The Certified Wireless Network Associate (CWNA) certification is a vendor-neutral certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the field of wireless networking. This certification is offered by the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) organization. CWNP provides a range of certifications focused on various aspects of wireless networking.
Here are some key points about the CWNA certification:
Purpose: CWNA certification is aimed at individuals who want to establish a solid foundation in wireless networking technologies. It covers essential topics related to wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) and prepares individuals for more advanced wireless certifications.
Prerequisites: While there are no strict prerequisites for taking the CWNA exam, it’s recommended that candidates have a basic understanding of networking concepts, as well as some experience with wireless technologies. You can prepare for the exam through self-study or by taking training courses offered by CWNP authorized training providers.
Exam: To earn the CWNA certification, you need to pass the CWNA-107 exam. This exam covers a wide range of topics related to wireless networking, including:
- Radio Frequency (RF) fundamentals
- Wireless LAN hardware and software
- Wireless LAN security
- Wireless LAN design and analysis
- WLAN troubleshooting
Certification Validity: The CWNA certification is valid for three years. After that, you will need to recertify to maintain your credentials. Recertification can be achieved by passing the current CWNA exam or a higher-level CWNP certification exam.
Career Benefits: Earning the CWNA certification can benefit your career in several ways. It demonstrates your expertise in wireless networking, which is a crucial skill in today’s IT landscape. It can open up opportunities for roles such as network administrator, network engineer, or wireless consultant.
Professional Development: CWNA is often the first step for professionals looking to advance in their wireless networking careers. After achieving CWNA, you can pursue more advanced CWNP certifications, such as CWSP (Certified Wireless Security Professional) or CWDP (Certified Wireless Design Professional), depending on your career goals.
Study Resources: CWNP provides study materials, including official study guides and practice exams, to help candidates prepare for the CWNA certification exam. Additionally, there are many books, online courses, and training programs available to assist in exam preparation.
Exam Objectives:
Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals:
- RF behavior and characteristics
- RF mathematics and calculations
- RF signal properties and behavior
- Wireless LAN Hardware and Software:
WLAN components and architecture
- Wireless access points (APs) and controllers
- WLAN client devices
- WLAN operating systems and software
WLAN Security:
- Security policies and best practices
- Authentication and encryption methods
- Security protocols (WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
Security threats and countermeasures
WLAN Design and Analysis:
- WLAN design principles
- Site surveys and planning
- Coverage and capacity planning
- RF interference analysis and mitigation
WLAN Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting methodologies
Common WLAN issues and solutions
Spectrum analysis and troubleshooting tools
Packet analysis and capture
WLAN Standards and Protocols:
IEEE 802.11 standards
802.11 frame types and functions
Wireless technologies (e.g., 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n)
WLAN Implementation:
WLAN deployment best practices
Configuration and management of WLAN devices
Quality of Service (QoS) in WLANs
Overall, the CWNA certification is an excellent starting point for individuals looking to build a career in wireless networking. It equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work with wireless LAN technologies and sets the stage for further specialization and career advancement in this field.