Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have read many Cisco Press books in the last several years. They usually fall into 2 separate categories. Certification and Other. This book is not geared towards any certification in particular, even though Cisco has several for wireless. This book is also one of the more non-Cisco books that Cisco Press has put out in that the book is not filled with a ton of Cisco specific examples and hardware references. There are some, but overall, the book really has a vendor neutral feel to it.
I was expecting a book that primarily focused on the recently ratified IEEE 802.11n. If that is what you are looking for, then this book is not it. You are better off reading the standard straight from IEEE. However, you would be missing out on a really good book about wireless in general. Jim Geier has authored a fantastic book that really shows his experience in the wireless field. He doesn't have the same pedigree that a lot of Cisco Press authors usually do in the way of a CCIE #, but don't let that fool you. After a few chapters of reading this book, I was completely satisfied with the author's technical abilities. The overall level of the book is probably somewhere between the CCNP Wireless and CCIE Wireless skill levels, or CWNP and CWNE for the vendor neutral types. What really made the book extra relevant was the breadth of topics covered.
The book starts with an introduction to wireless concepts. Then it moves into the 802.11 standard and the various portions of that standard explaining the MAC and PHY. After that, design is covered from all major aspects such as performance, frequency use, security, and roaming. After the design aspect is covered, the site survey, installation and testing are covered. Finally, the support of the wireless network is covered.
You get the whole wireless experience from this book. If you are weak on the fundamentals of wireless technology, this book covers them. If you are deficient in the design or installation, this book covers it as well. However, it does not cover anything in exhaustive detail. To do so would require a book much larger than the 450 plus pages that are in the book. It covers everything in sufficient detail to drive home the concept, but does not overwhelm you with acronyms or technical minutiae. What is a big help to the reader are the various examples the author tells regarding past installations, designs, etc that his company dealt with. There are many of these examples scattered throughout the book.
Overall, this is a good book for all-around wireless education. All major topics are covered. I didn't see anything major in the book that I disagreed with. If you want to know how 802.11b/g/a/n works, this book is a great start down that road.
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Designing and Deploying 802.11n Wireless NetworksGain a practical understanding of the underlying concepts of the 802.11n standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installationPractical, start-to-finish guidance for successful deployment of 802.11n wireless LANsWith the ratification of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard, thousands of companies are moving rapidly toward implementation. However, 802.11n is very different from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, and successful deployment requires new knowledge and techniques. In this book, leading wireless expert Jim Geier systematically presents all the information and guidance that network architects, engineers, administrators, and managers need to maximize the performance and business value of new 802.11n networks. Drawing on extensive experience with real-world 802.11n deployments, Geier guides you through the entire project lifecycle: planning, design, installation, testing, monitoring, and support. Each phase of wireless LAN deployment is organized into clearly defined steps, and multiple case studies and hands-on exercises show how to apply each technique. You'll find practical guidance for deploying in enterprises without existing wireless infrastructure, as well as migrating from legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g networks. For convenient reference, Geier also provides an extensive, up-to-date wireless networking glossary. Jim Geier founded Wireless-Nets, Ltd., and serves as its principal consultant. His 25 years of experience include analysis, design, implementation, installation, and support of wireless network-based solutions for cities, enterprises, airports, manufacturers, warehouses, hospitals, and other facilities worldwide. He is author of more than a dozen books, including Wireless Networks - First Step and Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs (Cisco Press) and Implementing 802.1X Security Solutions. He has been active with the IEEE 802.11 Working Group developing international wireless LAN standards, and chaired the IEEE International Conference on Wireless LAN Implementation.Understanding 802.11n MAC, physical layer, and related standards
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