31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam

262 31 Days Before Your CCNA ExamWireless LAN Implementation ChecklistThe following basic checklist can help guide the installation of a WLAN:Step 1Verify the existing wired network.The existing wired network should be operational, including virtual LANs (VLANs),Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services, and Internet connectivity.Basic practices suggest connecting all APs in the same Extended Service Set (ESS) tothe same VLAN. For example, in Figure 9-1 each of the APs is connected to a switchport that belongs to VLAN 2.Figure 9-1ESS WLAN with All APs in Same VLANVLAN TrunkSW1VLAN 2VLAN 2SW2VLAN 2AP1Channel 1AP2Channel 6AP3Channel 11A quick way to test the wired network is to connect a PC to the switch port that the APwill use. If the device acquires IP addressing automatically through DHCP services, thewired network is ready for the AP.Step 2Install and configure the AP’s wired and IP details.The next step is to attach the AP to the switch port with a straight-through cable andthen configure or verify its connectivity to the wired network, including the AP’s IPaddress, mask, and default gateway. Just like a switch, the IP addressing will allowremote management of an AP, which is a Layer 2 device.Step 3Configure the AP’s WLAN details.Most APs have a plug-and-play capability; however, both consumer-grade andenterprise-grade APs can be configured with a variety of parameters, includingthe following list (security parameters are covered in Step 6):— IEEE standard (a, b, g, or multiple)— Wireless channel