WLAN Training Course: Learn Wireless LAN Fundamentals

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) form the backbone of modern wireless connectivity in enterprise, home, and public environments. This comprehensive training is tailored for networking professionals who want to master WLAN technologies—from fundamentals to the latest Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, and upcoming Wi-Fi 8.

Introduction to WLAN

A WLAN uses radio frequency (RF) to allow wireless communication between devices over a localized area. It eliminates the need for wired infrastructure while offering mobility and scalability.

Evolution of WLAN Standards (IEEE 802.11 Series)

• Legacy Standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af) : These standards introduced support for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz, increasing throughput, range, and channel bandwidth.
• 802.11ac: Operates in 5 GHz, uses MU-MIMO and 80/160 MHz channels.
• 802.11ad: Introduced 60 GHz band (WiGig).
• 802.11af: Uses TV white spaces (sub-GHz spectrum).

Latest WLAN Standards

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – High-Efficiency WLAN , Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Key Features: OFDMA: Efficient spectrum use, even in dense environments, BSS Coloring: Reduces co-channel interference, Target Wake Time (TWT): Power efficiency, Improved MU-MIMO: Uplink and Downlink support

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) – Extremely High Throughput (EHT), Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (tri-band) Key Features: 320 MHz channel width: Double the bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6, 16x16 MU-MIMO, Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Aggregate throughput over multiple bands, 4K-QAM: Higher modulation for greater speed

• Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) – In Development , Status: Under early IEEE study group phase, Target Improvements: Even greater throughput (potential 100 Gbps+), Further latency reduction for AR/VR and real-time applications, Energy efficiency and AI/ML-driven access control, While full technical specifications are not finalized yet, Wi-Fi 8 is expected to push WLAN into next-generation real-time and immersive communications.

WLAN Architecture & Components

• Access Point (AP): Central RF transceiver that manages connections
• Wireless Clients: Devices with Wi-Fi chips (e.g., laptops, phones)
• Controller (optional): Used in enterprise WLANs for central management
• Distribution System (DS): Wired backbone interconnecting APs

WLAN Frequency Bands

• 2.4 GHz: Greater range, lower data rates, prone to interference
• 5 GHz: Higher speeds, shorter range
• 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and 7): More spectrum and reduced congestion
• 60 GHz (WiGig): Ultra-high speed over short distances

Physical & MAC Layer Concepts

• PHY: Defines RF modulation (OFDM, QAM, etc.)
• MAC: Manages access using CSMA/CA, frames, retransmissions

WLAN Security

• WEP: Deprecated due to vulnerability
• WPA2/WPA3: Strong encryption and authentication
• 802.1X: Enterprise-level user authentication

Network Design & Optimization

• RF Planning: Site surveys, AP placement
• Channel Planning: Avoid overlap and interference
• Performance Metrics: Signal strength, throughput, jitter, SNR

WLAN Troubleshooting

• Use spectrum analyzers, packet sniffers, and heatmaps
• Analyze logs, firmware versions, and QoS settings
• Monitor KPIs like RSSI, noise floor, and latency

Conclusion and Learning Resources

This WLAN training equips networking professionals with:

• Fundamentals of RF-based wireless networking
• Knowledge of Wi-Fi generations from 802.11a to 802.11be
• Security, planning, and optimization techniques

Recommended Reading:

• RF Wireless World WLAN Tutorials
• Cisco WLAN Design Guide