In this episode, we sit down with Eva, a support product specialist at Cisco Meraki, who shares her unique role bridging the gap between network support and engineering. We delve into the importance of having a solid networking foundation, the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape, and the value of continuous learning and certifications. Eva also gives us insights into her career journey, transitioning from network engineering to Wi-Fi deployments, and how she’s leveraging her expertise in her current role.

Eva begins by explaining her role as a support product specialist, where she serves as a crucial link between the network support and engineering teams. Her work involves identifying and resolving product issues, making recommendations for new features, and evaluating the impact these features have on the support team. Eva emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in networking basics, such as DHCP, DNS, and spanning tree, to effectively troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems. She also discusses the need to stay adaptable and continuously learn new protocols and features to succeed in the fast-paced world of networking.

The discussion shifts to the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in consulting. Eva, Rowell, and François explore the concept of “learning how to learn,” a critical skill for consultants who need to stay on top of evolving technologies. They also discuss the value of certifications in the industry. While certifications are beneficial, Eva and Rowell stress that they are not the sole determinant of success; practical experience and a commitment to ongoing learning are just as important for employability and career growth.

As the conversation moves forward, Eva expresses her interest in signal processing and the electrical engineering side of Wi-Fi. She shares her struggles in finding structured learning resources in this area and contemplates pursuing further education in signal processing. Rowell highlights the value of understanding hardware, while François leans more towards the software side of networking. The discussion touches on the relevance of APIs in networking, with Eva sharing her experience working with APIs in the Meraki dashboard and how mastering APIs is a great starting point for those looking to expand their technical skillset.

Eva goes on to share her experience with automating network tasks using Python scripts, detailing how she was able to save time by automating repetitive tasks such as renaming access points and mapping their locations. Rowell agrees that Python automation can significantly reduce the workload for large-scale projects. Eva also talks about her personal transition to a remote role at Cisco Meraki, a move prompted by her father’s illness. She emphasizes how her Wi-Fi expertise helped her secure a flexible position that allowed her to balance her career and family needs.

Summary

This episode features Eva Santos, a support product specialist at Cisco Meraki, discussing her role in bridging network support and engineering. The conversation covers the importance of a solid networking foundation, adaptability in the tech industry, and continuous learning. Eva shares insights on her career transition, the value of certifications balanced with practical experience, her interest in signal processing, and her experience with API usage and Python automation in networking. The episode also touches on Eva’s personal journey, highlighting how her Wi-Fi expertise enabled her to secure a flexible remote position to balance career and family needs.

Resources

• Eva on LinkedIn
• Eva’s Blog

The post CTS 348: Bridging the Gap – Networking and Learning with Eva Santos appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode of the “Wi-Fi Hardware and Devices” series, we dive into the essential Wi-Fi tools that every network professional should keep in their bag.

We’ll discuss various categories of tools, including Wi-Fi scanners, survey kits, packet capture tools, and protocol analyzers. We’ll explore popular options in each category, such as Wi-Fi Explorer Pro, Ekahau Analyzer, NetAlly AirCheck G3, and Wireshark.

Additionally, we’ll cover the importance of having laptops or tools with Ethernet ports for testing wired connections, as well as the necessity of carrying various cables and miscellaneous items like flashlights and battery packs.

This will help you build a toolkit that’s ready for any Wi-Fi troubleshooting or analysis scenario you might encounter in the field.

Key Topics:

• Wi-Fi scanners for network detection and analysis
• Survey kits for RF visualization and spectrum analysis
• Packet capture tools for 802.11 traffic analysis
• Protocol analyzers for in-depth packet inspection
• Ethernet-enabled devices for wired connection testing
• Essential cables and miscellaneous items for field work

Resources

• Wi-Fi Explorer Pro
• Ekahau
• NetAlly Aircheck G3
• Hamina
• Sidos
• Wireshark
• CommView
• Omnipeek
• WLANpi
• Ethernet cables
• Charging cables
• All sorts of USB cables
• Dongles
• Peak Design cable organizer
• Flash light
• Water bottle
• Battery Pack
• Fiber light
• Laser distance tool

The post CTS 347: Wi-Fi Tools You Should Keep in Your Bag appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode of the “Wi-Fi Hardware and Devices” series, we explore why Wi-Fi devices aren’t all the same. We discuss the various factors that contribute to the differences in Wi-Fi devices and how these differences impact network performance and deployment.

Key Points:

• Wi-Fi devices are built for different purposes, leading to variations in their design and capabilities.
• Access Points (APs) differ in:
  • Form factors (e.g., regular omni AP vs. wall-mounted AP) and their impact on antenna design
  • Antenna configurations (number, design, size, and pattern)
  • Wi-Fi chipsets used
  • Additional features like IoT radios, patterned antennas, scanning radios, and spectrum analyzers
• Client devices vary in:
  • Form factors (e.g., laptops vs. smartphones) affecting Wi-Fi specifications
  • Wi-Fi drivers, which influence AP connection and roaming decisions
  • Wi-Fi chipsets, determining certifications and supported features

Takeaways:

• Understanding the differences in Wi-Fi devices is crucial for optimal network design and performance.
• Consider the specific needs of your network when selecting Wi-Fi devices, as not all devices are suitable for every situation.
• Stay informed about the latest developments in Wi-Fi technology to make informed decisions about device selection and network optimization.

The post CTS 346: Why Wi-Fi Devices Aren’t All the Same appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode, we discuss choosing the right Wi-Fi antennas for enterprise environments. The main topics covered include:

• Types of antennas used in enterprise Wi-Fi:
  • Omnidirectional antennas
  • Directional antennas
• Understanding antenna patterns:
  • Elevation and Azimuth
  • Beamwidth
• When to use different antenna types:
  • Omnidirectional antennas for most environments
  • Directional antennas for high ceilings and high-density user areas
• Aesthetic considerations and available options for antenna installations

This episode is part of our “Wi-Fi Hardware and Devices” series, focusing on the crucial aspect of antenna selection for optimal Wi-Fi performance in various enterprise settings.

The post CTS 345: Choosing the right Wi-Fi Antennas appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode of Clear To Send, François Vergès and Rowell Dionicio provide an in-depth overview of Wi-Fi access points. They delve into their evolution, form factors, and how different models cater to varying user needs.

They start by discussing the importance of understanding the functionality of your Wi-Fi access points and how they fit within the overall network architecture. They then dive into specific models, including the Juniper Mist AP45, Cisco AP 9166D1, Cisco AP 9120, Aruba AP 635, and various Ruckus APs.

Each model is examined with a focus on its unique features and specifications. The hosts also discuss how these APs can be best utilized in different environments and scenarios. From businesses to public spaces and homes, they cover a broad spectrum of use-cases.

This episode will equip you with the knowledge and understanding to choose the right Wi-Fi access points for your specific needs. Whether you’re a network engineer, a business owner, or simply a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Don’t miss out on this informative discussion! Tune into CTS 336: Overview of Wi-Fi Access Points now.

Resources

• Link to CTS 327: https://www.cleartosend.net/cts-327-the-evolution-of-ap-form-factor/
• Images of APs
  • Juniper Mist AP45:

• Cisco AP 9166D1

• Cisco AP 9120

• Aruba AP 635

• Ruckus APs

The post CTS 344: Overview of Wi-Fi Access Points appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode of Clear To Send, François and Rowell dive into the world of Wi-Fi security and encryption as part of our “Back to Basics” series. We break down the evolution of Wi-Fi security, from the outdated and unsafe methods to the current gold standards.

Here’s what we cover:

• A brief history of Wi-Fi security, including the now-obsolete WEP and WPA (TKIP) methods
• Current security techniques: WPA2 (PSK and Enterprise) and WPA3 (SAE and Enterprise)
• Guest access options: Open Authentication and Enhanced Open (OWE)
• The importance of staying updated with the latest security protocols

We also discuss why older security methods are no longer safe and why it’s crucial for both home users and enterprises to adopt the latest standards. Whether you’re a network admin or just curious about your home Wi-Fi security, this episode has something for everyone.

Resources:

• Wi-Fi Security Timeline: https://semfionetworks.com/blog/wi-fi-security-timeline1385106/

Bonus: We’ve created a handy Security Comparison Table to help visualize the differences between various Wi-Fi security methods. Check it out in the show notes!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review if you found this episode helpful. Got questions? Hit us up on social media or leave a comment below.

Resources

• Wi-Fi Security Timeline: https://semfionetworks.com/blog/wi-fi-security-timeline1385106/

Bonus

• Security Comparison Table

The post CTS 343: Exploring Wi-Fi Security and Encryption appeared first on Clear To Send.

In this episode of Clear To Send, François Vergès and Rowell Dionicio dive into the topic of optimizing Wi-Fi performance and coverage. As part of our “Back to Basics” series, we explore various strategies and best practices to enhance your wireless network’s efficiency.

Key points discussed in this episode include:

• Coverage optimization:
  • Why more power isn’t always better
  • The importance of choosing the right antenna
  • Designing with secondary signal in mind
• Performance enhancement:
  • Proper frequency band selection
  • Effective channel planning
  • Maintaining consistent channel width for APs
  • Planning for capacity
  • The benefits of disabling legacy data rates
  • Implementing 802.11r/k/v for improved roaming experience

Whether you’re a network administrator, IT professional, or Wi-Fi enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights to help you maximize your wireless network’s potential.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on this episode. Got questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or leave a comment below!

The post CTS 342: Optimizing Wi-Fi Performance and Coverage appeared first on Clear To Send.

Meter is going one step beyond AI chat bots with their product Command. It’s a generative UI that goes beyond command line interface and adds visuals to create custom dashboards using a natural language interaction.

A network operator can make queries for their network, configure SSIDs, new networks, and other network changes by using plain English.

Meter Command allows a network operator to be highly efficient and productive. A simple English query can yield results of the network. Or if you need to build a custom dashboard for a CTO, you can ask Meter Command to build that for you. No extra coding experience required.

Another great aspect of Meter Command is it is built to be collaborative with other team members. Troubleshooting can be kept in a single canvas and updated dynamically. Dashboards can be created and modified on the fly by collaborating with other team members.

Check out the episode and the screenshots below.

Resources

• https://meter.com/command

The post CTS 341: Meter Command – Dynamic and Adaptive Network Management (Sponsored) appeared first on Clear To Send.

Wi-Fi 7 is just around the corner. It offers new features and complexities to help increase throughput and maintain low latency. In this episode, we’re joined by Arista Networks who gives us a run down on the different versions of MLO.

With their testing, they’ve seen a few versions of MLO being used. As well as seeing when MLO gets triggered and how much throughput you can acquire when connecting to the same AP on different bands.

For stability, Arista Networks displays how preamble puncturing works when interference is detected in a wide channel. The specific channel seeing the interference is removed from the channel width without affecting the other channels.

Check out the video to see it in action.

Resources

• Webinars
• Arista Networks Wi-Fi 7 Series

The post CTS 340: Wi-Fi 7, MLO, and Preamble Puncturing (Sponsored) appeared first on Clear To Send.

Meraki starts with telling us the Wi-Fi trifecta of readiness. That is Regulatory/specs/certifications, Clients, and Infrastructure. You need all of this.

And when you have all of this in place, Meraki adds useful features for the network operator.

Features such as Proactive PCAP and Root Cause Analysis. This isn’t just a PCAP file you download. Meraki goes further to tell you what is wrong within the PCAP and what potential solution can resolve the issue.

We’re seeing what the APs are capable of and how the dashboard can help resolve today’s network issues.

Resources

• Cisco 6 GHz and Wi-Fi 7 Update with Nicholas Swiatecki
• Delivering Better Results with Cisco Wireless
• Cisco AnyLocate and Next-Gen Wireless Controllers
• Cisco Digital Experience Assurance with Tauni Odia
• Cisco CTO Update with Jerome Henry

The post CTS 339: Cisco Meraki Brings New Functionality at MFD11 appeared first on Clear To Send.

Fortinet has had a strong portfolio. They’ve been able to show all the solutions that are pertinent to a secure Wi-Fi network at every Mobility Field Day they’ve attended. This one is no different. Their end-to-end solutions make it easy for any organization to select Fortinet. It’s no shock that they’ve been able to develop […]

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