Introduction

If want to set up a wireless computer networkspecifically a network based on Cisco devices and technologythis book gives you the quick-reference tools you need to design, construct, and maintain such a network.

This book examines Cisco wireless networking equipmentfrom APs to client adapters, and moreplus it covers some of the Cisco technologies that help develop and operate a first-class wireless network.

The book is aimed at more of an intermediate audience, but a beginner can get help too. The book assumes you have some experience with the command-line interface (CLI) and are comfortable navigating a given piece of hardware's graphical user interface (GUI).

In these pages, you'll find information about:

• Specific Cisco products Cisco offers a variety of products including APs, wireless client adapters, wireless IP phones, and the company's newest line of Airespace thin APs.

• Network design tips You learn the best places to locate your wireless devices and how to get the most out of your plan.

• Configuration details After everything is in place, you learn how to set up the devices for optimal service.

• Troubleshooting steps If your wireless network falters, you can determine what went wrong and follow the steps to fix it.

• Network tuning information Although your network is up and running, you can still optimize it for best results.

• Security Keeping networks safe is a huge concern and it's not less of a concern with WLANs. In fact, new issues are presented with WLANs.

As a quick-reference tool, this is a handy book you can keep with you and refer to for common wireless networking tasks, questions, and problems that might arise.