Cisco Wireless Network Certifications
The growing use of wireless and mobile technologies such as smart-phones and laptops is driving an increased need for qualified wireless network professionals. Businesses need to make sure these wireless devices are used effectively and securely within the company's network. As Cisco is the leader in Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, a Cisco wireless certification will improve a network professional's standing with employers looking for these skills.
Cisco Wireless Certifications Available
Cisco Certified Networking Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) – This certification validates associate level knowledge needed to configure, implement and support wireless Cisco LANs in small to medium businesses and enterprise networks.
Cisco Certified Networking Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless) – This professional level certification focuses on wireless networking principles and theory and the ability to create technical specifications based on network business requirements that result in successful installations.
Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert Wireless (CCIE Wireless) – Cisco's expert level wireless certification ensures the certificate-holder has broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking as well as an advanced understanding of Cisco Wireless LAN technologies.
Preparing for Exams
To prepare for a Cisco Wireless exam, a network professional should take an appropriate training course from a reputable school. Many community colleges, technical training centers and career schools provide courses to prepare for these exams. Course options may include traditional classrooms, online courses, boot-camp style courses and self-study videos. Prices for training will vary depending on the course and style but may range from several hundred dollars for a self-study video to many thousands of dollars for a boot-camp course.
Exam Content
CCNA Wireless- There is one exam required for this certification: "Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials". It validates the test-takers knowledge of installing, configuring, operating and troubleshooting small to medium-sized WLANs. Topics include WLAN fundamentals, installation of a basic Cisco WLAN, installation of wireless clients, implementing security, operate basic Wireless Control System(WCS), and basic WLAN maintenance and troubleshooting.
CCNP Wireless – There are four exams required for this certification as described below:
- Conducting Cisco Unified Wireless Site Survey - This exam validates a test-taker's ability to plan and conduct a wireless site survey, to design an RF network and to conduct a post installation assessment to ensure compliancy.
- Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks – This exam assesses the candidate's ability to integrate Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) services into the WLAN and to implement Quality of Service, MPLS networks, and high bandwidth applications into the wireless network.
- Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services – This exam validates the candidate's ability to integrate mobility services into the WLAN, to tune and troubleshoot the WLAN, and to implement indoor enterprise mesh networks.
- Implementing Advanced Cisco Unified Wireless Security – This exam assesses the test-takers ability to secure the wireless network from security threats via appropriate security policies and best practices, to properly implement security standards, and to properly configure wireless security components.
CCIE Wireless - A two-hour written exam and an eight-hour lab exam must both be passed to earn this prestigious certificate. The written exam covers expert knowledge and skills required to plan, design, implement, operate and troubleshoot Wireless LANs in an enterprise environment. The lab exam requires the candidate to configure a series of networks to given specifications. The exam focuses on implementation of Autonomous Infrastructure, Unified Infrastructure, Unified Controllers and AP's, Unified WCS and Location and Voice over WLAN.
Taking Exams
Written exams can be taken at one of 3000 Pearson Vue location available worldwide. The cost of taking a written or computer-based exam will range from $80 to $350, depending on the exam. The CCIE Wireless lab exam can only be taken at a few locations around the world and will likely require travel. The cost to take the lab exam is $1400.
Who Should get Cisco Wireless Certification?
CCNA Wireless- Networking professionals who have limited experience with wireless networking and have passed the general CCNA exam, are good candidates for this certification.
CCNP Wireless – Once a wireless networking professional has obtained the CCNA Wireless certificate and has gained significant hands-on experience, they may want to consider this certification.
CCIE Wireless - There are no formal pre-requisites for this certification but it is recommended that candidates have three to five years of hands-on experience working with wireless LANs.
Evaluating Training Options
The factors discussed below should be considered when choosing a training program.
- Lab Equipment – The training facility should have up-to-date equipment and enough equipment for all attendees to use.
- Method of Training – Choosing the right training method is important to some people. For some, having a live person to ask questions of or the ability to work at one's own pace can be factors that impact how well a person learns the material.
- Quality – Not all training courses are of a high quality, especially in this relatively new field, so verifying the instructor credentials may be an important step in choosing a course.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems is a world-wide leader in providing networking systems to organizations or all sizes. They are a multi-national, public company, based in San Jose, CA.
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