2.4 - Wireless network implementation
Network+ N10-009 objective 2.4 covers deploying wireless networks. A controller-based WLAN uses a wireless LAN controller to auto-manage channels and power across many access points, scaling better than standalone APs. In an ad hoc topology, clients talk directly to each other with no access point, unlike the usual infrastructure mode. To let modern devices use WPA3 while older clients still connect with WPA2, you configure WPA3 transition mode. A private 5G network for a factory floor identifies devices with a SIM or eSIM credential. You should also know 802.11 standards and bands, channel width, SSIDs, roaming, antenna types and site surveys. Expect scenario questions that describe managing many APs, direct client-to-client links, mixed WPA generations or cellular credentials, and ask which wireless deployment, topology, mode or technology fits.
Auto-manage many APs (channels/power) = controller-based WLAN. Clients direct, no AP = ad hoc. WPA3 for new + WPA2 for old = WPA3 transition mode. Private 5G device ID = SIM/eSIM.
Practice questions
1. Which Wi-Fi generation adds the 6 GHz band?
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (correct answer)
Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) into the 6 GHz band. 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) is 5 GHz only; 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) is 2.4/5 GHz.
2. Which 2.4 GHz channel set is non-overlapping in North America?
- 1, 6, 11 (correct answer)
- 1, 5, 9
- 2, 7, 12
- 3, 6, 9
In 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6 and 11 are spaced 25 MHz apart and do not overlap. Other choices overlap and cause co-channel interference.
3. Which wireless authentication mode replaces WPA2's PSK handshake with SAE?
- WEP
- WPA2-Enterprise
- WPA3-Personal (correct answer)
- Open
WPA3-Personal uses SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) instead of the WPA2 4-way PSK handshake, resisting offline dictionary attacks. WEP is obsolete.
4. Which antenna focuses signal in one direction for a point-to-point link?
- Omnidirectional antenna
- Rubber duck antenna
- Standard dipole antenna
- Yagi (directional) (correct answer)
A Yagi is a directional antenna concentrating gain along one axis, ideal for point-to-point bridges. Omnidirectional/dipole antennas radiate all around.
5. A client keeps its session while moving between APs on the same SSID. This is:
- Band steering
- Roaming (correct answer)
- Beamforming
- Channel bonding
Roaming lets a client hand off between APs sharing one SSID without dropping the connection. Band steering pushes clients to 5/6 GHz; beamforming focuses signal.
6. Which factor most directly increases per-radio Wi-Fi throughput but reduces available channels?
- Wider channel width (correct answer)
- Lower transmit power setting
- A hidden (non-broadcast) SSID
- MAC address filtering
Wider channels (40/80/160 MHz) raise throughput but use more spectrum, leaving fewer non-overlapping channels and more interference risk. TX power and SSID hiding do not add bandwidth.