Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP)

Did you know that the global wireless infrastructure market is projected to reach 280 billion USD in 2025, driven by rapid 5G rollouts, expanding IoT connectivity, and the rise of cloud‑managed network architectures transforming enterprise and carrier operations worldwide?

Course Overview

The Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) program by Rcademy is meticulously designed to equip wireless network engineers and RF specialists with comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills needed for 802.11 network analysis, optimization, and security assessment. This comprehensive program delves into cutting-edge wireless methodologies, providing participants with a robust understanding of how to perform in-depth PHY and MAC layer analysis, execute spectrum diagnostics, and apply systematic troubleshooting to diagnose complex wireless issues while ensuring high performance, security, and reliability in modern WLAN ecosystems.

Without specialized CWAP training, wireless professionals may struggle to interpret protocol analyzer traces, identify RF interference sources, or troubleshoot advanced roaming and security issues, which are essential for enterprise-grade Wi-Fi performance. The program’s structured curriculum ensures participants gain mastery of 802.11 frame formats, protocol behavior, and analysis tools, preparing them for real-world deployment challenges in multi-site, hybrid, and high-density wireless environments.

The Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course provides a comprehensive framework covering 802.11 PHY and MAC layer technologies, protocol and spectrum analysis, security troubleshooting, and distributed wireless diagnostics. Participants will master 802.11 frame formats and technologies for comprehensive wireless network analysis, develop advanced skills in using enterprise-grade protocol analyzers, execute professional spectrum analysis to identify RF interference, apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies, analyze 802.11 frame exchanges for authentication and roaming, interpret analyzer traces for WLAN health assessment, troubleshoot WPA2/WPA3 and 802.1X/EAP security implementations, optimize networks through QoS and power management analysis, and perform remote wireless analysis using access point-based capture methods.

Research shows organizations who implement wireless analysis training gain significant advantages through automated troubleshooting, as demonstrated by a U.S. wireless provider that reduced customer trouble tickets by 45% and troubleshooting time by 60% using TestGrid’s automated diagnostic suite, and 7SIGNAL’s deployment that reduced Wi-Fi voice-related incidents by 85% for a global HR software company by enabling predictive identification of congestion through distributed analysis.

Studies show individuals who complete CWAP training benefit from advanced troubleshooting and remote capture expertise, gaining insight into real-world WLAN analysis tools and automation techniques that drastically cut mean time to resolve (MTTR), with mastery of distributed analysis for enterprise WLANs that enables deployment of embedded sensors and cross-site performance monitoring, and comprehensive understanding of RF interference mitigation through NTT’s research-based paradigm for physical and spectral diagnosis in dense multi-tenant environments.

Take charge of your wireless analysis expertise. Enroll now in the Rcademy Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course to master the competencies that drive next-generation WLAN innovation and accelerate your professional advancement.

Who Should Attend?

The Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course by Rcademy is ideal for:

• Senior wireless network engineers and WLAN architects
• Network troubleshooting specialists and technical support engineers
• Wireless security professionals performing security assessments
• RF engineers responsible for wireless optimization and performance
• Network operations center (NOC) engineers managing enterprise Wi-Fi
• Systems integrators deploying multi-vendor wireless solutions
• IT consultants providing wireless analysis and remediation
• Certified Wireless Network Administrators (CWNA) seeking advancement
• Enterprise IT managers overseeing wireless infrastructure
• Cloud-managed network specialists
• Telecom engineers working on Wi-Fi and 5G convergence
• Security auditors focusing on wireless threats
• Government network analysts
• Academic researchers in wireless communications
• Technical leads in hybrid work environment deployments

Certification Prerequisites and Exam Requirements

Before enrolling in the Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course, participants must hold a valid Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) certification. This prerequisite ensures each learner possesses foundational 802.11 knowledge essential for advanced wireless analysis and troubleshooting covered in the CWAP program.

Please note that completion of the CWAP training alone does not grant certification. To obtain the official CWAP credential, participants are required to appear for and pass the CWAP-405 certification exam, which is administered globally through Prometric Testing Centers.

To schedule the exam or find detailed information regarding test availability, delivery options, and regional access, please visit the official Prometric CWNP Exam Portal.

Certification is awarded only after successful completion of the exam, reinforcing the importance of meeting prerequisites and completing the full certification process.

What are the Training Goals?

The main objectives of The Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course by Rcademy are to enable professionals to:

• Master in-depth 802.11 PHY and MAC layer frame formats and technologies
• Develop advanced skills in protocol analysis using enterprise-grade analyzers
• Execute professional spectrum analysis to identify RF interference
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies for complex issues
• Analyze 802.11 frame exchanges for authentication, roaming, and data transmission
• Interpret analyzer traces, statistics, and expert features for WLAN health
• Troubleshoot WPA2, WPA3, 802.1X/EAP, and enterprise authentication flows
• Optimize networks through QoS, power management, and roaming analysis
• Perform remote wireless analysis using AP-based capture methods
• Diagnose hidden node, co-channel interference, and sticky client issues
• Analyze VoIP and video performance over Wi-Fi
• Conduct continuous monitoring and alerting with distributed sensors
• Perform multi-vendor interoperability testing
• Conduct capacity planning using protocol analysis data
• Validate security implementations and troubleshoot key negotiation issues

How Will This Training Course Be Presented?

At Rcademy, the extensive focus is laid on the relevance of the training content to the audience. Thus, content is reviewed and customised as per the professional backgrounds of the audience.

The training framework includes:

• Expert-led lectures delivered by experienced wireless professionals using audio-visual presentations
• Interactive practical training ensured through sample assignments or projects and wireless analysis simulations
• Trainee participation encouraged through hands-on activities that reinforce theoretical concepts
• Case studies featuring real-world wireless analysis challenges from various international contexts
• Best practice sharing sessions where participants discuss network optimization experiences

The theoretical part of training is delivered by an experienced professional from the relevant domain, using audio-visual presentations. This immersive approach fosters practical skill development and real-world application of wireless analysis principles through comprehensive coverage of 802.11 frame formats, protocol behavior, and interference mitigation.

This theoretical-cum-practical model ensures participants gain both foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for effective wireless network analysis and optimization excellence.

Register now to experience a truly engaging, participant-focused learning journey designed to equip you for success in next-generation wireless transformation.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Principles of WLAN Communication

• IEEE 802.11 Working Group structure and standards development
• OSI reference model and 802.11 PHY and MAC layer mapping
• Communication sublayers: PLCP, PMD, MAC, and LLC
• Protocol Data Units: PPDU, PSDU, MPDU, MSDU
• WLAN architecture components: BSS, ESS, IBSS, MBSS
• Station types and operational roles
• Organization of station forwarding and bridging
• Addressing mechanisms and internetworking operation
• Modern WLAN product architectures: autonomous, controller-based, cloud-managed
• Distributed and centralized forwarding models​

Module 2: Physical (PHY) Layer Frame Formats and Technologies

• Physical layer functions and services
• PLCP (Physical Layer Convergence Protocol) sublayer architecture
• PMD (Physical Medium Dependent) sublayer operations
• Preamble function, format, and synchronization
• PLCP header purpose, structure, and fields
• PHY problem analysis and layer 1 troubleshooting
• Physical PPDU formats across 802.11 amendments
• 802.11b: DSSS and HR-DSSS modulation
• 802.11a: OFDM fundamentals and characteristics
• 802.11g: ERP-OFDM and mixed-mode operations
• 802.11n: HT-OFDM format and enhancements
• 802.11ac: VHT frame structures
• 802.11ax: HE-SU and HE-MU frame formats
• Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) interpretation​

Module 3: MAC Layer Frame Formats and Technologies

• MAC frame architecture and components
• MAC encapsulation process
• Frame Control field structure and subfields
• Duration/ID field and NAV settings
• Address fields: Address 1, 2, 3, and 4 usage
• Sequence Control field: fragment and sequence numbers
• QoS Control field structure
• HT Control field for 802.11n/ac/ax
• Frame body contents and variable length
• Frame Check Sequence (FCS) calculation
• Data frame format and subtypes
• Control frame format: RTS, CTS, ACK, Block ACK, PS-Poll
• Management frame format and subtypes
• Information Elements (IEs) structure and parsing
• Vendor-specific information elements​

Module 4: 802.11 MAC Layer Addressing

• MAC addressing in BSS (Basic Service Set) environments
• Four-address format in ESS (Extended Service Set)
• Wireless Distribution System (WDS) addressing
• To DS and From DS bit interpretation
• BSSID identification and usage
• Transmitter Address (TA) and Receiver Address (RA)
• Destination Address (DA) and Source Address (SA)
• Multicast and broadcast MAC addressing
• Address filtering and frame processing​

Module 5: Wired Connectivity and Protocol Encapsulation

• IEEE 802.1H (Ethernet to 802.11 bridging) standards
• RFC 1042 encapsulation for IP protocols
• SNAP header structure and usage
• LLC header format
• Ethernet II vs. 802.3 frame conversion
• Protocol identification in bridged frames​

Module 6: Protocol Operation and Frame Exchanges

• Beaconing process and synchronization mechanisms
• Active and passive scanning procedures
• Client state machine: State 1, State 2, State 3
• 802.11 contention and DCF (Distributed Coordination Function)
• CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance)
• Interframe spacing: SIFS, DIFS, AIFS, EIFS
• Random backoff algorithm and contention window
• Quality of Service (QoS) and EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access)
• Admission control mechanisms
• Band steering techniques and airtime fairness
• Fragmentation and defragmentation
• Acknowledgment mechanisms: immediate ACK and Block ACK
• Protection mechanisms: RTS/CTS and CTS-to-Self
• ERP protection and HT protection modes
• Power management: legacy PS and WMM Power Save (U-APSD)
• Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC)
• Security components, methods, and frame exchanges
• Roaming procedures and reassociation exchanges
• Fast roaming: 802.11r, 802.11k, 802.11v​

Module 7: 802.11n High Throughput (HT) Technologies

• MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) fundamentals
• Transmit beamforming (TxBF) techniques
• Spatial multiplexing and spatial streams
• Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC)
• Space-Time Block Coding (STBC)
• Channel bonding: 40 MHz channels and HT40
• Frame aggregation: A-MSDU and A-MPDU
• Block acknowledgment and Block ACK Request
• HT-OFDM format and structure
• Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS 0-31)
• HT frame formatting: HT Control field, HT Capabilities IE
• Guard interval: 800ns vs. 400ns
• Greenfield mode vs. mixed mode​

Module 8: 802.11ac Very High Throughput (VHT) Technologies

• VHT capabilities and enhancements
• 80 MHz and 160 MHz channel widths
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) downlink
• 256-QAM modulation
• VHT MCS rates (MCS 0-9)
• Increased spatial streams (up to 8)
• VHT frame format and information elements
• Dynamic bandwidth operation​

Module 9: 802.11ax High Efficiency (HE) Technologies

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
• Resource Units (RUs) and multi-user scheduling
• MU-MIMO uplink and downlink
• Target Wake Time (TWT)
• BSS Coloring and spatial reuse
• 1024-QAM modulation
• Extended range mode and DCM (Dual Carrier Modulation)
• HE frame formats: HE-SU, HE-ER-SU, HE-MU, HE-TB
• Trigger frames and uplink scheduling​

Module 10: Protocol Analysis Tools and Methodology

• Systematic troubleshooting methodology and processes
• Protocol analyzer types: hardware vs. software-based
• Analysis NIC/adapter selection, drivers, and constraints
• Monitor mode vs. managed mode capture
• Channel selection and scanning strategies
• Interpreting capture results based on analyzer location
• Analyzer settings: buffer size, capture filters, display filters
• Advanced features: statistics, expert analysis, conversation tracking
• Filtering techniques: MAC address, SSID, frame type, protocol
• Channel hopping and multi-channel capture
• Interpreting frame decodes and hexadecimal views
• Using coloring rules and visual aids
• Assessing WLAN health factors: retry rates, data rates, airtime utilization
• Evaluating network statistics and key metrics
• Troubleshooting common connectivity problems
• Authentication and association failures
• Roaming issues and performance degradation
• Wired-side analysis to support wireless troubleshooting​

Module 11: Spectrum Analysis Tools and Methodology

• Radio frequency behavior review and fundamentals
• Non-Wi-Fi interference sources and characteristics
• Visualizing RF domains using spectrum measurement tools
• Spectrum analyzer types: USB-based, integrated, dedicated hardware
• Real-Time FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) engines
• Analyzer specifications: frequency range, resolution bandwidth, dynamic range
• Sweep time and update rates
• Understanding spectrum data presentation formats
• Real-Time FFT display and interpretation
• Swept Spectrogram (Waterfall) display
• Density plot analysis
• Duty Cycle and Max Hold traces
• Interpreting plots and charts for interference identification
• Common WLAN spectrum analyzer features and tools
• Markers, amplitude measurements, and frequency measurements
• Device classification engines and automated identification
• Identifying transmit patterns and modulation signatures
• Recognizing transmit signatures: Bluetooth, microwave ovens, cordless phones, video cameras
• Network impact assessment of interference sources
• Determining interference proximity and severity
• Spectrum analysis best practices​

Module 12: Security Analysis and Troubleshooting

• Open System Authentication analysis
• WEP encryption frame analysis (legacy)
• WPA/WPA2-Personal (PSK) frame exchanges
• WPA/WPA2-Enterprise 802.1X/EAP exchanges
• 4-Way Handshake analysis and troubleshooting
• Group Key Handshake
• EAP types: EAP-TLS, PEAP, EAP-TTLS, EAP-FAST
• RADIUS authentication flow analysis
• WPA3-Personal: SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals)
• WPA3-Enterprise: 192-bit security mode
• 802.11w Management Frame Protection (MFP)
• Security troubleshooting: authentication failures, key negotiation issues
• Encrypted data frame identification​

Module 13: Advanced Protocol Analysis Use Cases

• Performance analysis and optimization
• Application-layer troubleshooting over wireless
• VoIP over WLAN analysis and QoS validation
• Video streaming performance assessment
• Roaming analysis: latency, packet loss, handoff timing
• Client behavior analysis and device fingerprinting
• Multi-vendor interoperability testing
• Capacity planning using protocol analysis data
• Remote packet capture configuration with APs
• Distributed analysis using remote sensors
• Continuous monitoring and alerting​

Module 14: Hands-On Protocol Analyzer Labs

• Protocol analyzer installation, configuration, and setup
• Basic capture file management: opening, saving, merging
• Device naming, prioritization, and organizational techniques
• Live capture based on desired collection criteria
• Identifying significant network behaviors and statistics
• Expert analysis features and conversation analysis
• Understanding MAC header components in captured frames
• Comparing data, control, and management frame types
• Analyzing 802.11n/ac/ax frame components
• Connectivity exchange sequences analysis
• Security exchange captures: Open, PSK, 802.1X
• ERP and HT protection mechanism observation
• Power save behavior analysis
• ACK, Block ACK, and action frame analysis
• Dynamic rate switching observation
• Band steering verification
• Troubleshooting connectivity, authentication, and roaming issues​

Module 15: Hands-On Spectrum Analyzer Labs

• Spectrum analyzer installation and familiarization
• Understanding RF perspective of each plot type
• Built-in features: markers, traces, device identification
• Characterizing interference source behaviors
• Assessing interference impact on WLAN performance
• Determining transmitter proximity effects
• Identifying signatures of common transmitters
• Bluetooth device detection and classification
• Microwave oven interference patterns
• FHSS cordless phone identification
• Video transmitter signatures
• Remote spectrum analysis using access points​

Module 16: Troubleshooting Common WLAN Problems

• Systematic problem identification and isolation
• Connectivity issues: association failures, authentication problems
• Performance problems: low throughput, high latency, packet loss
• Roaming failures and sticky client syndrome
• Channel utilization and airtime fairness issues
• Co-channel and adjacent-channel interference
• Hidden node and exposed node problems
• Rate adaptation and MCS selection issues
• Power management inefficiencies
• Security misconfigurations
• Multicast and broadcast storm troubleshooting
• Application-specific wireless issues

Training Impact

The impact of Certified Wireless Analysis Professional training is evident across diverse enterprise contexts:

TestGrid – Automated Wi-Fi Diagnostics Excellence

Implementation: A leading U.S. wireless provider implemented TestGrid’s automated diagnostic suite integrating protocol-level analyzers into core troubleshooting, replacing manual packet captures with dynamic channel selection and real-time traffic capture across distributed antenna systems and small cells.
Results: The platform reduced troubleshooting time by 60% and cut customer trouble tickets by 45%, transforming Wi-Fi management from reactive to proactive and proving how automation accelerates performance management in large WLAN ecosystems.

7SIGNAL – Remote Wi-Fi Quality Optimization Excellence

Implementation: 7SIGNAL deployed distributed WLAN analysis sensors for a global HR software company with offices in dozens of countries, continuously tracking packet loss, latency, and roaming anomalies to predict issues before user reports.
Results: The implementation reduced Wi-Fi voice-related incidents by 85% and improved call quality across international branches, demonstrating how distributed analysis strengthens user experience in geographically dispersed networks.

NTT – Wi-Fi Spectrum Interference Resolution Excellence

Implementation: NTT conducted systematic spectrum analysis in a multi-dwelling complex suffering connectivity drops, identifying improper AP placement and channel overlap between channels 9 and 11 through FFT-based tools, then reconfiguring channels and adjusting transmit power.
Results: The optimization improved network throughput by over 30%, providing a national benchmark for WLAN calibration and channel planning in dense environments.

Be inspired by TestGrid, 7SIGNAL, and NTT excellence. Secure your spot in the Rcademy Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) course and unlock your next-generation Wi-Fi leadership potential today.