CWNA-109 Online Practice Questions and Answers

Correct Answer: B

The authentication method that is referenced in the 802.11-2016 and 802.11-2020 specifications and is recommended for robust WLAN client security is 802.1X/EAP. 802.1X/EAP stands for IEEE 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control

with Extensible Authentication Protocol and is a framework that provides strong authentication and dynamic encryption key generation for WLAN clients. 802.1X/EAP involves three parties:

the supplicant (the client), the authenticator (the AP or the controller), and the authentication server (usually a RADIUS server). The supplicant sends its credentials (such as username and password, certificate, or token) to the authenticator,

which forwards them to the authentication server. The authentication server verifies the credentials and sends a response to the authenticator, which grants or denies access to the supplicant. The authentication server also generates a

master key that is used to derive encryption keys for the data frames between the supplicant and the authenticator. 802.1X/EAP supports various EAP methods that offer different levels of security and flexibility, such as EAP-TLS, EAP-PEAP,

EAP-TTLS, EAP-FAST, and EAP-SIM. SSL, IPSec, and WEP are not authentication methods, but rather encryption or security protocols that are not specific to WLANs or referenced in the 802.11 specifications. References: [CWNP Certified

Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 299; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 289.

Correct Answer: A

Weak signal strength is the likely cause of the low data rate issue for the client that has a signal strength of -84 dBm and a noise floor of -96 dBm. The client is an 802.11ac client and connects to an 802.11ac AP. Both the client and AP are 2x2:2 devices. Signal strength is the measure of how strong the RF signal is at the receiver. Signal strength can affect the reliability and performance of the wireless connection, as well as the data rate and throughput of the traffic. The higher the signal strength, the better the signal quality and the higher the data rate. The lower the signal strength, the worse the signal quality and the lower the data rate. The data rate of an 802.11ac connection depends on several factors, such as channel bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), spatial streams, guard interval, and beamforming. However, these factors are also influenced by the signal strength, as they require a certain signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to operate properly. SNR is the ratio of the signal strength to the noise floor, which is the measure of the background noise or interference in the RF environment. The higher the SNR, the more robust and efficient the communication. The lower the SNR, the more prone and vulnerable to errors and retries. According to the CWNA Official Study Guide , Table 3.7, page 112, an 802.11ac connection with a channel bandwidth of 80 MHz, an MCS of 9, two spatial streams, a short guard interval, and no beamforming can achieve a maximum data rate of 867 Mbps. However, this data rate requires a minimum SNR of 30 dB to maintain a sufficient signal quality. If the signal strength is -84 dBm and the noise floor is -96 dBm, then the SNR is only 12 dB (-84 dBm - (-96 dBm) = 12 dB), which is far below the required SNR for this data rate. Therefore, the data rate will drop significantly to match the lower SNR and signal quality. To solve this problem, the signal strength should be increased to improve the SNR and data rate. This can be done by adjusting the output power or channel assignment of the AP or client, relocating or reorienting some APs or antennas to reduce attenuation or interference, updating or replacing some faulty oroutdated hardware or software components, etc. References: , Chapter 3, page 112; , Section 3.2

Correct Answer: A

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

Correct Answer: B

In wireless communication, several factors influence the effective reception of RF signals, including the receiving station's radio sensitivity, the transmitting station's output power, and free space path loss. However, the receiving station's

output power does not influence the distance at which an RF signal can be effectively received. The key factors that impact signal reception distance are:

Receiving Station's Radio Sensitivity: This refers to the lowest signal strength at which the receiver can process a signal with an acceptableerror rate. Higher sensitivity allows for better reception at greater distances. Transmitting Station's

Output Power: This is the power with which a transmitter sends out a signal. Higher output power can extend the range of transmission, making it easier for distant receivers to detect the signal. Free Space Path Loss (FSPL): FSPL

represents the attenuation of radio energy as it travels through free space. It increases with distance and frequency, reducing the signal strength as the distance from the transmitter increases. The output power of the receiving station is

related to how strong a signal it sends out, not how well it can receive or process incoming signals. Therefore, it does not affect the reception distance of incoming RF signals.

References:

CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: Exam PW0- 105, by David D. Coleman and David A. Westcott.

RF fundamentals and RF design considerations in wireless communication systems.

Correct Answer: D

What is always required to establish a high quality 2.4 GHz RF link at a distance of 3 miles (5 kilometers) is a Fresnel Zone that is at least 60% clear of obstructions. The Fresnel Zone is an elliptical-shaped area around the line-of-sight path between two antennas that reflects and refracts the RF waves. The Fresnel Zone radius depends on the frequency of the RF signal and the distance between the antennas. For optimal performance, the Fresnel Zone should be at least 60% clear of any obstructions that may cause interference, attenuation, or multipath fading. The minimum output power level, antenna gain, and antenna type may vary depending on the environmental conditions and regulatory constraints, but they are not always required for a high quality RF link. References: [CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 75; [CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide: ExamCWNA-109], page 65.

Correct Answer: C

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

Correct Answer: A

Correct Answer: C

https://www.wlanmall.com/what-is-a-wireless-bridge/ Wireless bridging is a WLAN technology role that allows two or more networks to be connected wirelessly over a distance. A wireless bridge consists of two or more APs that are configured to operate in bridge mode and use directional antennas to establish a point- to-point or point-to-multipoint link. Wireless bridging can support high data rates and is suitable for scenarios where running cables is impractical or expensive. To create a wireless link between two buildings on a single campus that supports at least 150 Mbps data rates, wireless bridging is an appropriate solution678. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 6: Wireless LAN Devices and Topologies, page 271; CWNA-109Study Guide, Chapter 6: Wireless LAN Devices and Topologies, page 265; Wi-Fi Wireless Bridging Explained.

Correct Answer: C

Passive Gain is the increase of RF energy in an intentional direction with the use of an antenna. It is achieved by focusing the same amount of power into a smaller area, resulting in a higher power density and a stronger signal. Passive Gain does not require any additional power or amplification, but rather depends on the antenna's physical characteristics, such as size, shape, and orientation. Passive Gain is also expressed in decibels (dB) and is related to the antenna's beamwidth and directivity. References: 1, Chapter 2, page 63; 2, Section 2.3

Correct Answer: B

A 5 GHz channel should be used for this AP because channels 1 and 6 are 2.4 GHz channels and they have no impact on the decision. The 5 GHz frequency band offers more non-overlapping channels than the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which reduces interference and improves performance. The 5 GHz frequency band also supports higher data rates and wider channel bandwidths than the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which increases capacity and throughput. The 5 GHz frequency band also has less interference from other devices and sources than the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which enhances reliability and quality of service. Therefore, it is recommended to use the 5 GHz frequency band for WLANs whenever possible. Channels 1 and 6 are two of the three non- overlapping channels in the 2.4 GHz frequency band (the other one is channel 11). They are used by a neighbor network in this scenario, but they do not affect the channel selection for this AP because they operate in a different frequency band than the 5 GHz frequency band. Channel 6 is not always best to use; it depends on the interference and congestion level in the environment. Channel 1 is not best to use because it has a lower frequency than channel 6; frequency does not determine channel quality or performance. Channel 11 is not best to use because it is also a 2.4 GHz channel and it may interfere with channels 1 and 6. References: CWNA-109 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Antenna Systems and Radio Frequency (RF) Components, page 113