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

September 2005

In This Issue:
>> Training Corner - New Cisco Advanced Wireless Bridging LAB v3.0 (CAWBL)
>> Tech Tip - The Sluggish Effect of 802.11b Clients on 802.11g Networks
>> Cisco "Edutainment" - Cisco CCNA & Wireless Explorer Games Online
>> Just Out - White Paper Downloads >> Regulations, Security and SAFE

>> Training Corner

The new Cisco Advanced Wireless Bridging LAB v3.0 (CAWBL) is an interactive class for IT professionals interested in learning how to design and deploy long distance Cisco bridge links. The curriculum includes learning the basics of bridging, topologies supported, FCC/ETSI/FAA regulations, path considerations, calculation tools, antenna selection and alignment, mounting considerations, towers, NEMA enclosures, lightning protection, and Spanning Tree Protocol. In addition, attendees will perform path analysis exercises and design bridge links using special tools such as a compass, GPS and TOPO maps. Attendees will be provided with equipment including the Cisco Aironet 1300 and 1400 series bridges and antennas to install several bridge links and align antennas properly utilizing GigaWave's bridging tower.

For course description and course details, click here.
To view CAWBL training schedule, click here.

>> Tech Tip

The Sluggish Effect of 802.11b Clients on 802.11g Networks >> Although 802.11g access points (AP) are backwards compatible with 802.11b technology, it is not without a sacrifice. When organizations have an 802.11g wireless network and IT administrators allow 802.11b clients on it, the result is a slow data throughput of no more than 6 Mbps versus 22 Mbps.

The reason for the lost throughput (performance) is that in order to maintain backwards compatibility, 802.11g APs must implement a "protection" mechanism. When an 802.11g AP detects an 802.11b client, it initiates its protection mode and sends "Clear to Send" (CTS) and "Request to Send" (RTS) to the 802.11b clients. When an 802.11g AP communicates with an 802.11g client, this mechanism is not necessary. However, add even only one 802.11b client and protection must be implemented through the use of CTS and RTS. The CTS and RTS processes create overhead resulting in lost throughput.

   

The inverse holds true when the client wants to transmit to the AP.

To obtain the higher speeds that 802.11g technology offers, IT administrators must prevent 802.11b clients from associating to the 802.11g network. By disabling 802.11b data rates, IT administrators prevent 802.11b clients from joining the 802.11g network. 802.11b data rates are 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps. By disabling the data rates, IT administrators will free the 802.11g network from slower older wireless technology. IT administrators should be sure to send beacons at 6 Mbps, the lowest supported 802.11g data rate.

>> Cisco "Edutainment" - Cisco Certification Multi-Player Challenge: CCNA & Wireless Explorer On-Line Games
Cisco now offers a bundle of multi-player on-line learning games as a creative way for people to prepare for their CCNA certification. The latest games that have been added to the on-line gaming suite include the CCNA Multi-Player Challenge and the Cisco Wireless Explorer designed to offer players meaningful wireless and site survey scenarios in an engaging and competitive environment.

To learn more, click here.
*In order to view Cisco's CCNA Pre Center, users will need a valid Cisco CCO username and password.

>> Just Out - New Wi-Fi White Paper Downloads
The Impact of Regulations on WLANs >> If an organization is a healthcare provider, financial institution, or a public company, they must comply with new regulations or face costly fines or even jail time. IT professionals working for these types of companies must learn how these directives apply to WLANs and what tools are available to help organizations comply.

To view AirMagnet white paper, click here.

The Cisco Aironet Series - Wireless Freedom with Enterprise-Class Security >> A challenge for many IT professionals is properly securing an organization's WLAN. The Cisco Wireless Security Suite offers an enterprise-ready, standards-based, WLAN security solution for Cisco Aironet Series products and Cisco compatible WLAN client devices.

To view Cisco white paper, click here.

Cisco SAFE: Wireless LAN Security in Depth >> This white paper offers information on designing and implementing a wireless LAN security in networks using the Cisco SAFE Blueprint for network security. SAFE represents a system-based approach to security and VPN design. This type of approach focuses on overall design goals and translates those goals into specific configurations and topologies. SAFE is based on Cisco products and those of its partners. The specific designs covered in this white paper are the large-network WLAN design, the medium-network WLAN design, the small-network WLAN design, and the remote-user WLAN design.

To view Cisco white paper, click here.