CWDP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CWDP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the key advantage of 802.11r Over-the-DS (Distribution System) fast transition versus Over-the-Air? → It allows key exchange with the target AP before the client reassociates
2. What frequency bands does Wi-Fi 6E operate in? → 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
3. Which 802.11 power save mechanism is incompatible with low-latency VoIP requirements? → Legacy 802.11 Power Save Mode (PSM)
4. What is 'sticky client' behavior and why is it problematic in enterprise WLAN design? → Clients that maintain association with a distant AP despite a closer one being available
5. A CWDP is designing a parking lot WLAN using outdoor APs. What IP67 rating indicates about the AP enclosure? → The enclosure is dust-tight and protected against immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
6. What is the purpose of a site survey in wireless network design? → To analyze signal strength, interference, and coverage.
7. What is the primary cause of co-channel interference in wireless networks? → Multiple access points using the same channel.
8. Why is antenna impedance matching (typically 50 ohms) important in WLAN installations? → It maximizes power transfer and minimizes reflected power
9. In the 5 GHz band using 20 MHz channels, approximately how many non-overlapping channels are available in the US across UNII-1, UNII-2, UNII-2e, and UNII-3? → 25
10. A CWDP designer needs to cover a long narrow hallway. Which antenna type is most appropriate? → Yagi directional
11. How does 802.11k (neighbor reports) assist in VoWLAN deployments? → It provides clients with a list of neighboring APs to speed up roaming decisions
12. What does EIRP stand for and what does it represent in WLAN design? → Effective Isotropic Radiated Power — total power radiated by the antenna system
13. What design technique allows a mesh AP to avoid throughput halving by separating backhaul and access traffic? → Deploying dual-radio or tri-radio mesh nodes with dedicated backhaul radios
14. What IEEE amendment enables BSS Transition Management, allowing APs to suggest better APs to clients? → 802.11v
15. In a Layer 3 roaming scenario, what mechanism preserves a client's IP address when crossing subnet boundaries? → Mobility tunneling (e.g., GRE tunnel back to anchor AP)
16. Which IEEE standard defines Quality of Service mechanisms for WLANs, including EDCA and TXOP? → IEEE 802.11e
17. What is the recommended minimum link margin (fade margin) for a reliable outdoor point-to-point WLAN bridge link? → 15–20 dB
18. Which factor should be considered when determining access point placement in a wireless network? → Interference and physical obstructions.
19. What is a key advantage of using directional antennas in wireless network design? → Reduces interference and improves signal strength in a specific direction.
20. What is co-channel interference in a wireless network? → Multiple access points using the same channel.
21. Which tool is most commonly used to visualize RF channel assignments and coverage across a floor plan during the design phase? → RF planning / heat map software
22. What is the Pairwise Master Key (PMK) caching mechanism (OKC/PKC) designed to accomplish during roaming? → Avoid full 802.1X re-authentication by caching session keys
23. How does DSCP markings relate to WMM access categories in a Voice over WLAN deployment? → APs map DSCP values to WMM AC queues for traffic prioritization
24. What is the recommended minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for reliable VoWLAN (Voice over WLAN)? → 25 dB or higher
25. Which IEEE 802.11 amendment introduced OFDMA and target wake time (TWT)? → 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
26. What is the primary purpose of TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) in 802.11e? → Allow a station to transmit multiple frames within a bounded time period
27. What is the primary advantage of using a mesh WLAN architecture over a traditional wired infrastructure deployment in outdoor environments? → Elimination of cabling requirements by using wireless backhaul between nodes
28. What does 'antenna gain' measure in the context of WLAN design? → Concentration of radiated energy in a specific direction
29. A CWDP designer is deploying APs in a metal-shelving warehouse. What antenna placement strategy best reduces multipath? → Mount APs high on the ceiling above the shelving
30. Which factor should be considered when deploying access points in an outdoor wireless network? → Weather conditions, power availability, and obstacles.