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I just passed my CSWP. However, it is time to prepare for the CWAP. Based on what I have heard, it is really hard. Two sides to success are:
1. Hands-on with a protocol Analyzer: I bought Ferret (at Educational Discount for $90.00). It is Windows based. No need for Linux knowledge. http://www.linkferret.ws/order/store.htm. In addition, you should have an AP such the Cisco 1200 series and couple Windows clients.
2. As for the library:
a) Cisco 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals (excellent)
b) 802.11 Wireless Networks - 2nd edition - best book on Wireless I have seen so far (bought it yesterday)- the writer is a god of WLAN analysis
c) Part of the 3rd edition of the CWNA for the basics.
d) I ordered a copy of the CWAP book - no idea of the quality.
e) Lastly Google for any relevant 802.11 frame mysteries.

Any other suggestions? I do not plan on taking the class. I will let you know if I pass it the first time around.

pmoulay, I have beta tested and used link ferret for years. for the money it is a great little wireless protocol analyzer. Howerver, when I took the CWAP last january, I mostly used the demo of Aiorpeek and commview. The decodes in link ferrert, though good were not 100% at the time. I did side by side comparisons of several analyzers and for decided it was not worth risking an exam using ferret at the time.

Don't get me wrong. I use ferret for a lot of wireless troubleshooting and analysis and have contributed to helping the product mature. I have had an educational discount version since late 02 so I have seen many changes with the product. But to make sure I would use one of the others. As your knowledge grows you will see all the little issus right and wrong with some of these analyzers.

Good luck

Well, it is true you pay for you get. I can not afford $500-$1000 for a protocol analyzer. Of course, I forgot to mention Ethereal which will now work for wireless (shareware). Ethereal is an excellent protocol analyzer and is a valuable option too. I know it does work under Linux for WLAN. I am not sure about Windows XP yet.

HI GUYS , I HOPE YOU MUST HAVE CLEARED YOUR CWAP EXAM BY NOW , I AM STARTING MY PREPARATION FROM TOMM.........IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU CAN GUIDE ME .......HOW AND WHERE TO START.......


THX
MIKE

PASSED CWNA LAST WEEK

Mike - See my response in the CWNP Program forums.

Congrats on the CWNA!