Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs

Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs

Released March 2007
Publisher(s): Cisco Press
ISBN: 9781587052316

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Book description

Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs

The definitive guide to planning, architecting, deploying, supporting, and creating Voice over Wireless LAN solutions

Recent advances make it possible to deliver high-quality voice and video communications over a wireless LAN (WLAN), replacing costly wired telephone and video surveillance systems and dramatically reducing support costs. However, today’s new voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) technologies require fundamentally different skills and techniques from those used in traditional voice and video systems. Now, there’s a complete guide to every facet of VoWLAN deployment: planning, design, installation, security, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Authored by wireless industry expert and leader Jim Geier, Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs draws on Geier’s extensive experience with real-world VoWLAN deployments. Geier brings together state-of-the-art insights into VoWLAN technologies, standards, products, services, implementation strategies, and much more.

Geier begins by introducing key components of today’s VoWLAN systems, including phones, client software, and voice encoders/decoders, as well as VoWLAN signaling essentials such as analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and compression. Using examples drawn from actual enterprise settings, you’ll learn exactly how VoWLAN products integrate with existing IP infrastructure.

Next, he introduces crucial emerging 802.11 standards for effective VoWLAN deployment, including 802.11e quality of service (QoS) standards, 802.11r to minimize packet loss between access points, and 802.11k network discovery. He carefully reviews the security implications of VoWLAN voice, systematically covering both risks and countermeasures. Finally, Geier walks through implementation from start to finish, thoroughly covering analysis, design, installation, configuration, testing, and support.

Whatever your role in planning, delivering, managing, or creating wireless voice and video solutions, Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs is your most comprehensive, authoritative resource.

Jim Geier founded Wireless-Nets, Ltd., and serves as its principal consultant. His 25 years of experience includes the analysis, design, software development, installation, and support of numerous wireless networking systems. He has been active within the Wi-Fi Alliance and the IEEE 802.11 Working Group and helped develop international standards for WLANs. His books include Wireless Networks First Step (Cisco Press), Wireless LANs (Sams), Wireless Networking Handbook (MTP), and Network Reengineering.

  • Understand VoWLAN components, applications, and benefits

  • See VoWLAN at work in actual enterprise environments

  • Master VoWLAN signaling, including voice signal characteristics, A/D conversion, and compression

  • Discover the latest 802.11 VoWLAN standards, including 802.11e, 802.11r, and 802.11k

  • Secure IP-based VoWLAN systems against intrusion and compromise

  • Analyze your organization’s requirements and design an optimal VoWLAN solution

  • Plan for capacity, roaming, and integration with cellular systems

  • Install, configure, test, verify, and validate your VoWLAN system

  • Plan for operational support and implement appropriate administration tools and methods

  • Includes a complete VoWLAN glossary

    • Part I Fundamental Elements

    Chapter 1 VoWLAN Applications and Benefits

    Chapter 2 VoWLAN System Components

    Chapter 3 VoWLAN Signaling Fundamentals


    Part II Critical Technologies

    Chapter 4 Wireless LAN Technologies

    Chapter 5 VoWLAN Security Solutions


    Part III Implementation Steps

    Chapter 6 Analyzing VoWLAN Requirements

    Chapter 7 Designing a VoWLAN Solution

    Chapter 8 Installing, Configuring, and Testing a VoWLAN System

    Chapter 9 Supporting a VoWLAN System

    Appendix A Answers to Chapter Review Questions

    Glossary

    This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

    Category: Cisco Press–Networking

    Covers: Voice over Wireless LAN Solutions

    Table of contents

    1. Copyright
      1. Dedication
    2. About the Author
      1. About the Technical Reviewers
    3. Acknowledgments
    4. Icons Used in This Book
    5. Command Syntax Conventions
    6. Introduction
      1. Who Should Read This Book?
      2. How This Book Is Organized
    7. I. Fundamental Elements
      1. 1. VoWLAN Applications and Benefits
        1. The Role of VoWLAN Solutions
        2. History of VoWLANs
          1. VoIP
          2. Wireless LANs
        3. Healthcare
        4. Enterprises
        5. Universities
        6. Retail
        7. Warehouses
        8. Manufacturing
        9. Small Offices and Homes
        10. Security Systems
        11. Determining ROI
          1. Initial Analysis
          2. Costs
            1. Operational Costs
            2. Capital Costs
          3. Savings
            1. Quantitative Benefits
            2. Qualitative Benefits
          4. Payback Period
        12. Chapter Summary
        13. Chapter Review Questions
      2. 2. VoWLAN System Components
        1. VoWLAN System Overview
        2. Cisco 7920 Wireless IP Phone
        3. Cisco IP Softphone
        4. Cisco CallManager
        5. Cisco CallManager Express
        6. Linksys Wi-Fi Video Cameras
        7. Wireless Network Infrastructures
          1. Traditional Access Point Networks
          2. Wireless Switched Networks
          3. Mesh Networks
        8. Chapter Summary
        9. Chapter Review Questions
      3. 3. VoWLAN Signaling Fundamentals
        1. Voice Attributes
        2. Video Attributes
        3. VoIP Call Flow
          1. H.323
          2. Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP)
          3. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
        4. Radio Frequency (RF) Signals
          1. Modulation
          2. RF Signal Characteristics
          3. Gain
          4. Signal-to-Noise Ratio
          5. Spread Spectrum
          6. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
          7. FCC Rules
        5. Wireless Impairments
          1. Poor Signal Coverage
          2. Latency
          3. RF Interference
          4. Limited Capacity
          5. Multipath
        6. Chapter Summary
        7. Chapter Review Questions
    8. II. Critical Technologies
      1. 4. Wireless LAN Technologies
        1. Infrastructure Mode
          1. Scanning
            1. Passive Scanning
            2. Active Scanning
            3. Connecting with a Network
          2. Data Transfer
          3. Roaming
        2. Ad Hoc Mode
        3. Wireless Medium Access
          1. DCF
          2. PCF
        4. 802.11 Physical Layer Standards
          1. 802.11a
          2. 802.11b
          3. 802.11g
          4. 802.11n
          5. Comparison of 802.11 Standards
        5. Wireless Configuration Parameters
          1. SSID
          2. RF Channels
          3. Transmit Power
          4. Data Rates
          5. Power-Save Mode
          6. RTS/CTS
          7. Fragmentation
          8. RTS/CTS and Fragmentation Summary
        6. Chapter Summary
        7. Chapter Review Questions
      2. 5. VoWLAN Security Solutions
        1. Security Implications
          1. Passive Monitoring
          2. Unauthorized Access
          3. Denial of Service
        2. Encryption
          1. WEP
          2. TKIP
          3. AES
          4. WPA
          5. 802.11i
          6. Virtual Private Networks
        3. Authentication
          1. Open System Authentication
          2. Shared Key Authentication
          3. IEEE 802.1X
          4. Cisco LEAP
        4. Tips for Enhancing Security
          1. SSID Broadcasting
          2. Systems Management
          3. Access Point Installation
          4. Rogue Access Points
          5. Signal Propagation
        5. Chapter Summary
        6. Chapter Review Questions
    9. III. Implementation Steps
      1. 6. Analyzing VoWLAN Requirements
        1. Overall Requirements Analysis Steps
        2. Identifying Potential Requirements
          1. Applications
          2. Users
          3. Utilization
          4. Coverage Areas
          5. Roaming
          6. Environment
          7. Security
          8. Client Devices
          9. Existing Systems
          10. Policies and Preferences
          11. Budget
          12. Schedules
        3. Verifying and Validating Requirements
        4. Documenting Requirements
        5. Chapter Summary
        6. Chapter Review Questions
      2. 7. Designing a VoWLAN Solution
        1. Overall Design Steps
        2. Deployment Models
          1. Single-Site Architecture
          2. Multisite WAN with Centralized Call Processing
          3. Multisite WAN with Distributed Call Processing
        3. Roaming
        4. Security
        5. Network Infrastructure
          1. Virtual LANs
          2. Multicasting
          3. Switch Recommendations
          4. Quality of Service
        6. Placement of Access Points
          1. Wireless Capacity Analysis
          2. RF Site Survey
        7. Document Findings
        8. Chapter Summary
        9. Chapter Review Questions
      3. 8. Installing, Configuring, and Testing a VoWLAN System
        1. Installing Access Points
          1. Getting Started
          2. Mounting Practices
          3. Antenna Alignment
          4. Electrical Power Distribution
        2. Configuring Access Points
          1. Configuration Setting Access
          2. Firmware
          3. VLANs
          4. SSID
          5. Transmit Power
          6. RF Channel
          7. Data Rates
          8. Filtering
          9. Protection Mechanisms
        3. Installing and Configuring Cisco CallManager Software
          1. Cisco CallManager Software Installation
          2. System Parameters
            1. Device Pools
            2. Partitions
            3. Calling Search Space
            4. Regions and Locations
            5. Route Groups
            6. System Schedules
            7. Languages
          3. Subscriber Setup
          4. Device Mobility Issues
        4. Configuring Wireless IP Phones
          1. Firmware
          2. Network Settings
          3. RF Settings
            1. Transmit Power
            2. Data Rate
            3. SSID Settings
            4. Security Settings
          4. Phone Settings
        5. Verifying System Operation
          1. Association Tests
          2. Authentication Tests
          3. Registration Tests
          4. Phone Call Tests
          5. Load Tests
          6. Follow-up Tests
          7. Battery Life Issues
        6. Chapter Summary
        7. Chapter Review Questions
      4. 9. Supporting a VoWLAN System
        1. Configuration Management
          1. RF Channel Changes
          2. Transmit Power Changes
          3. New Applications
          4. Signal Coverage
          5. Firmware Version
          6. Security Improvement
        2. Network Monitoring
          1. Performance Monitoring
          2. Coverage Monitoring
          3. Configuration Monitoring
          4. Security Policy Management
        3. Security Assessment Steps
          1. Review Existing Security Policies
          2. Review the System Architecture
          3. Review Operational Support Tools and Procedures
          4. Interview Users
          5. Verify Configurations of Wireless Devices
          6. Investigate Physical Installations of Access Points
          7. Identify Rogue Access Points
          8. Perform Penetration Tests
          9. Analyze Security Gaps
          10. Recommend Improvements
        4. Maintenance Functions
          1. Inoperative Access Points
          2. Poor Performance
          3. Poor Signal Coverage
          4. Broken Hardware
          5. Keep Firmware Up to Date
          6. Monitor Performance
          7. Verify Coverage
          8. Inspect Access Points
        5. Engineering Functions
          1. Advanced Problem Resolution
          2. Coverage Expansion
          3. Capacity Increases
          4. Firmware Review
          5. Technology Upgrade
          6. Design Review
        6. Help Desk Planning
          1. Connection Problems
          2. Poor Signal Coverage
          3. Poor Performance
          4. System Status
          5. Additional Considerations
        7. CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine
          1. Automatic Access Point Configuration
          2. Assisted Site Surveys
          3. Centralized Firmware Updates
          4. Dynamic Grouping
          5. VLAN Configuration
          6. Multiple SSID Support
          7. Customizable Thresholds
          8. Fault Status
          9. Intrusion Detection System
          10. Security Policy Monitoring
          11. Secure User Interface
          12. Air/RF Scanning and Monitoring
          13. Self-healing Functions
          14. Reporting, Trending, Planning, and Troubleshooting
        8. Chapter Summary
        9. Chapter Review Questions
    10. A. Answers to Chapter Review Questions
      1. Chapter 1
      2. Chapter 2
      3. Chapter 3
      4. Chapter 4
      5. Chapter 5
      6. Chapter 6
      7. Chapter 7
      8. Chapter 8
      9. Chapter 9
    11. Glossary

    Product information

    • Title: Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: March 2007
    • Publisher(s): Cisco Press
    • ISBN: 9781587052316