Certified Wireless Network Administrator: CWNA-109

Correct Answer: B

WLAN bridges must use a channel with acceptable SNR at both transceivers to maintain the desired data rate bi-directionally. A WLAN bridge is a device that connects two or more networks using the 802.11 protocol. A WLAN bridge must have a clear and strong signal between the two endpoints to ensure reliable and fast data transmission. The signal-to- noise ratio (SNR) is a measure of the quality of the signal, which depends on the distance, interference, obstacles, and antenna gain between the transceivers. A higher SNR means a better signal quality and a higher data rate. A lower SNR means a worse signal quality and a lower data rate. Therefore, a WLAN bridge must use a channel with acceptable SNR at both transceivers to maintain the desired data rate bi-directionally1.

Correct Answer: C

Elevators are a common building item that frequently causes RF shadow and must be accounted for in coverage plans. RF shadow is a term that describes an area where wireless signals are blocked or significantly weakened by an obstacle or an object that absorbs or reflects RF energy. RF shadow can cause lack of coverage or poor performance in a WLAN because wireless devices in those areas may not be able to communicate with access points or other devices. RF shadow can be mitigated by adjusting access point placement, antenna orientation, transmit power level, or channel selection to avoid or overcome the obstacle or object that causes it. Elevators are a common building item that frequently causes RF shadow because they are made of metal and they move up and down within a shaft. Metal is a material that has high attenuation and reflection values, which means it can block or bounce off wireless signals very effectively. A moving elevator can create dynamic RF shadow that changes depending on its position and direction. Therefore, elevators must be accounted for in coverage plans to ensure adequate WLAN coverage and performance throughout the facility. The other options are not common building items that frequently cause RF shadow or must be accounted for in coverage plans. Wooden doors are not likely to cause RF shadow because they are made of wood, which is a material that has low attenuation and reflection values, which means it can pass through or slightly weaken wireless signals. Carpeted floors are not likely to cause RF shadow because they are made of fabric, which is a material that has low attenuation and reflection values, which means it can pass through or slightly weaken wireless signals. Cubicle partitions are not likely to cause RF shadow because they are made of thin plastic or cardboard, which are materials that have low attenuation and reflection values, which means they can pass through or slightly weaken wireless signals. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 13: Wireless LAN Site Surveys - Types and Processes , page 433

Correct Answer: B

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a security certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless computer networks. It is important to understand the following: WPA2 and the 802.11 Standard: While WPA2 is based on elements of the 802.11i amendment to the 802.11 standard, it is not itself a standard but rather a certification to ensure devices comply with certain security criteria, including the correct implementation of CCMP (Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). CCMP/AES Implementation: WPA2 enhances the security of wireless networks by using CCMP for encryption, which is based on AES, a robust encryption algorithm. This represents a significant security improvement over WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) that used TKIP (Temporal Key

Integrity Protocol).

WPA vs. WPA2: WPA was the interim security enhancement over WEP, utilizing TKIP for encryption. WPA2, however, moved to the more secure AES-based encryption method. Contrary to option C, WPA2 does not enhance security by

using TKIP; it uses CCMP/AES.

Therefore, option B correctly describes WPA2 as a certification program ensuring devices properly implement the more secure CCMP/AES encryption methods.

References:

Wi-Fi Alliance website for WPA2 certification details. IEEE 802.11i-2004: Amendment for Enhanced Security.