Home > Articles > Cisco > CCNA Wireless

CCNA Wireless Quick Reference: Install Wireless Clients

This chapter provides information on installing and configuring wireless clients on a variety of platforms to assist in your CCNA Wireless preparations.
This chapter is from the book

Clients are an essential part of wireless networks. They require a specific section in CCNA Wireless because not all clients are the same. Wireless clients are differentiated by three types of characteristics:

  • Wi-Fi client adapter: Most devices produced today come with built-in wireless adapters. Older devices can be outfitted with an external wireless networking card. Different cards might have different physical characteristics and capabilities.
  • Wireless client software: Client software, such as the Intel ProSet, AirPort Extreme for MAC, Windows AutoConfig Service, Apple iOS, and Google Android, can be configured for the client to associate with an AP. Different software applications can have different feature sets and different supports for the underlying physical card capabilities.
  • Client security settings: There are several possible security configurations to achieve wireless security. Some clients support only some security types, thus limiting the type of wireless network you can join.

Most clients enable you to associate to a detected network (broadcasted SSID) or configure a specific profile. In all cases, you must configure the network name (SSID), the operating mode (ad-hoc or infrastructure), and some security settings (that will be different depending on whether the SSID uses Pre-Shared Key Security or Enterprise [EAP/802.1x] security). The way each of these three items is configured (sequence, menu names, configuration possibilities) varies from one client to the next.

Intel ProSet

Because Intel is a major wireless chipset vendor, it is common to see wireless clients use the Intel ProSet utility to configure an Intel wireless card. The client features are integrated to Windows with Windows 7, thus adding new functionalities to the Windows wireless utility instead of offering a different program interface. For example, Windows natively does not support EAP-FAST or LEAP (Mac Export Extreme natively supports these security mechanisms). Using Intel ProSet adds support for these mechanisms on a Windows machine. In older Windows versions (Vista and older), Intel ProSet can be installed to replace the Windows utility and offer a specific interface to configure the Intel wireless card.

Once installed, the utility appears as an icon representing a wave at the right of the taskbar. Right-clicking that icon offers the option to disable the wireless card, connect to an already configured wireless network profile, or open the Intel ProSet utility.

Opening the utility displays the list of detected networks. You can connect to a network by double-clicking the network name in the list (or clicking the name then clicking Connect) and answering the questions relevant to the SSID security credentials when applicable.

You can also click Profiles to manage existing profiles (modify or delete) or create new profiles. When creating a new profile, you first must enter the SSID name, the operating mode (ad-hoc or infrastructure), and then the security type (personal, using open or preshared key authentication, or enterprise, using 802.1X/EAP authentication). You then configure the security details based on the security type you chose. Figure 3-1 shows the Intel ProSet main options.

Figure 3-1 Intel ProSet

Intel is part of the CCX program, and the Intel ProSet utility offers the possibility to enable or disable CCX functions. The Intel ProSet utility also offers a diagnostic function. When connection to a wireless network fails, you can click the Troubleshoot button from the utility main window to access the tool. For a working connection, you can also navigate to Advanced > Advanced Statistics to see a detailed output for the current WLAN connection.

Mac AirPort Extreme

AirPort (for 802.11b) and AirPort Extreme (for 802.11b/g/n or 802.11a/b/g/n) are WLAN configuration utilities from Apple. The utility allows the creation of network profiles, association to detected networks, and advanced configuration and troubleshooting. The wireless card can be disabled or enabled from the utility main window. The utility automatically attempts to join detected networks (trying the preferred profiles first) and offers to connect to the available networks if no preferred SSID is in range. On the left of the screen, the available network connections (wired and wireless) are displayed, and the connection status of the WLAN adapter can be displayed, along with the signal level.

You can connect to a detected network by clicking the network name, and then clicking the join button and answering the questions relevant to the SSID security credentials when applicable. You also can create a new profile by clicking the + button instead of clicking a detected network name. You can then choose the Create Network option to create a new ad-hoc network, or Join Other Network to create a new infrastructure profile. After you enter the SSID name, you can choose the security type, and then enter the parameters relevant to the security type you chose.

From the AirPort main menu, click Advanced to display advanced parameters for the network connections. A new window appears, with seven tabs (AirPort, TCP/IP, DNS, WINS, AppleTalk, 802.1X, and Proxies). Among these tabs, the AirPort tab lists all the configured profiles. Clicking on one of them enables you to edit its configuration parameters. It is also possible to change the connection order and select other general parameters. The 802.1X tab enables you to select each configured wireless profiles and edit its 802.1X/EAP security settings when applicable.

When the wireless card is enabled, an icon is present in the desktop menu bar. Click the icon to see basic information about the connection (SSID name and connection options), or press the Option key and click the icon to see detailed information about the connection (SSID name, capabilities [802.11a/b/g or n], BSSID MAC address, channel, RSSI, security, and data rate/MCS). Figure 3-2 shows Mac AirPort Extreme.

Figure 3-2 Mac AirPort Extreme

The AirPort main window also displays an Assist Me button, which launches a network diagnostic utility, useful to conduct a step-by-step diagnostic of the wireless connection to determine the step of the connection at which the process is failing.

Windows LAN AutoConfig Service

WLAN AutoConfig service (WAS) is a built-in tool in Windows Vista and Windows 7 used to detect and connect to a wireless network. When the computer boots, if no WLAN is preconfigured, the WLAN AutoConfig sends null (empty SSID name to discover all SSIDs) and unicast (with each SSID names configured in the stored profiles) probe requests on all supported channels in turn. The utility then reports the detected networks. If a detected network matches a profile in the preferred list, the AutoConfig tries to join the WLAN. If there are no successful connections, the WAS attempts to connect to the preferred networks that do not appear in the list of available networks in the preferred networks priority order. If there are no successful connections but there is an ad-hoc network in the list of preferred networks that are available, the WAS tries to connect to it. If no connection is possible to any network and there is an ad-hoc network present in the preferred networks list, the WAS configures the wireless network adapter to act as the first node in this ad-hoc network. If there are no ad-hoc networks in the list of preferred networks, the utility creates a random network name and places the wireless network adapter in infrastructure mode. A message stating that One or More Wireless Networks Are Available is displayed in the notification area. After 60 seconds, the process restarts from the beginning.

You can connect to a detected network by clicking the wireless connection icon in the status bar, clicking an SSID name (the signal strength of the associated AP is represented by green bars, five bars representing the best signal; an exclamation mark inside a yellow shield is displayed if the SSID has no security [Open authentication, no encryption]), clicking Connect and completing the security parameters when applicable.

You also can manage profiles by clicking the wireless connection icon in the status bar, choosing Open Network and Sharing Center, and then Manage Wireless Networks. From there, you can delete, modify, reorder or create profiles. When creating profiles, click Add, choose Create an ad-hoc network or Manually create a network profile (infrastructure). Enter the SSID name and the security type. Then complete the security configuration parameters. Figure 3-3 shows Windows WAS.

Figure 3-3 Windows Wireless LAN AutoConfig Service

iPhone and Android

New portable devices commonly embark Wi-Fi functions and enable you to connect to a detected network or configure profiles. These devices often support 802.11b/g/n and allow connections to networks with personal (preshared key) and enterprise (EAP/802.1X) types of security parameters.

Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client

The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a multifunctional and modular security client. It was built to enable you to use the same interface across various hardware and software platforms (operating systems) to manage and secure your connections to the network. It contains several modules:

  • VPN Module
  • Diagnostic Reporting Tool (DART, to analyze and troubleshoot connections)
  • Network Access Module (provided as part of the Network Access Manager to manage user and device identity over wired and wireless deployments)
  • Posture Module (to identify the operating system, antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall installed on the host)
  • Telemetry (used with the Cisco IronPort Web Security Appliance to identify the source of malwares)
  • Web Security Module (cloud-based real-time web protection and policy enforcement)

You can just install the modules you need, then add or remove modules as the security needs change.

The main components used in IUWNE are the Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client itself, associated with the Network Access Module (NAM) used to manage existing profiles. AnyConnect Network Access Manager is licensed without charge for use with Cisco wireless access points, wireless LAN controllers, switches, and RADIUS servers, but a current SmartNet contract is required on the related Cisco equipment.

The Cisco AnyConnect client and the NAM module can be deployed by asking users to open a web browser session to an ASA running ASDM GUI version 6.4(0)104 or later and download the required modules, or by installing the modules manually on each client. Note that the AnyConnect VPN installer must be installed first, before AnyConnect client and NAM, even if you do not need VPN. Without the VPN component, the other modules cannot work properly.

Once installed, the AnyConnect client displays an icon in the status bar. Click the icon to open the utility and connect to one of the detected wireless networks. You also can click Advanced to open the NAM front end. You can then manage profiles (create, delete, reorder). The network administrator can restrict the types of networks that the end user can manipulate on the NAM. For example, AnyConnect can be set to allow the user to manipulate only networks with PSK or with no security. In this configuration, the administrator (with the ASA or the NAM Profile Editor utility) will be required to add, delete, or modify any SSID profile with another type of security.

When adding a new profile, the process follows the typical sequence: First, add the SSID name, and then choose the security type before adding the details relevant to the security mechanism you selected. Figure 3-4 shows the Cisco AnyConnect interface.

Figure 3-4 Cisco AnyConnect

AnyConnect offers the DART module that can be used to analyze and troubleshoot connections. The information collected by DART can be examined locally or exported and sent to a network support desk for analysis.

Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX)

CCX Principles

Cisco created the Cisco Compatible Extensions program to integrate new features in wireless devices faster than the 802.11 standard development cycle would allow. CCX are features integrated to the wireless client’s driver software and Cisco access points. Features are developed as part of a CCX program release and distributed to partners. More than 90% of silicon suppliers and hardware vendors of WLAN adapters and client devices are part of the CCX program today (from chip and PC manufacturers such as Intel, Atheros, Broadcom, Conexant, Marvell, Ralink, and Texas Instruments, to wireless manufacturers such as Acer, Ascom, Dell, D-Link, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Linksys, Netgear, Nokia, Psion, Sony, Toshiba, Symbol, Motorola, and many others).

Cisco has a CCX program for Wi-Fi and another CCX program for Wi-Fi radio frequency identifiers (RFID), allowing those tags to transmit specific telemetry (temperature, pressure, humidity, distance, motion, and fuel levels), emergency (panic button), and battery charge information.

CCX for Wi-Fi devices includes up to 70 features. For example, Cisco Centralized Key Management (CCKM) allows client credentials to be passed from one AP to the next as the client roams, and allows roaming clients to communicate with the infrastructure about these cached credentials, thus suppressing the need for the roaming client to reauthenticate through each AP and making the roaming process faster and more efficient.

The AP can also communicate with the wireless clients to exchange information and instructions. For example, an AP can ask a client to increase its power level (when the client signal is weak at the AP level, avoiding connection drops) or reduce its power level (to save battery when the client signal is strong). This feature is called AP-specified max power.

The AP can also help the client roam with the enhanced roaming family of features. The AP asks the client to stop scanning for alternative APs while the client is the heart of the cell (thus saving client battery), then instructs the client to start scanning when the client signal shows that the client approaches the edge of the cell (thus scanning only when needed). The AP can also ask the client to scan and report the list of detected APs (with SSIDs, channels, power levels, and so on). This list can be transmitted to other clients at the edge of the cell to facilitate neighboring AP discovery and roaming, as the client knows the list of channels and SSIDs to query and does not waste time and battery life scanning all possible channels for all possible SSIDs. Figure 3-5 shows some examples of CCX features.

Figure 3-5 CCX Features Examples

The AP can also sign its management frames, thus enabling Management Frame Protection (MFP). This enables the other APs to report any unsigned management frame (the possible sign of a rogue AP trying to impersonate a valid AP). Client participation is not needed for this version of MFP, called Infrastructure MFP. Clients supporting CCXv5 can also use this signature mechanism, with a second generation of MFP (Client MFP), to ignore any unsigned or improperly signed management frame, thus removing the possibility for a deauthentication attack to the network. Figure 3-6 shows how MFP works.

Figure 3-6 Management Frame Protection

CCX Versions and Features

Historically, there have been five versions of the Cisco Compatible Extension (CCX) specification labeled Version 1(V1) to Version 5(V5). Each version built upon its predecessors. For example, CCXv5 added MFP, real-time reporting between client and AP, a diagnostic channel to help troubleshooting clients and optional location services, and improved several CCXv4 features. Each version contains a list of features. In summer 2011, Cisco separated the CCX features into four subfamilies to help vendors integrate only those features that are needed for their specific wireless clients (called application-specific devices, which are devices built for a specific function [for example, barcode scanners or VoWLAN phones] and therefore do not need all the CCX features that a data laptop would need). This is called the CCX Lite program, with four components:

  • Foundation (for standard CCX features for connectivity and security)
  • CCX Voice (for VoWLAN-specific features, such as QoS enhancements)
  • Location
  • Management (for connection reporting and troubleshooting)

Foundation is always needed to be certified CCX Lite, but the other subfamilies are optional.

The Cisco wireless infrastructure supports all CCX features on controller code release 7.0.116 and autonomous AP code release 12.4.25. No other wireless infrastructure vendor supports CCX (which means that you need a Cisco wireless infrastructure to support CCX). The CCX version supported on the client depends on the vendor and card. Not all vendors integrate the latest CCX version for all cards. This means that your wireless clients will benefit from the CCX features matching the CCX version they support (the client CCX version can be seen in the client detailed datasheet and on the client detailed monitor page on the controller through which the client associates).

As a CCNA Wireless, you do not need to know the details of all CCX features and version but are definitely expected to know the components of the CCX Lite program. Also, because support for fast roaming (with CCKM) depends on the security mechanism in use, you must know which version of CCX allows for which security mechanism support, as shown in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1 CCX Version and Security Support


CCX v1

CCX v2

CCX v3

CCX v4

CCX v5

IEEE 802.1X

X

X

X

X

X

LEAP

X

X

X

X

X

PEAP with EAP-GTC (PEAP-GTC)


X

X

X

X

EAP-FAST



X

X

X

PEAP with EAP-MSCHAPv2 (PEAP-MSCHAP)




X

X

EAP-TLS




X

X

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): 802.1X + WPA TKIP


X

X

X

X

With LEAP


X

X

X

X

With PEAP-GTC


X

X

X

X

With EAP-FAST



X

X

X

With PEAP-MSCHAP




X

X

With EAP-TLS




X

X

IEEE 802.11i – WPA2: 802.1X + AES



X

X

X

With LEAP



X

X

X

With PEAP-GTC



X

X

X

With EAP-FAST



X

X

X

With PEAP-MSCHAP




X

X

With EAP-TLS




X

X

Management Frame Protection





X

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020