About Me
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
1 Network Fundamentals
1-1 Explain the role and function of network components
1-2 Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
1-3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
1-4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch protocols)
1-5 Compare TCP to UDP
1-6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
1-7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing
1-8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
1-9 Compare IPv6 address types
1-10 Describe IPv6 address autoconfiguration
1-11 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Linux, Mac OS)
1-12 Describe wireless principles (SSID, BSS, ESS)
1-13 Describe virtualization fundamentals (hypervisor)
1-14 Describe switching concepts
2 Network Access
2-1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
2-2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity (trunking, DTP, VTP)
2-3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (CDP, LLDP)
2-4 Configure and verify (Layer 2Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
2-5 Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
2-6 Compare Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes
2-7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP, WLC, accesstrunk ports, and LAG)
2-8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, console, and TACACS+RADIUS)
2-9 Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client connectivity using GUI only
3 IP Connectivity
3-1 Interpret the components of routing table
3-2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
3-3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
3-4 Configure and verify single area OSPF
3-5 Describe the purpose of first hop redundancy protocols
4 IP Services
4-1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
4-2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
4-3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
4-4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
4-5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels
4-6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
4-7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS such as classification, marking, queuing, and congestion
4-8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
4-9 Describe the capabilities and function of TFTPFTP in the network
5 Security Fundamentals
5-1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
5-2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
5-3 Configure and verify device access control using local passwords
5-4 Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)
5-5 Configure and verify access control lists (ACLs)
5-6 Configure and verify Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)
5-7 Configure and verify IPv6 access control lists (ACLs)
5-8 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
5-9 Configure and verify wireless security settings
5-10 Describe the components of a comprehensive security policy (acceptable use policy, password, updates, and patches)
6 Automation and Programmability
6-1 Explain how automation impacts network management
6-2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
6-3 Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
6-4 Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management
6-5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
6-6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
6-7 Interpret JSON encoded data
6-8 Identify the appropriate Automation and Programmability solution for a given scenario
Configure the Components of a Wireless LAN Access for Client Connectivity Using GUI Only

Configure the Components of a Wireless LAN Access for Client Connectivity Using GUI Only

Key Concepts

Wireless LAN (WLAN)

A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that allows devices to connect wirelessly to a local area network. WLANs use radio waves to transmit data between devices and an access point (AP), eliminating the need for physical cables.

Example: Think of a WLAN as a wireless hotspot in a coffee shop. Customers can connect their laptops, smartphones, and tablets to the internet without needing to plug in any cables.

Access Point (AP)

An Access Point (AP) is a networking device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. The AP acts as a bridge between the wireless devices and the wired network, enabling communication between them.

Example: Imagine an AP as a wireless router in your home. It allows your smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the internet by sending and receiving data wirelessly.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

The SSID is the name of a wireless network. It is a unique identifier that distinguishes one WLAN from another. Devices use the SSID to find and connect to the desired wireless network.

Example: When you search for available Wi-Fi networks on your device, you see a list of SSIDs like "HomeNetwork" or "CoffeeShopWiFi". The SSID is the name you select to connect to the network.

Security Protocols (WPA2, WPA3)

Security protocols like WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II) and WPA3 are used to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access. These protocols encrypt the data transmitted over the network, ensuring that only authorized devices can access it.

Example: Consider WPA2 as a secure lock on a door. Only those with the correct key (password) can unlock the door and enter the room (network). WPA3 is an upgraded version of WPA2 with enhanced security features.

Client Connectivity

Client connectivity refers to the process of connecting wireless devices to a WLAN. This involves configuring the AP with the appropriate SSID and security settings, and then having the client devices discover and connect to the network.

Example: When you enter the password for a Wi-Fi network on your smartphone, you are initiating the client connectivity process. Your device discovers the SSID, authenticates using the password, and establishes a connection to the network.

Configuring WLAN Components Using GUI

To configure the components of a WLAN for client connectivity using a graphical user interface (GUI), follow these steps:

  1. Access the AP's Configuration Page: Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the AP. Log in with the administrator credentials.
  2. Configure the SSID: Navigate to the wireless settings section. Enter a unique SSID for your network. Ensure it is descriptive and easy to recognize.
  3. Set Security Protocols: Choose WPA2 or WPA3 as the security protocol. Enter a strong password to protect the network from unauthorized access.
  4. Save and Apply Settings: Save the configuration settings and apply them. The AP will restart and begin broadcasting the new SSID with the specified security settings.
  5. Client Connectivity: On the client device, search for available Wi-Fi networks. Select the SSID you configured and enter the password. The device will connect to the WLAN.

Example: After configuring the AP with an SSID named "HomeNetwork" and a WPA2 password, you can connect your smartphone by selecting "HomeNetwork" from the list of available networks and entering the password.

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