Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies
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1.1.  RF Fundamentals

1.1.1. Define and explain the basic concepts of RF behavior

• Gain and loss
• Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and scattering
• VSWR
• Return Loss
• Amplification
• Attenuation
• Absorption
• Wave propagation including Free Space Path Loss and Delay Spread

1.2. RF Mathematics

1.2.1. Understand and apply the basic components of RF mathematics and measurement

• Watt and milliwatt
• Decibel (dB)
• dBm, dBi and dBd
• SNR
• RSSI
• System Operating Margin (SOM), fade margin and link budget
• Intentional Radiator compared with Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP)

1.3. RF Signal and Antenna Concepts

1.3.1. Identify RF signal characteristics, the applications of basic RF antenna concepts, and the implementation of solutions that require RF antennas

• Line of Sight and Fresnel zone issues
• Beamwidths
• Azimuth & Elevation charts
• Passive gain vs. active gain
• Isotropic radiator
• Polarization
• Antenna diversity types
• Radio chains
• Spatial Multiplexing (SM)
• Transmit Beam Forming (TxBF) (as defined in the 802.11 standard)
• Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC)
• Space-Time Block Coding (STBC)
• Cyclic Shift Diversity (CSD)
• Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO)
• Wavelength, frequency, amplitude and phase

1.3.2. Explain the applications of physical RF antenna and antenna system types and identify their basic attributes, purpose, and function

• Omni-directional / Dipole antennas
• Semi-directional antennas
• Highly-direction antennas
• Sectorized antennas and Antenna arrays

1.3.3. Describe the proper locations and methods for installing RF antennas

• Pole/mast mount
• Ceiling mount
• Wall mount
• Outdoor/Indoor mounting considerations

 
1.4. RF Antenna Accessories

1.4.1. Identify the use of the following WLAN accessories.

• RF Cables, connectors and signal splitters
• Amplifiers and attenuators
• Lightning arrestors and grounding rods/wires
• Mounting Systems
• Towers, safety equipment, and related concerns