Planet3 Wireless
1 Reference Book and Exam Cram
This book really is two (at least) books in one.
First, it is the best reference manual I've seen on the wireless lans. It seems to cover everything from the FCC rules (through the July 2004 revisions), to all of the various 802.11 standards (a, g, e, f, i, n), to the technology and the mathematics behind the technology, to the equipment such as antennas and the devices that drive them, site surveys, and of course the all important security aspects.
Second, this book was written by the technical team who developed the CWNA exam and certification, Planet3 Wireless. It is written as an Official Study Guide for the exam. It talks about the test in a general sense, i.e. 12% of the exam is on Regulations and Standards. As an exam guide there are study guides, practice questions, and all the rest you would expect.
The final surprising thing about this book is that it is very well written. The English makes sense, and you can understand what they are talking about.
2 Wireless bible
This is the first book that I have encountered that discusses how to set up larger networks - perils and pitfalls. It tells you what to look out for, various inteference, overlapping channels, site surveying, wireless security, transmission power, FCC regulations, etc. This is an essential guide that should be part of a library (even if the library contains only one book).
It is on par in the same light as how the Kernighan & Ritchie bible is for C programming.
Another book I recently received which seem to pair very well is "Deploying License-Free Wireless Wide-Area Networks".
The key word here is "Wide-Area" so this is more for geared towards setting up a LAN for perhaps a condo/cumminty development and larger, not SOHO or home network.
3 CWNA Certified as of 2/11/05
Well....were do I start. I took this exam twice before passing it. I think the problem was that I really didn't read the book from cover-to-cover. So on the third try I read this book 6 times.
In short READ this book from cover to cover. A hint: foucs alot on chapter 11 because it hits about 30 percent of the objectives and you cannot check your answers after you move on to the next question. Now thier are some questions that are not in the book like 802.3af standard(s), so read some white papers.
This exam is very hard. The question all seem to be right so you MUST know the aswner like you have worked in the field and that is why this certification is a good one to get.
Well....good luck in your testing and take your time.
4 Excellent Book.
This is probably the most comprehensive and detailed book about wireless technology that has been written. Everything is from FCC rules to RF site surveys are covered in this one book. I passed the CWNA exam on my first try. Everything you need is covered in this book. Well written.
5 Superb Text
I can't state it more directly: this text covers exactly you will see on the test. This was my one and only study source, and I got ~90% on the test. Nuf said on that. Even if you're not interested in the CWNA certification, this text is quite adequate in serving as a reference for wireless technologies.
For those who are debating whether this is a worthwhile certification, think of it as a compliment to your Cisco or CompTIA certifications that will give you an edge over those Network Engineers who are only trained in cabled-networks.
6 It worked!!!
I bought the book to avoid going to the class and paying thousands of $$$$. It worked!!!
I read and reviewed the book, downloaded and took some practice
tests, and took and passed the exam on the first attempt.
Total cost < $300.
My rating does not indicate anything about the content of the book. It only indicates that I passed the exam with a minimum of headache, heartburn, and cash outlay.
If you want the certification, try it this way first!
7 Passed Exam on First Attempt
This is an excellent book; informative and easy to read. I used the book, several practice exams and hands-on experience to prepare for the exam.
Although I passed with the first try, about 75% of the questions were very difficult (for me). After reading remarks posted on the Internet from other test-takers, I figured that I needed to review this book a few more times.
It turned out to be a valuable resource, but should be supplemented with additional reading materials and practice exams. I agree with a previous review that the book should have included the chapter questions on a CD based practice exam.
8 Excellent Study Guide for PW0-100
I've had the opportunity to correspond with Devin Akin on a couple of technical issues and he really knows his stuff. This book only touches on the knowledge at Planet3 but prepares you well for exam PW0-100. I've read a number of technical study guides and unlike some, this one cuts to the heart of the subject. It's 541 pages of wireless fundamentals, theory and practices in nothing short of a clear presentation. It covers everything from WLAN architecture and security to governing organizations and standards. The book does an excellent job of putting the comprehensive (relatively new) technologies of wireless networking into a concise but very informative perspective. I actually sat for CWNA last year but I studied this book then read through the online practice tests and it was enough to pass the exam. I look forward to hearing more from Devin and Planet3 Wireless.
9 You rock Devin!
After being in the IT business for 9 years I have read a lot of books. I can honestly say this is the best IT book I have ever read. Mr. Akin definitely knows how to write a book! I just ordered the CWSP book and hope it is as well written as this book. Much thanks to Devin for finally writing an IT book that didn't put me asleep and helping me pass the test the first time!!
10 Perfect reading for the PWO-100 exam.
Ever since the CNWA announcement, I have searched the internet for all study material. I have taken practice exams and even downloaded the only "study guide" I could find, that was until now.
This release seems to be a good source of information as it is written by the CTO of Planet3 Wireless, the creator of the CWNA exam. Having read other material from Devin Arkin and then reading this book I think you'll have a great chance of passing on the first try.
Written to the introductory level of technician this book gives you a complete breakdown of the exam objectives. Arkin makes the reading easy to follow along, but at the same fills the pages with detailed explanations.
While the book does have over a hundred practice questions, I think for the money a cd should have been included with practice tests. Overall, while a little pricey, it may be worth the buy for the CNWA cert
11 The only way to pass and excellent information to boot!
I used this study guide in preparing for the CWNA certification (which I passed). Prior to getting the CWNA, I had already obtained a few other WLAN certifications and had purchased several other books. I can honestly say that this program and, in particular, this study guide present the most information and in the clearest way. If you want the certification, then you will have to get this book. Even if you just want a good WLAN reference or to learn more about WLANs, this is one of the books that you MUST have. I consider this to be
12 Vital
Coming from the network software development area, I decided to change my technical direction 7 month ago; started reading some books about wireless LANs, attended the CWNA class provided by Planet3 Wireless a month later, studied hard using mainly the CWNA Study Guide and then passed the certification test 2 month later.
This guide provides a very pragmatic, "hands-on" presentation about what you need to know if you want to deal professionally with wireless LANs. The vendor-neutral character of it expresses the spirit of the wireless LAN technology itself. The book, in combination with the very good CWNA class, is vital to pass the CWNA exam. To have it easier at the certification exam (I choked already at the first question big time ;) , but passed anyway), I recommend to also go through books like "802.11 Wireless Networking" from Mathew Gast, to get wireless LAN aspects shown from different angles.
13 Very pleased!
I have spent about 4 yrs working in the WLAN and WISP fields. I have been fortunate to gain tons of "hands on" experience. Unfortunately, it was in a very focused and narrow area, IE: one or two vendors and pretty much the same install configuration time after time. I bought this book and attended the week long course in the hopes that I could expand my knowledge base without the monetary investment of buying new types of equipment to test. I am very satisfied with both. I would recommend this text to anyone who is new to the career field or like me, needs to widen their skill set. I truly like the idea of a vendor neutral certification.
14 One of the best wireless books I've read
Planet3 Wireless does a great job keeping this vendor neutral. It's everything you'll need to pass the CWNA test. Even if you don't want to go through the certification process, you'll find this book covers wireless LAN's from A-Z. I've had the pleasure of meeting one of the writers of this book and was very impressed by his knowledge of the wireless industry.
15 Wireless Networking finally has a bible!
Step out of the dark and into the light. Don't kid yourself, if you've never done wireless before, it's not the same as a 10/100 switch. This book covers it all and it's easy to understand. It made my job so much easier.
16 The book to read for Wireless Networking!
The CWNA is rapidly becoming the industry standard for wireless networking certification. The CWNA is one of the first Network certifications that is not vendor specific and covers all aspects of wireless networking. This book will train you on all aspects of wireless networking not just vendor specific and help you prepare for the CWNA with complete practice questions. So why limit yourself to a vendor specific certification when you can completely prepare yourself for all aspects of the wireless networking industry with the CWNA exam and study guide.
17 well written wireless resource
The CWNA study guide is a valuable resource for passing the CWNA exam. It is filled with relevant information for real world implementations as well as regulatory and standards information. A must read for wireless certification!
18 The book for Wireless Networking!
Why limit yourself to vendor specific wireless networking certifications? This book covers all aspects of wireless networking not just specific vendor specifications and protocalls. This is the book to read to prepare yourself for the CWNA exam. This book will cover all areas on the CWNA exam as well as provide you with complete practice questions. The CWNA is quickly becoming the industry standard certification for wireless networking, because it encompasses all aspects of wireless networking and is one of the first networking certification that is not vendor specific. So why limit yourself to vendor specific training and certification when the CWNA can help you prepare for all aspects of the rapidly growing wireless networking industry. I would greatly recomend this book to anyone thinking about entering or expanding into wireless networking. I would also recomend that anyone thinking of entering the Networking industry highly consider training in wireless networking because it is a constantly and rapidly growing.
19 Sound RF Theory
This book is a good RF primer for those folks new to Wireless LANs and the 802.11 protocol. It is fundamentally sound, and delivers a good amount of vendor neutral content in a straightforward and digestable manner.
20 CWNA - excellent knowledge for a wireless world.
The CWNA Study Guide is one of those technical books you never really want to just "put on the shelf". I've used this thing so many times over the last few months that it just stays on my desk. While I've been heavily involved in wireless LAN solutions for the last 2.5 years, I never really had anything that gave me all the answers about wireless LANs in one location. Most other "wireless" books cover cellular technologies and gloss over with WLAN solutions. This one sticks to the subject and goes in detail much further than other authors.
I used the CWNA Study Guide to prepare for and pass (on the first try!) the CWNA exam. I am now using it to prepare for Cisco's Wireless LAN specializations as well. I have no doubt the book will pay for itself many times over.
The only complaint I have about the version of the book I have (the original spiral bound copy) is that it didn't have an index but I think that's now included. The Table of Contents took care of all my questions though because the book is very well organized.
***UPDATE***
Apr. 17, 2003 - Since this review I have received an updated, softbound book with the index. The new softbound format is the same information but in a more compact design. Now all I have to do is transfer all my notes and highlights from the spiral bound version (UGH!).
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If you are interested in wireless LAN solutions, this is the book to get!
Joel Barrett
21 CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study
The CWNA Certified Wireless Network Administrator Official Study Guide (Exam PW0-100) is the ultimate vendor-neutral wireless networking study guide. The emphasis is on "Official", it is the text used in all authorized CWNA training courses. At 541 pages long, it features superb graphics, well-written text, practice exams (with answers) at the end of each chapter, an Appendix "RF in Perspective", 20-page glossary and a17-page comprehensive index. Serious candidates for the CWNA certificate will study this guide, and the QuizWare.com 336-question CWNA/CWNP practice exam by the same authors.
Joe Martorelli, CWNA, Lake Washington Technical College, WA
22 Works for me
Planet3 wireless did a great job in their release of this book. It served more than just a study guide for the CWNA certification, it is written in a clear percise manner as to use as a reference book for setting up WLans, Site Surveys, lite Security, hardware types, and insight as to what to expect when your WLAN is established. Kudo's P3
23 The Definitive CWNA guide
The definitive guide for preparing for your CWNA certification. Contains critical practical information about planning, managing, and troubleshooting wireless LANs. Primary focus on physical layers (RF propagation, antenna types, etc...) and application layers (configuring access points, WLAN security methods). Also includes excellent real-world information on AP installation and site surveys.
24 A Must have for Wireless Network Admins
This book is great if you need to learn about wireless. It covers all the basics. It's well written and easy to understand. Everything that a novice to intermediate admin needs to know is in it. I thought that wireless was no different then regular wired networks, now I know better.
25 Must reading for anyone interested in Wireless LAN's
Hands down this is the most comprehensive book on Wireless LAN Administration on the market today. To obtain the knowledge in this one book you would have to read several other books on wireless and read dozens of white papers. The CWNA Study Guide is a wealth of information and a must for anyone working with wireless LAN's or planning to.
Denny Hughes
NTEC
26 Great exam review!!!
I have many different certifications including this one, and have read many different certification exam review books. They generally fall into one of two categories. Either they a)throw all of the facts at you so that you can memorise exam answers without comprehension, or b) they go on for pages and pages about information that is of little use and the end result is information overload. This book is c) right on the money! If you are looking to become CWNA certified, and want to pass the exam because you actually understand the material, then this book is for you. No fluff, no "memorise this," just a good foundation in wireless networking with an eye towards passing the certification exam. But be warned, simply reading this book without hands on experience will not do. You either need the companion class, or sufficient experience with a variety of vendors and environments.
27 Simply the best there is!
This book is not just about certification...it's much more than that. It is the essential referrence for 802.11 networking. Read the book, put your skills to work in the real world. Take the exam and pass it...not an easy task for sure (this exam is very tough unlike many silly exams these days). WLAN is the future and getting in now with this book is the way.
I had some WLAN background, but not too much. Our company was preparing to deploy a WLAN so I had to get up to speed. Read the book through until I was comfortable with the concepts, took the exam and passed (WHEW!). Get this book and get your career on the move.
