Cisco CCNA Wireless: Complete Guide

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Wireless was developed by Cisco Systems Inc. to validate expertise with Cisco’s wireless technology. Cisco Systems Inc. is a networking company which was founded in 1984 and has become one of the leaders worldwide in networking for the Internet. There is a wide speculated belief that certifying for the CCNA Wireless is difficult, to the contrary we beg to differ. In most success stories, seriousness and self-motivation will power towards accomplishment of a targeted goal are key pillars. We are not insinuating that this Cisco certification is a piece of cake and will not want to be misquoted, but our motivational statement is, “Nothing is impossible to accomplish if given the needed effort, attention, time, and seriousness it deserves”.

Why Should You Choose the CCNA Wireless Certification?

If you want to become a master in any particular field, specialization is the way to go. Information Communications Technology (ICT) has become a broader subject and is working towards becoming Jack of all trades yield less to what is expected if not nothing. Among various certifications offered worldwide, the CCNA Wireless credential is becoming more popular, critical and relevant towards easy and smart sharing of organisational resources through its adorable wireless internetworking. As one embarrasses this technology, it would be naïve to hire a general ICT person to manage your wireless infrastructure. The Wireless-Fidelity herein after referred to as Wi-Fi is fast replacing much of our physical Local Area Networks (LAN), hence the need for a specialized personnel in the CCNA Wi-Fi technology to implement a robust Wi-Fi environment which will mitigate network security attacks.

Besides the CCNA Wireless being a vendor-oriented certification, it goes without doubt that the content of the syllabus also prepares one to work exceptionally well in supporting non-wireless devices. This program unlike various ICT courses is practical oriented with some background literature availed for one to use as critical preparatory material to best configure both none and Cisco wireless devices whilst having an appreciation of the evolution of the Wi-Fi technology standards.

Unlike any other vendor hardware infrastructure for wireless, Cisco Systems Inc. has come up with something new called a Cisco’s Unified Wireless Solution. It allows for building Cisco wireless LANs which are easy to manage and are fault tolerant. To set up this adorable Cisco device centred wireless network system, one needs to hire someone certified in CCNA Wireless. Some may view the former as bragging but thus an honest fact.

Developing career wise, it is easy to switch and move on with progressive companies with wireless infrastructure once you get certified in CCNA Wireless. This is so because most companies now have high confidence and belief in expert support service from the CCNA Wireless certified personnel. If you want to earn respect, appreciation and rational benefits from your employer through ICT support, the CCNA certification in the desired area of speciality is the way to go. There is no doubt, this Cisco certification syllabus was designed to impart requisite knowledge needed to produce competent engineers to support none and CCNA wireless network infrastructure. To complement this, below take note of key result knowledge to be imparted to those envisaging to be certified in CCNA Wireless.

The CCNA Wireless certification is one of the most exciting credentials offered by Cisco, where it provides the candidates with the understanding of 802.11 technology and radio frequency (RF). Due to the high demand, usage of wireless devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT) industry boom, learning wireless technologies is attracting the interest of many professionals. This Cisco certificate introduces candidates to the world of wireless by discussing RF, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), antennas, Access Point (AP), implementing basic security, design considerations, and much more. It allows the applicants to develop their skills in installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and monitoring small, medium, and enterprise networks.

Key Result Knowledge of the CCNA Wireless Certification

1. Wireless LAN Fundamental

In this topic, generally one is taught the evolution of wireless technology standards and it spells out merits and demerits of each of the basic Wi-Fi technology standards. Though some standards are becoming unpopular, they are still in use and it will be of best interest for one to fully understand each and every standard so as to apply the best solution for a particular situation.

2. Identify and install Wireless LAN components

Through hands-on, after completing the course, one should be able to identify, install, and tailor configure wireless LAN components to provide the best solution to a particular situation.

3. Troubleshoot basic Wireless LAN components

Through knowledge acquisition, one should be able to relate probable solutions to particular problem symptoms so as to quickly recover from errors and lower wireless network downtime.

4. Implementing Wireless LAN security

It is paramount that by the end of course, the students will be able to implement wireless LAN security otherwise it nullifies the whole point of setting this adorable wireless network.

Preconditions for the CCNA Wireless Certification

To obtain this Cisco credential, one should either be certified for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), the CCNA Routing and Switching or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certs. Of all the listed prerequisite certificates, it is easier to attain the CCENT credential. So if one is in a hurry to no more and certify for the CCNA Wireless certificate, the faster root is to first certify for CCENT which does not require any prerequisites to study it. It is important to note that once one gets certified for the CCNA Wireless credential, the certification is only valid for 3 years. To maintain it, one can either recertify it, or choose to further studies by certifying for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification in wireless technology.

General Overview of CCNA Wireless Certification Exam

In order to obtain the Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless, the candidates should register and successfully pass the Implementing Cisco Wireless Network Fundamentals – 200-355 WIFUND exam.

The duration of the 200-355 examination is 90 minutes, where the range of questions varies from one version to another, usually between 60 to 70 questions. The question types include multiple choice (single and multiple answers), drag and drop, fill in the blanks, simulation, testlet, and simlet.

The applicants are required to pay $300 in order to register for this test through Pearson Vue. The certification exam is available in English and Japanese languages.

Cisco offers a general guideline of the topics that are included in the 200-355 WIFUND exam, in addition more related topics may occur in any version of the test. However, these guidelines are subject to change.

Exam Topics:

• RF Fundamentals
• Site Survey Process
• Operating a Wireless Network
• 802.11 Technology Fundamentals
• Implementing a Wireless Network
• Configuration of Client Connectivity
• Performing Client Connectivity Troubleshooting

Effective Preparation for the CCNA Wireless Certification Exam

There are various centres offering satisfactory preparation for the WIFUND examination, but honestly choice is determined on reasons best known to one wishing to certify. It can be cost of fees, quality of service, and prevalent success testimonials from the certified students for a particular academy offering. After all, what is needed is to acquire the needed knowledge and get certified.

If one is financially stable, it does not kill to take the WIFUND instructor-led training course offered throughout Cisco approved learning partners. The global learning locator on the Cisco website will help you locate the nearest approved learning academy around you. If one happens to be a fast concept learner and feel no need for an extra tip, then self-study is the best way to go. The Cisco Learning Network can provide one with various needed study materials for one to pass this CCNA Wireless exam. This Learning Network also offers tips and tricks for one to pass the certification test.

The students should consider using the Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 in order to apply the materials through hands-on labs. By doing this, the candidates will increase their chances in passing the exam as well as their knowledge and experience. In the Cisco Packet Tracer, one can design, install, configure, troubleshoot, monitor, and manage network topologies.

For either of the students doing aided or self-study in the 200-355 exam, web resources like Exam-Labs go a long way in offering helpful practice material inform of braindumps and practice test softwares which is a comfortable and more efficient way to prepare for this examination.

Joining a community to discuss topics related to the course and exam materials can be a very beneficial; the candidates will have the chance to get recommendation and advice from professionals in a certain field. This is invaluable since many tips and tricks will come from experienced professionals.

Conclusion

Based on Payscale.com, the CCNA Wireless certification holders can get a salary that ranges from $45,958 to $95,533 per year, it is important to note that the candidates’ professional experience plays a crucial role in influencing the payroll. The certification holders may work as a Network Operations Technician, a Wireless Network Engineer, a Network Administrator, or a Systems Engineer.

In conclusion, this article has covered the reasons why one should certify for the CCNA Wireless credential, the knowledge of key result knowledge, preconditions to obtain this Cisco certification, the general overview of the exam, and effective tips for exam preparation. We hope that you find this article helpful and wish you the best in your further career as a Cisco CCNA Wireless specialist.