Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
2.2.4 Wireless Network Design Explained

2.2.4 Wireless Network Design Explained

Key Concepts

Wireless Network Design involves creating a robust and efficient wireless infrastructure to support various devices and applications. Key concepts include:

Site Survey

A Site Survey is a critical step in Wireless Network Design. It involves assessing the physical environment to determine the optimal placement of access points (APs). This includes analyzing factors such as building materials, interference sources, and user density. Tools like Ekahau and AirMagnet are commonly used for site surveys.

An analogy for a Site Survey is a geological survey before constructing a building. Just as a geological survey assesses the land's suitability, a site survey assesses the environment's suitability for wireless coverage.

Access Point Placement

Access Point Placement involves strategically positioning APs to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimize interference. This includes considering factors such as signal strength, dead zones, and overlapping coverage areas. Proper placement ensures that all users have reliable access to the network.

Think of Access Point Placement as placing streetlights in a city. Just as streetlights ensure visibility and safety, APs ensure wireless coverage and reliability.

Channel Planning

Channel Planning involves selecting the appropriate wireless channels to minimize interference and maximize performance. This includes analyzing the frequency spectrum, identifying overlapping channels, and configuring APs to use non-overlapping channels. Tools like inSSIDer and Wi-Fi Analyzer are used for channel planning.

An analogy for Channel Planning is arranging lanes on a highway. Just as lanes ensure smooth traffic flow, non-overlapping channels ensure smooth wireless communication.

Security Implementation

Security Implementation involves protecting the wireless network from unauthorized access and threats. This includes configuring encryption protocols (e.g., WPA3), implementing authentication methods (e.g., RADIUS), and setting up firewalls. Effective security measures ensure data integrity and user privacy.

Think of Security Implementation as installing locks and alarms in a house. Just as locks and alarms protect a house, security measures protect a wireless network.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Scalability and Future-Proofing involve designing the wireless network to accommodate future growth and technological advancements. This includes selecting scalable hardware, designing modular architectures, and planning for additional capacity. Scalability ensures that the network can support increasing numbers of users and devices.

An analogy for Scalability and Future-Proofing is building a house with expansion potential. Just as a house can be expanded, a scalable network can be upgraded to meet future needs.

Understanding and effectively applying these Wireless Network Design concepts are crucial for creating a reliable, secure, and high-performing wireless infrastructure. By mastering these concepts, network architects can design wireless networks that meet the needs of modern organizations.