News

Dalhousie Senior Wireless Administrator Cheryl Connell is proud to be the 22nd person in Canada to receive the Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) certification, the highest professional recognition in the wireless industry. With only 527 CWNEs worldwide, Connell is the proud 519th to achieve this distinction.

“Aspiring CWNEs have often dedicated years to training and working in the wireless industry, making significant contributions to the field,” Connell says. “The CWNE journey is both challenging and rewarding, culminating in the recognition of their advanced expertise.”

The CWNE designation is the highest level of the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) Wi-Fi Program. To achieve this certification, candidates must undergo a rigorous process: passing five CWNP certification exams, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge through an additional non-CWNP network certification, and establishing many years of documented experience with wireless local-area network (WLAN) projects. They are also required to publish wireless-related material to improve the field's knowledge base. Additionally, the candidates must secure three professional endorsements and submit three technical papers, all of which will undergo a peer review by the CWNE Board of Advisors.

Esteemed achievement

The certification represents a monumental personal achievement for Connell. “When I embarked on this journey, I wasn’t certain I’d ever find the time to pursue it. Balancing a full-time job and caring for three young children made it feel like a distant goal.”

The CWNE certification signifies mastery in administering, installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and designing wireless networks. It demands expertise in various areas, including protocol analysis (examining network communication), intrusion detection and prevention (protecting networks from security threats), performance and Quality of Service (QoS) analysis (ensuring efficient data flow), spectrum management (optimizing wireless signal usage), and advanced network design.

“I’ve been very lucky because my family and department have consistently provided unwavering support,” says Connell, who persevered for four years to achieve the certification. Additionally, attending the Wireless LAN Professionals Conference allowed Connell to connect with fellow wireless experts and learn from the industry's top 1%.

For Connell, wireless technology is a fascinating, versatile, and occasionally enigmatic tool that binds people. It permeates people’s lives, ensuring seamless connectivity—until it doesn’t.

“Armed with newfound knowledge, I can assist others with their wireless challenges and contribute to enhancing our network,” she points out. “The CWNE certification has equipped me with the skills to make a tangible difference.”