The Wireless LAN for Field Engineers exam (WLANFE 9E0-581) is one of several requirements for Field Engineers supporting a Partner Wireless LAN Specialization.
Exam Topics
The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Wireless LAN for Field Engineers exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.
Section 1 Radio Fundamentals
Radio Frequency Fundamentals - RF Power Values
Describe decibel calculations and the uses of various decibel units.
Differentiate between dBi and dBd.
Define EIRP.
Identify cable loss factors.
Antennas - Overview
Identify the fundamentals of antenna operation and deployment.
Antennas - Fundamentals
Describe the categories of antennas and their uses.
Antennas - Cisco Antennas
List Cisco antennas and their specifications (indoor/outdoor and omnidirectional)
Antennas - Diversity Antenna System
Describe Multipath distortion and other RF transmission problems.
Describe the operation of the Diversity antenna system.
RF Technologies - Objective
Describe how the FCC and ETSI regulate bands, channel sets, and power levels.
Identify the different 802.11 standards set by IEEE and other important agency standards.
RF Technologies - Regulatory Issues
Identify regulatory issues relating to unlicensed bands.
Differentiate between 5 GHz standards for the US, Europe, and Japan.
RF Technologies - Modulation
Identify ways for increasing RF transmission performance. (data rate)
Describe the sources of RF noise and how to resolve the problem.
RF Technologies - Standards
Identify important 802.11 standards affecting Cisco WLAN products.
Describe the role of WECA standard.
Section 2 WLAN Introduction
WLAN - Fundamentals
Identify the components of a WLAN and describe their functions.
Describe the inline power features of the Cisco Aironet Access Points (350, 1200.)
Identify the functions of various Cisco client (WGB, PCI, mini PCI, PCMCIA, LMC.)
Identify workgroup bridge characteristics and functionality.
WLAN Introduction - Topologies and Deployment
Identify topological considerations relating to WLAN deployment.
List the fundamentals of planning a WLAN deployment.
Describe security concepts used in a WLAN.
Configuration - Overview
Perform basic AP configuration tasks such as assigning SSID and IP addresses.
Configuration - Basic Configuration
Describe how to use a command-line interface (CLI) for configuring an access point.
Identify methods for determining the IP address for a given AP.
Configuration - RF Cell Setup
Configure radio settings using the AP Radio pages.
Configuration - Advanced Features
Describe the operation and uses of repeaters.
Describe hot-standby mode and its benefits.
Configuration - Filters
Identify the benefits of using filtering options.
Security Configuration - Overview
Describe WEP security and configure an AP for it.
Security Configurations - Security Setup
Add users with suitable capabilities in the User Management Windows.
List the benefits of server-based security.
Describe authentication and authorization in a sever-based security system.
Security Configurations - Authentications Server Configurations
Identify the basic settings on the Authentication Configuration page.
Configure basic EAP settings.
Configure EAP for Cisco Secure Access Control Server.
Set up MAC address filtering as a security tool.
Describe new WEP Security features.
Security Configurations - Wireless Clients
Configure a client using the Aironet Client Utility.
Section 3 Wireless Bridging
Wireless Bridge Operations - Overview
Describe deployment considerations such as distance limits and path loss.
Wireless Bridge Operations - Fundamentals
Describe the functions and benefits of the Cisco 350 Series Wireless Bridge.
Describe deployment options for the 350 Series Wireless Bridge.
Wireless Bridge Operations - Bridging Concepts
Describe the difference between an AP and a bridge.
List the messages communicated by the LED indicators.
Wireless Bridge Operations - Deployment
Identify considerations for selecting antennas to be used with the Wireless Bridges.
List environmental factors affecting wireless performance and calculate path loss. (trees, fresnel zone)
Use the Cisco Distance Calculation sheet to plan separation distance for a bridge.
Wireless Bridge Operations - Safety and Maintenance
List regulations that could impact a wireless bridge.
Describe tools for protecting against lightening-related surges.
Identify sealant products and describe their importance for bridges.
Wireless Bridge Setup - Fundamentals
Identify key security features of bridges.
Wireless Bridge Setup - Designing Applications
List methods for increasing the transmission distance.
Describe ways to align antennas.
Section 4 Advanced Wireless
Radio Frequency Spread Spectrum Technology
Explain the process a wireless client undergoes while associating to an access point.
Antenna Concepts
Explain what an isotropic antenna is and why it is used as a reference for other antennas
Identify Cisco Aironet antennas, their coverage patterns, and the proper polarization of each antenna
Access Point and Bridge Basic Configuration
Explain the difference between a root and non-root Mode access point
Recommended Training
Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals (AWLF) and Aironet Wireless LAN Fundamentals & Cisco Aironet Wireless Site Survey (AWFSS) are among the courses listed as recommended training for the Wireless LAN for Field Engineers exam.
Courses listed are offered by Cisco Learning Partners—the only authorized source for Cisco IT training delivered exclusively by Certified Cisco Instructors. Check the Global Learning Partner Locator for a Cisco Learning Partner near you.
Additional Resources
Cisco Press book options related to the content of this exam may be available. They can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace, directly through Cisco Press or their distributors.
