GigaNews gives IT pros cutting edge insight into the rapidly changing products and practices needed to succeed in the dynamic wireless LAN marketplace.

December 2007

In this issue:

>> New WLAN Course >> Cisco Wireless Networking Site Survey

>>Technical Whitepaper >> Conducting a Site Survey & Implementation for the
    Cisco Unified Wireless Network

>> Tech Tip >> Configuring the Cisco WLC for VLANs

>> Webinar Playback >> Top 10 Critical Features for WLAN Monitoring

>> NEWS >> FCC Rules on Third Party WLAN Antennas

>> Wi-Fi Product Spotlight >> 900 MHz Antennas for Wireless Data Applications

Training Corner >>

Cisco Wireless Networking Site Survey (CWNSS) v1.0

Cisco has just released Cisco Wireless Networking Site Survey v1.0 (CWNSS). This four-day course is full of hands-on labs and gives students a firm understanding of how to conduct a thorough site survey. CWNSS explores WLAN topologies for voice and data, as well as location services. Design strategies covered include Cisco WCS planning tool, Cognio Spectrum Expert and AirMagnet Survey PRO. Additionally, methodologies and project management are also covered.

View Detailed CWNSS Course Description PDF
View CWNSS Course Details, Pricing and Schedule

Technical Whitepaper >> Conducting a Site Survey & Implementation for the Cisco Unified Wireless Network

Cisco has developed a phased approach to one of the most crucial aspects of deploying a wireless local area network (WLAN) – the site survey. Most of the Prepare, Plan, Design, Implement, Operate and Optimize (PPDIOO) approach is highlighted in this whitepaper. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses mission critical site survey concepts and practices needed to ensure proper signal levels and overlap with minimal interference. Topics addressed include: Financial requirements, services & clients supported, the project plan, proper equipment, supporting the WCS controller, layer one sweep with Cognio Spectrum Expert, AirMagnet Survey PRO for site survey, network design, placement and configuration of WLAN controllers, PoE and Ethernet runs, power requirements, devices and proper signal levels for data, voice, and location based services and of course -- test, test and test again.

Download Site Survey Whitepaper

Tech tip >>

Configuring the Cisco WLC, NM-AIR-WLC6, When VLANs Are Necessary

Q: With the availability of the network module versions of the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC), small business can now take advantage of the simplified deployment of the Cisco controller-based wireless solution. The instructions that come with the device, and those available from Cisco, are adequate for a simple installation into a flat network. However, if network administrators must consider virtual local area networks (VLANs), the instructions lack clear direction on device configuration. Help! How do I configure VLAN’s using the Cisco WLC, NM-AIR-WLC6?

A: Ah yes, many feel your pain. The instructions include that the manager port is preconfigured as a trunk port, but the help stops there. No further details are given. However, the main problem during the configuration is what happens between the port that the router sees and the port that the module sees. If you have ever configured a switch module in a router, you have likely dealt with this issue. For those who have not, no worries, follow the step-by-step instructions outlined by a TerraWave network engineer and save yourself some frustration and time.

View Detailed Configuration Instructions

Webinar Playback >> Top 10 Critical Features for WLAN Monitoring

Keeping a mission critical WLAN running smoothly while supporting essential business applications requires a comprehensive set of specialized monitoring functions and support tools. Download this 40-minute technical presentation and live demo that covers the top 10 features required for a WLAN monitoring system. Learn how AirMagnet maintains, secures and optimizes an enterprise WLAN. The playback covers: Real-time remote troubleshooting and spectrum analysis, security compliance, security compliance reporting and comprehensive rogue device countermeasures.

Download webinar playback NOW!

NEWS UPDATE >> FCC Rules on Third Party WLAN Antennas

The latest FCC regulations update for certification of antennas indicates that preferred third party antenna solutions are unique and innovative in the antenna marketplace and are indeed certified to operate with any manufacturer's access points, including Cisco, 3Com, Proxim and Motorola. These specialized antennas add value and encourage competition in the marketplace by offering customers high-quality, equivalent alternatives to other WLAN antenna manufacturer's product lines.

Click Here for More Information or To View the Cisco White Paper on the FCC Regulation Update

Wi-Fi Product Spotlight >> 900 MHz Antennas for Wireless Data Applications

TerraWave introduces a full, diverse line of high quality antennas designed for applications in the 900 MHz frequency, including, radio frequency identification (RFID) applications, cellular systems, global system for mobile (GSM) communications, code-division multiple access systems (CDMA) applications, multipoint applications and wireless video links. These extremely affordable antennas offer solutions for indoor or outdoor 900 MHz applications where high-performance antennas are needed. TerraWave’s new 900 MHz antenna line includes a complete set of panel, sector panel, omnidirectional and yagi antennas at an outstanding value.

Click Here to View TerraWave’s 900 MHz Antennas

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