Free Practice Questions for the CWNP CWSA (Solutions Administrator) CWISA-103 Exam (2026 Updated)

Cloud Connectivity Relies on IP:  Most cloud-based services operate via the internet, which utilizes Internet Protocol (IP) at Layer 3 of the network model.

Flexibility:  Various Layer 2 technologies (Ethernet, Wi-Fi) can connect to a Layer 3 network that ultimately provides Internet access

BLE Exception:  Bluetooth Low Energy  can  have cloud connectivity, but often through gateways and not as a direct Layer 2 connection.

Eliminating Incorrect Options:  IPX/SPX is an outdated protocol, and cellular is only one possible way to achieve Internet access.

PoE Splitter:  A PoE splitter separates power and data from a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable, allowing the powering of non-PoE devices.

Other PoE Devices:

PoE Injector:  Adds power to non-PoE Ethernet cable.

PoE Switch:  Provides power directly through its ports.

Key Modulation Differences:

ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying):  Digital data is represented by changes in the amplitude (strength) of a carrier wave.

FSK (Frequency Shift Keying):  Digital data is represented by changes in the frequency of a carrier wave.

References

ASK:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplitude-shift_keying

FSK:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency-shift_keying

Capacity Planning:  The number of devices a wireless network can support is the primary determinant of its required capacity. This is because:

Traffic Load:  Each device generates network traffic that contributes to the overall load.

Resource Sharing:  Devices compete for airtime and bandwidth resources.

Device Type:  Requirements vary; a simple sensor has different needs than a video camera.

IIoT Environments:  Industrial IoT (IIoT) often involves deployment in harsh environments (factories, plants, outdoor sites) with:

Extreme temperatures

Dust & Vibrations

Exposure to chemicals or moisture

Ruggedization:  IIoT devices are designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring reliability and longevity.

References

IIoT:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Internet_of_things

Rugged Devices:  Articles on ruggedized electronics will emphasize their importance in industrial settings.

LoRa:  This refers to the underlying radio modulation technique using Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS). It defines how data is physically encoded onto the wireless signal.

LoRaWAN:  This is the network protocol built on top of LoRa. It manages device communication, network topology, and aspects like security. It operates at the MAC sublayer of the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model

LoRa vs. LoRaWAN:  Key takeaway is that LoRa is the physical layer technology, while LoRaWAN adds the networking layer for management.

JSON Fundamentals:  JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text-based format for representing data in a structured, yet flexible way. Its key features are:

Key-Value Pairs:  Information is organized as "key":"value" pairs, making it human-readable.

Plaintext:  JSON is not encrypted, ensuring easy parsing across different systems.

JSON vs. Other Options

Not Encrypted:  Security must be handled at a higher layer if needed.

Not Optimized for Databases:  While JSON can be stored in databases, it's designed for data exchange, not database structure.

Not Inherently Compressed:  Compression can be used with JSON, but it's not a core feature.

Attenuation:  Describes the progressive loss of signal strength as it travels through a medium (like air, cables, walls). It's caused by factors like absorption, distance, and obstacles.

Other Phenomena:

Diffraction:  Bending of waves around obstacles.

Reflection:  Waves bouncing off surfaces.

**Scattering: ** Waves dispersing in multiple directions.

References

Attenuation:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attenuation

Privilege Creep Defined:  Gradual accumulation of excessive permissions over time, often due to users changing roles or access needs not being adjusted accordingly.

Other Terms:

Privilege Escalation: A malicious act of obtaining higher-than-authorized access.

Improper Delegation/Grouping: Faulty permission assignment, but not the gradual accretion aspect.

Outsourcing Knowledge Transfer:  When outsourcing implementation, the service provider has firsthand knowledge of system setup and configuration. Clear documentation ensures this knowledge remains accessible to you after the project is complete.

Ongoing Support:  While paid/free support options influence long-term maintenance, they won't substitute missing documentation about the  specific  setup.

Reducing Future Vendor Reliance:  Detailed documentation helps mitigate over-reliance on the service provider for minor changes and troubleshooting, giving you more long-term autonomy.

Proof of Concept:  A POC typically happens before outsourcing, and focuses on validating the solution's feasibility, not ensuring smooth knowledge transfer thereafter.

Health IoT Device Categories:

Wearable:  Devices worn on the body (smartwatches, fitness trackers).

Non-wearable:  Devices used without being worn (smart scales, connected medical equipment).

Implantable:  Surgically inserted devices (pacemakers, glucose monitors).

References

Health IoT:  Resources on healthcare + IoT will illustrate device types.

SSL/TLS Secures Web Traffic:  HTTPS builds upon HTTP, adding the encryption provided by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Other Protocols Have Different Purposes:

IPSec: Secures IP traffic at a network level, can be used alongside TLS.

SNMPv3: Management protocol, offers security features, but not the primary mechanism in HTTPS.

SSH: Secure remote shell, unrelated to web data encryption.

Wireless Transceiver:  A transceiver is a combination of a transmitter and receiver used for wireless communication.

Radio:  The radio is the primary component responsible for:

Modulation:  Encoding data onto a carrier wave.

Demodulation:  Extracting data from a received signal.

Transmission/Reception:  Handling the actual sending and receiving of modulated signals over the air.

References

Transceiver:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transceiver

WWAN (Wide-Area Wireless Network):  WWANs provide connectivity over extensive geographic areas, typically covering regions or even entire countries.

Cellular Technology:  WWANs often rely on cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G) offered by mobile carriers.

References

WWAN:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_wide_area_network

isualizing RF Interference:  Spectrum analyzers display radio frequencies across a range, showing signal strength and potential interference sources. This is crucial for identifying non-Wi-Fi devices that might be disrupting your wireless solution.

Other Tools Have Limitations:

NMAP: Network mapper, focused on discovering devices, not RF analysis

WinPCAP: Packet capture software, helpful but doesn't directly display the RF spectrum.

Protocol Analyzer: Analyzes network traffic, but won't pinpoint physical layer interference.

Customization and Integrations:  The presence of APIs often suggests a system is integrated with other platforms or has custom-built elements.

Understanding Dependencies:  Documenting used APIs helps clarify how different parts of the system interact and where potential issues might arise.

Troubleshooting Efficiency:  Detailed API documentation aids in resolving problems, allowing staff to assess interconnected systems effectively.

Knowledge transfer:  Future support teams won't have to reverse-engineer the system; documentation ensures smooth handover and understanding.

Consumer Smart Devices Limitation:  Many consumer-oriented smart devices are designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, leading to reliance on the crowded 2.4 GHz band.

Consequences:

High Interference:  Increased potential for interference from Wi-Fi and other 2.4 GHz devices.

Limited scalability:  Performance and reliability may degrade in busy wireless environments.