troubleshooting
Audience
- People working with advanced Wi-Fi support
- Staff who needs to analyze and troubleshoot WLAN networks
- Those desiring to get a solid knowledge of Wireless Analysis and Troubleshooting
- Students wanting to pass the CWAP exam
Prerequisites
IMPORTANT: To get the CWAP certification you need to be a certified CWNA!
Methodology
The class uses a mixture of traditional presentations for theoretical topics, live demonstrations by the instructor, video recordings (like You Tube) and practical exercises. The students are encouraged to get involved in discussions and may suggest changes in the standard lab setup.
Lab exercises target counts for around 30 % of class time.
Demonstrations
The instructor will demonstrate the use of professional tools for troubleshooting and analyzing packets. Devices like the ones below will be shown:
- NetAlly Air Check G3
- NetAlly Tester
- WLANPi
- Wye Bot Sensor
- Cisco 6G AP, Ruckus 6 router and TP link 6E and 7 home routers
Standard labs in class as current of Q1 2024:
- Using a scanner like WiFi Explorer
- Installing analyzers, Omnipeek, Metageek InSSIDer, Eye P.A and Chananalyzer, Tamosoft CommView for Wi-Fi, and Wireshark and others
- Analyzing Packets with Kali Linux using Wireshark
- Working with Protocol Analyzers:
- Using naming, coloring rules and filters in an analyzer.
- Packet Capture using monitor mode.
- Multi adapter captures.
- Analyzing the association process including security exchange
- Analyzing Security frame exchanges.
- Remote Analyzing with WLANPi.
- Using an AP to capture packets.
- Installing Spectrum analyzer software
- Using Metageek Chanalyzer and Identify Interferer
- Using a remote sensor
- Evaluating WLAN performance
- Airtime Calculation.
- Utilization.
- Roaming measurements.
Many of the practical exercises can be repeated after class in a private environment.
Depending on the skills and wishes from the class the instructor may add or change practical exercises to use other tools or to modify the goal of the exercise.
Course content
Module 1 - Troubleshooting Processes
- Troubleshooting Methodologies
- CWNP Methodology
- Troubleshooting Tools
Module 2 - Communications
- Terminology Review
- Beacon Frames
- Authentication
- Channel Access
- WLAN Architectures
Module 3 - 802.11 Frames
- Framing Review
- 802.11 General Frame Format
- 802.11 Frame Types
- Important 802.11 Frames
- Security Communications
- 802.11 PHY
Module 4 - WLAN Hardware
- Client Devices
- Access Points
- WLAN Controllers and Managers
- Wireless Analysis Hardware
- Wired Hardware
Module 5 - Protocol Analysis
- WLAN Protocol Analysis Hardware and Software
- Protocol Analyzer Common Features
- Working with Protocol Analyzers
Module 6 - Spectrum Analysis
- Spectrum Analysis Hardware
- Terminology
- Spectrum Analyzer Features
- Installing and Configuring
- Performing Spectrum Analysis
Module 7 - Wired Issues
- Common Problems
- Troubleshooting Tools
- Troubleshooting Specific Issues
Module 8 - Common WLAN Issues
- Common Issues
- Security Issues
- Client Issues
- Modern Issues
Certification
CWAP Test Information Summary:
- Exam Number: CWAP-404
- Cost: $350 (USD) - Exam Voucher
- Availability: Pearson Vue Testing Center
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Questions: 60 multiple choice / multiple answer
- Language: English
