Cisco 802.11 Wireless Networking Quick Reference
Reviewer Name: Scott Evans, Network Consultant
Reviewer Certification: CCNA
Rating: ***** out of *****
The Cisco 802.11 Wireless Networking Quick Reference book by Toby J. Velte, PH.D. and Anthony T. Velte, has pretty much everything you would want to know about wireless networking using Cisco Systems Aironet devices. I was thinking this book would just contain quick commands on configuring access points, configuring Cisco Aironet Wireless cards and so on. Boy was I wrong.
Cisco 802.11 Wireless Networking Quick Reference has a lot to offer. First off it is a small size book that can be easily thrown into someone's admin bag and pulled out for reference. A well organized Table of Contents makes it easy to find a particular topic. This book would be good for a beginner looking to find some useful info on Cisco Aironet products or an expert looking to refresh on a particular topic pertaining to Aironet devices. The first part of the book goes over technique specs, and the second goes over "after installation issues." The first chapter goes over Cisco wireless equipment, access points, bridges, WLAN controllers, and adapters. You will find useful information on the different models of access points, adapters and so on. There is a pretty extensive chart showing and comparing the different properties of access points, different antenna and so forth. Very useful information like signal range, noise ratios, etc.
There is a chapter dedicated just to antennas that covers which antenna to use for the right application, omni directional and bidirectional among others. You will also find a comparison chart with information and specs relating to each antenna. Again, very useful information for a WLAN implementation. Cisco 802.11 Wireless Networking Quick Reference has a very in-depth section on WLAN encryption security and authentication. Shows you examples of configuring filtering, RADIUS server setup and WPA. The Initial setup and cabling sections are very well written as well. This book will help you with integrating a wired LAN and your new WLAN. The figures are well displayed, and there are real pictures of the devices mentioned in the book.
I recommend Cisco 802.11 Wireless Networking Quick Reference for a beginner in the WLAN world looking for a starting point if they want to pursue a CQS certification in wireless. As mentioned earlier, it would also benefit an expert as a quick reference when encountering a problem with an existing WLAN or a new implementation. In a rating of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, this book gets a 5 hands down.