Heavy Wireless
Packet Pushers
Heavy Wireless is a deep dive into Wi-Fi, IoT, wireless security, and more. Host Keith Parsons, CWNE#3, draws on his decades of experience to educate, entertain, and inspire those working in the WLAN industry. Each twice-monthly episode explores an aspect of wireless technology with guests including Wi-Fi engineers, industry experts, and vendors. Whether you're already a WLAN specialist or looking to expand your skills in this high-demand sector of IT, Heavy Wireless gives you the technical know-how and industry context to succeed.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 12, 2023 • 28min
HW017: The Story Behind The CWNA Study Guide
Studying for a certification exam is also about grasping real-world concepts. And that’s exactly the approach David Coleman and David Westcott took when writing their CWNA study guide, now in its sixth edition. “The Davids” talk about the process of writing their book, the research involved, and the importance of making complex topics understandable for... Read more »
Nov 28, 2023 • 27min
HW016: How mDNS Can Kill Wi-Fi Performance And What To Do About It
If you’re not paying attention to mDNS traffic, it might be hurting your Wi-Fi performance. Bryan Ward shares his research looking at the mDNS protocol on a higher ed network and its dramatic impact on Wi-Fi airtime. Bryan shares his experience of identifying and resolving network issues related to mDNS traffic and client isolation. He... Read more »
Nov 14, 2023 • 26min
HW015: What Every Wi-Fi Pro Needs To Know About Private LTE
Private LTE and Wi-Fi use a lot of overlapping skills but there are also some key differences that Wi-Fi pros need to be aware of. Dr. Avril Salter joins host Keith Parsons to highlight important distinctions between Wi-Fi and private LTE or 5G networks, including spectrum use and application suitability. They also discuss the complexity... Read more »
Oct 31, 2023 • 24min
HW014: Exploring Wireless Automation From Python To APIs
Two Wi-Fi engineers share their experiences automating wireless workflows, including the role of Python & tools like Postman.
Oct 17, 2023 • 35min
Heavy Wireless 013: A University Perspective On Operating Wi-Fi And Testing Vendors
On today's Heavy Wireless episode, Keith Parsons speaks with UMass Amherst CTO Jim Mileski on the history of Wi-Fi at the school. They discuss initial challenges of rolling out wireless, strategic placements of access points, ensuring a good student experience across a myriad of devices, and more. They also discuss how Jim and his team tested their incumbent vendor against a possible replacement, how the replacement won out, and how the transition is going.
Oct 3, 2023 • 22min
Heavy Wireless 012: Why Wireless Pros Should Get To Know LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN is a wireless protocol that's well suited for use cases that require long-range, low-power operations such as sensors, asset and livestock tracking, municipal "smart city" initiatives, and more. On today's Heavy Wireless, Keith Parsons welcomes Raymond Hendrix and Troy Martin to discuss the architecture of a LoRaWAN solution, its applications, and its pros and cons. They also share resources for further learning, including the Things Network and the LoRa Alliance.
Sep 19, 2023 • 23min
Heavy Wireless 011: How You Can Participate In The Wi-Fi Awards 2023
The Wi-Fi Awards is an industry effort to recognize excellence and achievements in the wireless community. There are award categories for companies, products, and individuals. Award recipients are determined by a committee and by community votes. Today's Heavy Wireless explores the origins of the Wi-Fi Awards, discusses different award categories and the importance of recognizing individuals. We also discuss the nomination and selection process, and how listeners can nominate candidates.
Sep 6, 2023 • 32min
Heavy Wireless 010: Using Drones In Your WLAN Consulting
Drones can be a useful tool for outdoor wireless surveys. Drones can help an engineer figure out the best place to mount a radio, get line of sight between points, confirm antenna orientation, and save a lot of climbing up and down ladders. On today's Heavy Wireless, Keith Parsons speaks with Mike Wade, a wireless design engineer who uses drones in his survey work, about the certifications and requirements necessary to add a drone to your toolkit.
Aug 22, 2023 • 33min
Heavy Wireless 009: Ham Radio For Wi-Fi Folks
In this podcast episode, Keith Parsons, Glenn Kate, and Lee Badman discuss the intersection of ham radio and Wi-Fi. Glenn and Lee share their personal experiences and involvement in both fields. They talk about how they got started in ham radio and Wi-Fi, the importance of joining amateur radio clubs, and the various activities and... Read more »
Aug 8, 2023 • 34min
Heavy Wireless 008: 3D Printing For Wireless Engineers
3D printing is a popular activity among wireless network engineers. Given that they deal with invisible, intangible radio waves all day, maybe it's no surprise they'd enjoy making things they can touch and feel. On today's Heavy Wireless we talk about why the wireless community enjoys 3D printing, and how engineers can make and use printed objects on the job--and at home.
