CWT WLAN Installation & Configuration — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step in installing a WLAN?
- Purchase access points.
- Conduct a site survey (Correct answer)
- Install cabling.
- Configure SSIDs.
Correct answer: Conduct a site survey
Conducting a site survey is the crucial first step in installing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). This process involves physically assessing the environment to identify optimal access point locations, potential sources of interference, and coverage gaps. A thorough site survey ensures the network design provides adequate signal strength, performance, and reliability throughout the intended coverage area.
Question 2: Which tool is used to measure signal strength during installation?
- Packet sniffer
- Wi-Fi analyzer (Correct answer)
- Web browser
- Firewall
Correct answer: Wi-Fi analyzer
A Wi-Fi analyzer is a specialized software or hardware tool used to scan, identify, and analyze wireless networks in a given area. It provides critical information such as signal strength (RSSI), channel utilization, and potential interference sources. This data is essential for optimizing access point placement and channel selection during WLAN installation to ensure optimal performance.
Question 3: Why is channel selection important in WLAN setup?
- It affects cable speed.
- It reduces wireless interference (Correct answer)
- It lowers hardware cost.
- It adds encryption.
Correct answer: It reduces wireless interference
Proper channel selection is critical in WLAN setup to minimize interference from other Wi-Fi networks and devices operating on the same or overlapping frequencies. By choosing non-overlapping channels, especially in the crowded 2.4 GHz band, network performance can be significantly improved. This reduces signal collisions, leading to more stable connections and higher data throughput for users.
Question 4: What setting determines how far a Wi-Fi signal can reach?
- SSID
- Channel
- Transmit power (Correct answer)
- MAC address
Correct answer: Transmit power
Transmit power refers to the strength of the radio signal emitted by a Wi-Fi access point or client device. Increasing the transmit power can extend the physical range of the Wi-Fi signal, allowing it to cover a larger area or penetrate obstacles more effectively. However, excessive power can also lead to interference with other networks and may not always be the optimal solution for coverage.
Question 5: What is SSID in WLAN configuration?
- Security identifier
- Service Set Identifier (Correct answer)
- Signal source input
- Subnet system ID
Correct answer: Service Set Identifier
SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which is the name of a Wi-Fi network. It acts as a unique identifier that allows users to distinguish and select a specific wireless network from others available in their vicinity. While it can be broadcast or hidden, it's the primary way users identify and connect to a WLAN.
Question 6: Which device connects to an access point in a WLAN?
- Switch
- Router
- Client device (Correct answer)
- Modem
Correct answer: Client device
A client device is any end-user device equipped with a wireless adapter that connects to a Wi-Fi network. Examples include laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices. These devices communicate wirelessly with an access point, which then bridges them to the wired network infrastructure and the internet.
Question 7: Which protocol is often used for automatic IP assignment?
- DNS
- DHCP (Correct answer)
- TCP
- SNMP
Correct answer: DHCP
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. This automation simplifies network administration by eliminating the need for manual IP configuration and preventing address conflicts. It allows new devices to seamlessly join and communicate on the network.
Question 8: Why is proper cabling still important in WLAN setup?
- To reduce radio waves.
- To provide backhaul and PoE support (Correct answer)
- To isolate the signal.
- To boost RSSI.
Correct answer: To provide backhaul and PoE support
Even in a wireless network, proper cabling is essential for providing the 'backhaul' connection, linking access points to the wired network infrastructure and the internet. Furthermore, Power over Ethernet (PoE) cabling delivers both data and electrical power to access points over a single cable. This simplifies installation, reduces the need for separate power outlets, and ensures reliable operation of the wireless infrastructure.
Question 9: What does 'band steering' do in modern WLANs?
- It blocks 2.4 GHz.
- It redirects capable devices to the 5 GHz band (Correct answer)
- It encrypts traffic.
- It lowers power usage.
Correct answer: It redirects capable devices to the 5 GHz band
Band steering is a feature in modern WLANs designed to optimize network performance by guiding dual-band client devices to the less congested and higher-performing 5 GHz band. This technique helps offload traffic from the often crowded 2.4 GHz band, ensuring better speeds and reliability for capable devices. It improves overall network efficiency and user experience.
What is the first step in installing a WLAN?