Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE™)

The Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE™) credential is the final step in the CWNP program. By successfully completing the CWNE examination, network engineers and administrators demonstrate that they have the most advanced skills available in today's wireless LAN market.

Passing this exam assures that the individual has mastered all relevant skills to administer, install, configure, troubleshoot, and design wireless network systems. Routing, switching, packet analysis, and advanced design are some of the areas of expertise for a CWNE. An in-depth understanding of both wireless and wired network technology is essential to successfully passing the CWNE exam.

The CWNE exam becomes available in 2004, and will test the candidate's wireless networking knowledge in an intensive, hands-on testing environment. Achieving the CWNA and CWSP certifications are pre-requisite prior to CWNE certification.

The CWNE certification is appropriate for experienced IT and network experts working in the following areas:

• IT Infrastructure Planning and Design.
• Systems and Network Engineering.
• Systems and Network Analysts.
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting professionals.
• IT Consultants.
• IT professionals with advanced IT qualifications such as MCSE, CCNP, CCIE, etc.

The CWNE certification is the measure of a network engineer's excellence and ability to excel in both wired and wireless networking technologies.

The CWNE Exam
The CWNE exam consists of a 1-day, intensive hands-on lab examination. Many different scenarios will be presented in the lab and the lab that a candidate receives will be randomly selected. Repeat candidates will not receive the same lab as previously administered. The lab will consist of multiple manufacturers' equipment, complex configuration and troubleshooting, and interoperability scenarios. The minimum passing score for the CWNE Lab Exam will be 80%, and individuals currently holding or afterwards obtaining the CWNT certification will become authorised to administer the CWNE Lab Exam at CWNE Lab Exam authorised locations.

The CWNE exam will consist of design, installation, configuration and troubleshooting of hardware and client stations. The wired LAN hardware used in the exam will be predominantly Cisco, but will include other vendors' equipment. Help in configuring the wired LAN hardware will be given to each candidate as needed since the point of the CWNE Lab Exam is primarily to test a candidate's wireless LAN knowledge. Ample time will be provided for each task.

The scope of an individual's detailed understanding of wireless LAN networking will be evident if they achieve a passing score on the CWNE Lab Exam due to the hands-on nature of the exam. The exam covers a broad range of knowledge and is very detailed. Preparing for the CWNE exam may take many months. The best preparation for this exam is at least oen to two years of experience designing, installing, and configuring wireless LAN equipment from many different manufacturers. Purchasing equipment from many manufacturers and building test labs is expensive, so on-the-job experience is very valuable. The authorised course material is currently under development.

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