Designing and Deploying 802.11n Wireless Networks

Gain a practical understanding of the underlying concepts of the 802.11n standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation

Practical, start-to-finish guidance for successful deployment of 802.11n wireless LANs

With the ratification of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard, thousands of companies are moving rapidly toward implementation. However, 802.11n is very different from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, and successful deployment requires new knowledge and techniques. In this book, leading wireless expert Jim Geier systematically presents all the information and guidance that network architects, engineers, administrators, and managers need to maximize the performance and business value of new 802.11n networks.

Drawing on extensive experience with real-world 802.11n deployments, Geier guides you through the entire project lifecycle: planning, design, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. Each phase of wireless LAN deployment is organized into clearly defined steps, and multiple case studies and hands-on exercises show how to apply each technique.

You’ll find practical guidance for deploying in enterprises without existing wireless infrastructure, as well as migrating from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g networks. For convenient reference, Geier also provides an extensive, up-to-date wireless networking glossary.

Jim Geier founded Wireless-Nets, Ltd., and serves as its principal consultant. His 25 years of experience include analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of wireless network-based solutions for cities, enterprises, airports, manufacturers, warehouses, hospitals, and other facilities worldwide. He is author of more than a dozen books, including Wireless Networks - First Step and Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs (Cisco Press) and Implementing 802.1X Security Solutions. He has been active with the IEEE 802.11 Working Group developing international wireless LAN standards, and chaired the IEEE International Conference on Wireless LAN Implementation.

• Understanding 802.11n MAC, physical layer, and related standards
• Designing 802.11n wireless networks for diverse scenarios: considering architecture, range, performance, roaming, and RF issues
• Migrating from 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks
• Choosing the right tools and equipment, and using them effectively
• Planning effectively: scoping projects; creating work breakdown structures; organizing teams, schedules, and budgets; defining requirements, and more
• Securing WLANs via encryption, authentication, rogue access point detection, RF shielding, and polices
• Performing site surveys and identifying optimum access point locations
• Installing and configuring wireless LANs: planning, staging, deployment, documentation, and more
• Systematic testing to improve signal coverage, performance, and security
• Managing wireless LANs: help desk support, network monitoring, maintenance, engineering, configuration management, security, tools, and more
• Troubleshooting 802.11n networks: identifying issues with connectivity, performance, and more

Jim Geier is the founder and principal consultant of Wireless-Nets, Ltd., an independent consulting firm assisting organizations with the development and deployment of wireless networks. His 25 years of experience includes the planning, analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of numerous wireless network-based solutions for enterprises, municipalities, hospitals, universities, airports, warehouses, and product manufacturers worldwide. Jim is the author of more than a dozen books, including Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs (Cisco Press), Wireless Networks: First Step (Cisco Press), Implementing 802.1X Security Solutions (Wiley), and Network Reengineering (McGraw-Hill). He is the author of numerous tutorials and other publications and has developed and instructed dozens of training courses on wireless networking topics. Jim has been active within the Wi-Fi Alliance, responsible for certifying interoperability of 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless LANs. He has also been active with the IEEE 802.11 Working Group, responsible for developing international standards for wireless LANs. He served as Chairman of the IEEE Computer Society, Dayton Section, and Chairman of the IEEE International Conference on Wireless LAN Implementation. Jim’s education includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in electrical engineering, with emphasis in wireless communications.