Cisco Wireless Mesh Networking

Cisco Wireless Mesh Networking (CWMN) is a 3-day instructor-led course, training partners to their end-user customers. This three-day course focuses on using Cisco Unified Wireless solution, to design, install and maintain a wireless mesh network both as an add-on to an existing wireless LAN and as a new installation. Upon completion of this training course, you will be able to select, connect, configure and troubleshoot the different components of the Cisco Wireless Mesh Network.

This course is intended for:

• Systems Engineers
• Account Managers
• Channel Partners/Resellers
• Customers

After completing this course you will be able to:

• List the four configuration tasks to be conducted for priming and AP before deployment
• Describe the 1500 series AP models
• Explain how a Mesh AP finds the best path to the wired network, using the concept of ease
• Describe the client backhaul access and the backup backhaul access concepts
• Demonstrate an ability to configure a basic Cisco Unified WLAN controller with Layer 3 LWAPP so that it could be deployed immediately to an example 1-2 hops wireless network
• Describe the 6 steps performed during the installation and deployment of outdoor Wireless LANs with Layer 3 LWAPP
• Describe how to ensure security in the AP to controller association process
• Explain to an audience the use of Bridge Group Names as a technique to control mesh network device associations, answering the questions:
• How is it set up?
• What happens if it is not set up?
• What happens to a MAP if the RAP bearing the same BGN disappears?
• Explain the functionality relating to the following configurable parameters:
• Radio Roles
• Backhaul Interface
• Channel Assignments
• Describe the Zero Touch configuration feature as it relates to the deployment of outdoor Wireless LANs, explain its purpose, the way mesh forms with it, and what happens if it is removed prior to or after mesh deployment
• Use and show some available methods (two main screens from the GUI, 6 main CLI commands) for verifying connectivity and performance in an outdoor mesh network
• Explain the 3 step methodology used to diagnose problems in mesh networks
• List and use the 18 key CLI commands used for verification and troubleshooting (i.e. show, debug)
• List the two main screens available in the GUI that are used to verify proper operation in a mesh network
• Locate the 11 key screens and critical fields in the GUI used to isolate and resolve problems in a mesh network

Detailed Course Outline

Module 1: Describing the Cisco Wireless Mesh Solution

• Definition of Mesh Networking
• Markets and Applications for a Mesh Network
• AP Operation Mode
• How the Mesh is Created
• Forming the Mesh
• Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP)
• Controller Support

Lesson 2: Mesh Network Features and Applications

• Security Features
• Background Scanning
• Universal Backhaul Client Access
• QoS in the Mesh Environment

Module 2: Configuring a Wireless Controller

• Overview
• Ports and Interfaces
• Access Points
• Auto RF Configuration
• AP Association Options

Lesson 2: LAN Controller Security and Mobility

• Mobility
• Security
• Controller Management

Module 3: Installation, Configuration, and Management of Mesh Networks

Lesson 1: Installing Cisco Aironet Access Points

• Overview of the Aironet 1500 Series Mesh Access Points
• Powering Options
• Mounting and Installing

Lesson 2: Access Point and Bridging Group Configurations

• The Radio Role
• Bridge Group Name
• The Parent-Child Relationship
• Backhaul Interface
• Channel Assignment and Power Levels

Lesson 3: Configuring the Controller, Using the GUI to Add the Access Point to the Mesh Network

• MAC Address Filters
• L3 Mesh Networking
• Mesh Ethernet Bridging

Lesson 4: Connectivity Verification

**Validating Access Point Connectivity and Performance

• Validating Client Connectivity and Performance

Lesson 5: Cisco WCS Map and Mesh Enhancements

• Cisco WCS Overview
• Cisco WCS Enhancements
• Cisco WCS Mesh Monitoring
• New Cisco WCS Mesh Alarms and Events
• Cisco WCS Mesh Reports
• Cisco WCS Map Enhancements for Mesh

Module 4: Wireless Mesh Design Requirements

Lesson 1: RF Theory

• Terminology
• Determining Bandwidth
• Mesh Coverage Patterns
• Spacing
• Density

Lesson 2: Access Point Roles

• Overview
• Configuring Access Points
• Access Point Security Mechanisms

Lesson 3: 802.11h Standard

• Overview
• 802.11h Requirements
• Power and Data Rates

Lesson 4: Selecting Antennas

• Antenna Performance
• Antenna Options
• Path Considerations
• Antenna Placement
• Interference Considerations

Module 5: Verification and Troubleshooting

Lesson 1: Validating WLAN Configurations

• Check OSI Connectivity
• Controller Settings
• AP Settings

Lesson 2: CLI Support Tools

• The show Commands: Verification and Troubleshooting
• The debug Commands: Verification and Troubleshooting
• lwapp debug enable
• lwapp debug Discovery Request and Reply
• lwapp debug Join Request and Reply
• lwapp debug Configure Request and Response
• lwapp debug Configure Response
• The debug ap Command
• Backhaul Link Test Procedures

Lesson 3: Identifying Other Considerations for Troubleshooting

• Physical Adjustments
• RF Link Troubleshooting
• Hidden and Exposed Nodes
• Stranded AP
• Blacklisting
• Multiple Controllers

Lesson 4: GUI Support Tools

• Verification and Troubleshooting: GUI
• AP Configurations
• Using GUI Management Options
• Verification and Troubleshooting: Cisco WCS

• You should have attended the CUWN or CWLF/CWLAT courses
• Basic knowledge of PC hardware configurations is required
• Basic understanding of networking business drivers is essential