CWNA-109 Certified Wireless Network Administrator Questions and Answers

The error in administration that could be the cause of this security concern is that HTTP is in use instead of HTTPS. HTTP is an unencrypted protocol that transfers data in plain text over the network. This means that anyone who captures the traffic can see the HTML code of the Web pages used for access point management, as well as any sensitive information such as passwords or configuration settings. HTTPS is an encrypted protocol that uses SSL/TLS to secure the data transmission between the Web browser and the Web server. HTTPS prevents anyone from snooping on or tampering with the Web traffic. Therefore, HTTPS should always be used for Web based management of wireless access points, especially in autonomous mode where there is no centralized controller to enforce security policies. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 431; [HTTP vs HTTPS: What’s The Difference And Why Should You Care?].

The factors that will have the most significant impact on the amount of wireless bandwidth available to each station within a BSS are:

• The number of client stations associated to the BSS
• The presence of co-located (10m away) access points on non-overlapping channels

The number of client stations associated to the BSS affects the wireless bandwidth because each station shares the same channel and medium with other stations in the same BSS. The more stations there are, the more contention and collision there will be for the channel access, which reduces thethroughput and efficiency of the wireless communication. The wireless bandwidth available to each station depends on how the access point allocates the channel resources and how the stations use the channel time. For example, if the access point uses a round-robin scheduling algorithm, each station will get an equal share of the channel time regardless of its data rate or traffic demand. However, if the access point uses a proportional fair scheduling algorithm, each station will get a share of the channel time that is proportional to its data rate and traffic demand, which may result in higher or lower bandwidth for different stations.

The presence of co-located (10m away) access points on non-overlapping channels affects the wireless bandwidth because even though they use different channels, they may still cause interference and noise to each other due to channel leakage or imperfect filtering. The interference and noise can degrade the signal quality and SNR of the wireless communication, which reduces the data rate and throughput of the wireless communication. The wireless bandwidth available to each station depends on how well the access point and the station can cope with the interference and noise from other channels. For example, if the access point and the station support dynamic frequency selection (DFS) or adaptive radio management (ARM), they can switch to a less congested channel or adjust their output power or antenna gain to avoid or minimize interference from other channels.

References:1, Chapter 3, page 94;2, Section 3.2

An isotropic radiator is a theoretical point source of electromagnetic radiation that radiates equally in all directions. It has no physical dimensions and no preferred direction of radiation. It is used as a reference for antenna gain because it represents the ideal case of a perfect omnidirectional antenna12

Antenna gain is a measure of how well an antenna concentrates its radiated power in a certain direction. It is expressed in decibels (dB) relative to a reference antenna. Whenthe reference antenna is an isotropic radiator, the antenna gain is denoted by dBi, which stands for decibels relative to isotropic12

For example, an antenna with a gain of 3 dBi means that it radiates 3 dB more power in its main direction than an isotropic radiator would. Conversely, an antenna with a gain of -3 dBi means that it radiates 3 dB less power in its main direction than an isotropic radiator would12

An access point is configured by a WLAN controller in the management plane of the three networking planes. The management plane is responsible for the configuration, administration, and monitoring of network devices, such as access points, switches, routers, and controllers. The WLAN controller communicates with the access point using a management protocol, such as CAPWAP or SNMP, to send configuration commands and receive status information. The control plane is responsible for the routing, switching, and forwarding of network traffic, such as data frames and control frames. The WLAN controller may also participate in the control plane by performing functions such as authentication, encryption, roaming, and load balancing. The security plane is responsible for the protection of network devices and data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. The WLAN controller may also participate in the security plane by implementing features such as firewall, VPN, IDS/IPS, and WIPS. The data plane is responsible for the transmission and reception of user data, such as voice, video, or web traffic. The WLAN controller may or may not participate in the data plane depending on the architecture of the WLAN. In some cases, the access point forwards the user data directly to the wired network without involving the WLAN controller (distributed data forwarding). In other cases, the access point tunnels the user data to the WLAN controller before forwarding it to the wired network (centralized data forwarding). References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 9: Wireless LAN Architecture, page 279

A VoIP phone is least likely to be a POE PSE of the devices listed. POE stands for Power over Ethernet, which is a technology that allows devices to receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. A POE PSE stands for Power Sourcing Equipment, which is a device that provides power to other devices over Ethernet. A POE PD stands for Powered Device, which is a device that receives power from a PSE over Ethernet. A midspan multi-port injector, a switch, and a midspan injector are examples of POE PSEs, as they can supply power to multiple devices over Ethernet cables. A VoIP phone is an example of a POE PD, as it can receive power from a PSE over an Ethernet cable. However, some VoIP phones can also act as POE PSEs for other devices, such as IP cameras or wireless access points, but this is not very common. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 8: Wireless LAN Access Points, page 2411

Authenticated and Unassociated. According to one of the web search results1, a STA can be authenticated to multiple APs, but it can only be associated to one AP at a time. Association is the process of establishing a logical link between the STA and the AP, which allows the STA to send and receive data frames through the AP2. Therefore, when a STA has authenticated to an AP-1, but still maintains a connection with another AP-2, it means that the STA is authenticated to both APs, but only associated to AP-2. The state of the STA on AP-1 is authenticated and unassociated, which means that the STA can switch to AP-1 without repeating the authentication process, but it cannot send or receive data frames through AP-1 until it becomes associated.

Channel 144 is a new channel that was added to the 5 GHz band by the 802.11ac amendment, which defines the VHT (Very High Throughput) PHY for WLANs. Channel 144 has a center frequency of 5720 MHz and a bandwidth of 20 MHz. It can also be combined with adjacent channels to form wider channels of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz. Channel 144 is available in some regions, such as North America and Europe, but not in others, such as Japan and China . References: [CWNA-109 Study Guide], Chapter 3: Antennas and Accessories, page 121; [CWNA-109Study Guide], Chapter 3: Antennas and Accessories, page 115; [Wikipedia], List of WLAN channels.

A BSS (Basic Service Set) is a WLAN use case that represents an 802.11-based network that uses an AP (Access Point) and has several connecting clients. The AP acts as a central point of coordination and communication for the clients, which can include iPhones, iPads, laptops, desktops, or any other devices that have Wi-Fi capabilities. A BSS can be identified by a unique BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), which is usually the MAC address of the AP’s radio interface. A BSS can also be associated with an SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is a human-readable name that identifies the network. References: , Chapter 1, page 23; , Section 1.1

In a public Wi-Fi hotspot, like the one Lynne runs in his hotel, ensuring customer security against active attacks is crucial. Active attacks involve unauthorized access, eavesdropping, or manipulation of the network traffic. To mitigate such threats, an effective and practical step is:

• Station-to-Station Traffic Blocking: Also known as client isolation, this feature prevents direct communication between devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. By enabling this on the access points, Lynne can significantly decrease the likelihood of active attacks like man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where an attacker intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties.

The other options, while beneficial for network security, might not be as straightforward or practical for Lynne's situation:

• Network Access Control (NAC)requires a more complex infrastructure and management, which might not be ideal for a small hotel setup.
• Implementing an SSL VPNadds an extra layer of security but might complicate the login process for users, potentially affecting the user experience.
• Requiring EAP-FAST authenticationprovides secure authentication but may not be feasible for transient customers who expect quick and easy network access.

Therefore, enabling station-to-station traffic blocking is a practical and efficient measure that Lynne can implement to enhance customer security on the Wi-Fi network.

References:

• CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109, by David D. Coleman and David A. Westcott.
• Best practices for securing a wireless network in a public hotspot environment.

The beamwidth of an RF antenna is the angular measure of how wide the main lobe of radiation is. The main lobe is the area where the signal strength is highest and most concentrated. The beamwidth is calculated at the points where the main lobe decreases power by 3 dB, which means it is half of the maximum power. The beamwidth can be measured in both horizontal and vertical planes, depending on how the antenna is oriented. The horizontal beamwidth is also called azimuth, while the vertical beamwidth is also called elevation. The beamwidth patterns on an antenna polar chart indicate how the RF energy is distributed in different directions. References: 1, Chapter 2, page 66; 2, Section 2.3

Refraction is the bending of an RF signal as it passes through a material of different density. Refraction can cause the signal to change its direction and angle of arrival. For example, when a light beam passes from air to water, it bends because of the difference in the refractive index of the two mediums. Similarly, when an RF signal passes from one medium to another, such as from air to glass, it can bend due to the change in the dielectric constant of the materials12. References: 1:CWNA-109Official Study Guide, page 67 2: Refraction

Implementing Fast BSS Transition (FT) for roaming is likely to cause the least impact on the application layer throughput of an 802.11n client station in a 2.4 GHz HT BSS. FT is a feature that allows a client station to quickly switch from one AP to another within the same ESS (Extended Service Set) without having to re-authenticate and re-associate with each AP. This reduces the latency and packet loss that may occur during roaming, thus improving the user experience and maintaining the application layer throughput. FT is defined in the IEEE 802.11r amendment and is also known as Fast Roaming or Fast Secure Roaming. References: , Chapter 9, page 367; , Section 6.3

An IEEE 802.11 amendment is a proposed change or addition to the existing 802.11 standard, which defines the specifications and protocols for wireless LANs. An amendment goes through several stages of development, such as draft, sponsor ballot, and final approval, before it is ratified by the IEEE Standards Association and becomes part of the standard. Until then, it has no official impact on the standard, although some vendors may release products based on draft amendments to gain a competitive edge or to influence the final outcome of the amendment . References: [CWNA-109 Study Guide], Chapter 1: Overview of Wireless Standards, Organizations, and Fundamentals, page 25; [CWNA-109Study Guide], Chapter 1: Overview of Wireless Standards, Organizations, and Fundamentals, page 23; [IEEE website], IEEE-SA Standards Development Process.

The statement that in modern networks, both centralized and distributed data forwarding work well for most standard office deployments is true about WLAN performance. Data forwarding refers to how wireless frames are transmitted from wireless clients to wired networks or vice versa through wireless access points (APs). Centralized data forwarding means that all wireless frames are sent to a central controller or gateway before being forwarded to their destinations. Distributed data forwarding means that wireless frames are forwarded directly by the APs to their destinations without going through a central controller or gateway. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the network size, topology, traffic pattern, security, and management requirements. However, in modern networks, both methods can achieve high performance and scalability for most standard office deployments, as they can leverage advanced features such as fast roaming, load balancing, quality of service, and encryption. The other statements about WLAN performance are false. In most WLANs, special skill or tuning is required to get peak performance, such as selecting the appropriate channel, power, data rate, and antenna settings. WLANs perform worse as more wireless clients connect with each AP, as they cause more contention and interference on the wireless medium. To get the best performance out of an AP, you should not disable data rates of 72 Mbps and lower, as they are needed for backward compatibility and range extension. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 9: Wireless LAN Architecture, page 2811

A common feature of MDM solutions that can be used to protect enterprise data on mobile devices is containerization. Containerization is a technique that creates a separate and secure environment on the mobile device where enterprise data and applications are stored and accessed. Containerization isolates the enterprise data from the personal data and prevents unauthorized access, leakage, or loss of sensitive information. Containerization can also enforce security policies, encryption, authentication, and remote wipe on the enterprise data and applications. Over-the-air registration, onboarding, and self-registration are features of MDM solutions that facilitate the enrollment and management of mobile devices, but they do not directly protect enterprise data on mobile devices. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 336; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 326.

To calculate the EIRP at the antenna element, we need to add the transmitter output power, subtract the cable loss, and add the antenna gain. All these values need to be converted to dBm first, if they are not already given in that unit. In this case, we have:

Transmitter output power = 50 mW = 10 log (50) dBm = 16.99 dBm Cable loss = 3 dB Antenna gain = 9 dBi

EIRP = Transmitter output power - Cable loss + Antenna gain EIRP = 16.99 - 3 + 9 EIRP = 22.99 dBm

Rounding up to the nearest integer, we get 23 dBm as the EIRP at the antenna element12. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Radio Frequency Fundamentals, page 92; CWNA-109Study Guide, Chapter 2: Radio Frequency Fundamentals, page 88.

The FCS (Frame Check Sequence) is appended to the end of each 802.11 data frame after the payload. The FCS is a 4-byte field that contains a CRC-32 (Cyclic Redundancy Check) value that is calculated based on the contents of the MAC header and the payload of the frame. The FCS is used by the receiver to verify the integrity of the frame and to detect any errors or corruption that may have occurred during transmission. If the FCS does not match with the expected value, the frame is discarded by the receiver. References: , Chapter 4, page 139; , Section 4.2

The unit of measurement that is an absolute unit and is used to quantify received signal power levels on a logarithmic scale is dBm. dBm stands for decibel-milliwatt and represents the power level relative to 1 milliwatt (mW). dBm is an absolute unit because it has a fixed reference point and does not depend on the input power level. dBm is used to measure the received signal power levels on a logarithmic scale because it can express large variations in power levels with small numbers and make calculations easier. For example, a 10 dB increase in power level means a 10-fold increase in power, and a 20 dB increase means a 100-fold increase in power. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 66; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 56.

Based on the information given, what can be determined as certainly true about this AP is that it has 4 radio chains. A radio chain is a hardware component that consists of an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) amplifier, and a transceiver. The number of radio chains indicates how many spatial streams an AP can transmit or receive simultaneously using Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology. The notation x:y:z in an AP specification denotes the number of radio chains (x), the number of spatial streams (y), and the number of spatial streams per band (z). Therefore, a tri-band, 4x4:4, Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax AP has four radio chains in each of its three bands (2.4 GHz, low 5 GHz, and high 5 GHz). It also supports four spatial streams in total and four spatial streams per band. It cannot be determined as certainly true that it supports four channels in each band, UL-MU-MIMO, or uses a modified OpenWRT firmware based on the information given. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 223; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 213.

What should be inspected to verify proper configuration is DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name System and is a service that resolves hostnames to IP addresses. In a controller-based AP deployment, DNS can be used to help the AP locate the controller by using a predefined hostname such as CISCO-CAPWAP-CONTROLLER or aruba-master. The AP sends a DNS query for this hostname and receives an IP address of the controller as a response. Therefore, if DNS is not configured properly or if there is no DNS entry for the controller hostname, the AP may not be able to locate the controller. NTP, BOOTP, and AP hosts file are not relevant for this scenario. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 374; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 364.

The string of characters and digits that is entered into an AP and a client STA for WPA2 security and is 8 characters long is called a passphrase. A passphrase is a human-readable text that is used to generate a Pre-Shared Key (PSK) for WPA2-Personal security. A passphrase can be between 8 and 63 characters long and can include any ASCII character. The PSK is a 256-bit key that is derived from the passphrase using a hashing algorithm called PBKDF2. The PSK is used to encrypt and decrypt the data frames between the AP and the client STA. A MSK is a Master Session Key that is generated by an authentication server for WPA2-Enterprise security. A WEP key is a 40-bit or 104-bit key that is used for Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security, which is deprecated and insecure. A PSK is not a string of characters and digits, but a binary key. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 303; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 293.

OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is the physical layer specification (PHY) that VHT capable devices must be backward compatible with according to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard. VHT (Very High Throughput) is aPHY and MAC enhancement that is defined in the IEEE 802.11ac amendment and is also known as Wi-Fi 5. VHT operates only in the 5 GHz band and uses features such as wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz), higher modulation schemes (up to 256-QAM), more spatial streams (up to eight), multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), beamforming, and VHT PHY and MAC enhancements. VHT can achieve data rates up to 6.9 Gbps.

According to the IEEE 802.11-2012 standard, VHT capable devices must be backward compatible with devices using OFDM PHY, which is defined in the IEEE 802.11a amendment and is also used by IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE 802.11h amendments. OFDM operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and uses features such as subcarriers, symbols, guard intervals, and OFDM PHY and MAC enhancements. OFDM can achieve data rates up to 54 Mbps.

Backward compatibility means that VHT capable devices can interoperate with OFDM devices on the same network by using common features and parameters that are supported by both PHYs. For example, VHT capable devices can use a channel bandwidth of 20 MHz, a modulation scheme of BPSK, QPSK, or 16-QAM, one spatial stream, no beamforming, and OFDM PHY and MAC headers when communicating with OFDM devices. Backward compatibility also means that VHT capable devices can fall back to OFDMmode when the signal quality or SNR is too low for VHT mode. References: 1, Chapter 3, page 123; 2, Section 3.2

Sensors should be deployed in critical areas where WLAN performance must be high for best results when using a WLAN monitoring solution that utilizes distributed sensor devices. A WLAN monitoring solution is a system that collects, analyzes, and reports on the status and performance of a WLAN. A WLAN monitoring solution can use different methods to gather data from the WLAN, such as embedded software agents, external hardware probes, or distributed sensor devices. Distributed sensor devices are dedicated devices that are deployed throughout the WLAN coverage area to monitor the wireless traffic and environment. Distributed sensor devices can perform various functions, such as scanning the spectrum, capturing wireless frames, measuring signal quality, detecting rogue access points, testing connectivity, and generating alerts. Distributed sensor devices can provide more accurate and comprehensive data than other methods, but they also require more planning and deployment costs. Therefore, it is important to deploy sensors strategically in critical areas where WLAN performance must be high, such as high-density zones, high-priority applications, or high-security locations. By deploying sensors in critical areas, the WLAN monitoring solution can ensure optimal WLAN performance and reliability in those areas and identify and resolve any issues or problems that may arise. The other options are not the best places to deploy sensors for best results. Deploying sensors in switching closets is not effective because sensors need to be close to the wireless medium to monitor it properly. Deploying sensors every 5 meters and alongside each AP is not efficient because sensors may overlap or interfere with each other and cause unnecessary redundancy or complexity. Deploying sensors above the plenum oneach floor is not practical because sensors may not capture the wireless traffic and environment accurately due to attenuation or reflection from the ceiling materials or objects. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 14: Troubleshooting Wireless LANs, page 4831

 VSWR stands for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, which is a measure of how well the impedance of the RF cable and connectors matches the impedance of the transmitter and the antenna. Impedance is the opposition to the flow of alternating current in an RF circuit, and it depends on the frequency, resistance, capacitance, and inductance of the components. A perfect impedance match would have a VSWR of 1:1, meaning that all the power is transferred from the transmitter to the antenna, and none is reflected back. However, in reality, there is always some degree of mismatch, which causes some power to be reflected back to the transmitter, creating standing waves along the cable. This reduces the efficiency and performance of the wireless system, and can also damage the transmitter. Excessive VSWR can be caused by using poor quality or damaged cables and connectors, or by using components that have different impedance ratings123. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Radio Frequency Fundamentals, page 90; CWNA-109Study Guide, Chapter 2: Radio Frequency Fundamentals, page 86; CWNP website, CWNA Certification.

The tool described is a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) scanner tool. WLAN scanner tools are designed to provide information about the wireless networks in a given area, including:

• Signal Strength: They show the signal strength of all access points (APs) in the vicinity, which is crucial for understanding the coverage area and potential interference.
• SSID Visualization: These tools display the SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers) of available networks, allowing users to identify different wireless networks easily.
• Security Settings Information: WLAN scanner tools often show the type of security implemented on each network, such as WPA2, WEP, etc.
• Frequency Band Filtering: They allow users to filter and view networks based on the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), which is useful for analyzing network distribution and planning.

While protocol analyzers, site survey utilities, and spectrum analyzers are also used in wireless networking, their functions are distinct from what is described:

• Protocol Analyzersare more sophisticated and are used to capture and analyze network traffic.
• Site Survey Utilitiesare used to map signal coverage and plan network layouts, often with more advanced features for detailed site surveys.
• Spectrum Analyzersprovide a detailed view of the frequency spectrum and non-Wi-Fi interference but don't typically focus on SSIDs or security settings.

Thus, the correct answer is D, a WLAN scanner tool, based on the functionalities described.

References:

• CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: Exam PW0-105, by David D. Coleman and David A. Westcott.
• Tools and techniques for wireless network analysis and troubleshooting.

The short guard interval is an optional feature of 802.11n and 802.11ac that reduces the time between OFDM symbols from 800 ns to 400 ns. This can increase the data rate by about 11%, but also requires more precise timing and synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver. The short guard interval is only used when both the AP and the client support it and agree to use it . References: [CWNA-109 Study Guide], Chapter 4: Radio Frequency Signal and Antenna Concepts, page 163; [CWNA-109Study Guide], Chapter 4: Radio Frequency Signal and Antenna Concepts, page 157.

A high-density deployment is a wireless network that is designed to support a large number of users and devices in a relatively small area. This type of deployment is often used in enterprise environments, such as offices, schools, and hospitals.

The use of semi-directional antennas in the deployment described in the question is a good indication that it is a high-density deployment. Semi-directional antennas can be used to focus the signal from an access point in a specific direction. This can help to reduce interference and improve performance in high-density environments.

The other answer choices are less likely to be correct for the following reasons:

• SOHO (small office/home office) deployments are typically smaller and less complex than high-density deployments.
• Residential deployments are typically even smaller and less complex than SOHO deployments.
• Standard office deployments may be high-density, but they may also be lower-density.

It is important to note that the type of deployment is not determined solely by the output power of the access points. However, the use of 10 mW of output power on the 2.4 GHz radios and 20 mW of output power on the 5GHz radios is also consistent with a high-density deployment.

Here are some additional tips for deploying a high-density wireless network:

• Use a site survey to determine the optimal placement of access points.
• Configure the access points to use non-overlapping channels.
• Use semi-directional or directional antennas to focus the signal and reduce interference.
• Implement a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) to detect and mitigate rogue access points and other security threats.

A possible cause of a sudden change in performance for the laptop computers is that a new tenant in the building has set their AP to the same RF channel that your customer is using. This can create co-channel interference (CCI), which is a situation where two or more APs or devices use the same or overlapping channels in the same area. CCI can degrade the performance of WLANs by increasing contention, collisions, retransmissions, and latency. CCI can also reduce the effective range and throughput of WLANs by lowering the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To avoid or mitigate CCI, it is recommended to use non-overlapping channels, adjust transmit power levels, or implement channel management techniques such as dynamic frequency selection (DFS) or load balancing. The sky condition, antenna position, or Bluetooth headset are not likely to cause a sudden change in performance for the laptop computers. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 81; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 71.

The client drivers are faulty and should be upgraded is the likely problem for the laptop that can see and connect to 2.4 GHz APs, but does not even see 5 GHz APs. The client drivers are the software components that enable the wireless adapter of the laptop to communicate with the operating system and the network. The client drivers are responsible for scanning the available wireless channels, detecting and connecting to the access points, negotiating the security and data rate parameters, and transmitting and receiving data frames. If the client drivers are faulty, outdated, or incompatible, they may cause various issues with the wireless performance and functionality, such as low data rates, poor signal strength, frequent disconnections, or inability to see or connect to certain access points or channels.

One of the possible causes of faulty client drivers is that they do not support or recognize some of the features or standards of the 802.11ac technology, such as wider channel bandwidths, higher modulation schemes, or DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channels. This could explain why the laptop can see and connect to 2.4 GHz APs, but not 5 GHz APs, as 802.11ac operates only in the 5 GHz band and uses channels that are wider (up to 160 MHz) and higher (up to channel 165) than those used by previous standards. Moreover, some of the 5 GHz channels are subject to DFS rules, which require the access points and client stations to monitor and avoid using channels that are occupied by radar systems or other primary users. If the client drivers do not support or comply with DFS rules, they may not be able to see or connect to access points that use DFS channels.

To solve this problem, the client drivers should be upgraded to the latest version that supports and is compatible with 802.11ac features and standards. This can be done by downloading and installing the updated driver software from the manufacturer’s website or using a device manager tool. Upgrading the client drivers may also improve other aspects of wireless performance and functionality, such as data rates, signal strength, security, and stability. References: 1, Chapter 12, page 493; 2, Section 8.1

Airtime Utilization is a per-channel statistic that defines what percentage of the channel is currently being used, and what percentage is therefore free. Airtime usage can come from: Data traffic to and from client devices. Interference from WiFi and non-WiFi sources. Management overhead from APs and client devices.https://wyebot.com/2019/06/06/understanding-airtime-utilization/

The likely cause of the problem is that the external hard drive is USB 3.0 and is causing a significant increase in the noise floor when in use. USB 3.0 devices are known to generate radio frequency interference (RFI) in the 2.4 GHz band due to their high data transfer rates and harmonics. This RFI can increase the noise floor and degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of WLAN devices operating in the same band. This can result in lower data rates, reduced throughput, increased retransmissions, and poor performance. The problem may not occur outside of business hours or on the user’s home network because of different usage patterns or environmental factors. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official StudyGuide: ExamCWNA-109], page 527; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 497.

The power level at the Intentional Radiator (IR) is 250 mW. The IR is the point where the RF signal leaves the transmitter and enters the antenna system. To calculate the power level at the IR, we need to consider the output power level of the transmitter, the loss of the cable, and the gain of the antenna. The formula is:

Power level at IR (dBm) = Output power level (dBm) - Cable loss (dB) + Antenna gain (dBi)

We can convert the output power level of 50 mW to dBm by using the formula:

Power level (dBm) = 10 * log10(Power level (mW))

Therefore, 50 mW = 10 * log10(50) = 16.99 dBm

We can plug in the values into the formula:

Power level at IR (dBm) = 16.99 - 3 + 16 = 29.99 dBm

We can convert the power level at IR from dBm to mW by using the inverse formula:

Power level (mW) = 10^(Power level (dBm) / 10)

Therefore, 29.99 dBm = 10^(29.99 / 10) = 999.96 mW

However, since we need to round off the answer to the nearest integer value, we get:

Power level at IR (mW) = 1000 mW

References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 67; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 57.