Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point
The Cisco Aironet® 1250 Series is the
first enterprise-class access point to support the IEEE
802.11n draft 2.0 standard. 802.11n offers combined
data rates of up to 600 Mbps to provide users with mobile
access to high-bandwidth data, voice, and video applications
regardless of their location. Through the use of multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) technology, 802.11n also provides
reliable and predictable WLAN coverage to improve the
end-user experience for both existing 802.11a/b/g clients
and new 802.11n clients.
These access points:
- Offer combined data rates of up to 600 Mbps
to provide users with mobile access to high-bandwidth
data, voice, and video applications regardless of
their location
- Use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology
to provide reliable and predictable WLAN coverage
- Improve user experience for both existing 802.11a/b/g
clients and new 802.11n clients
The Aironet 1250 Series is part of the Cisco Unified
Wireless Network, a comprehensive solution that unifies
the wired and wireless network to:
- Deliver a common set of services and applications
- Provide a single experience for any mode of
network connectivity
- Offer simplified operational management
The robust Cisco Aironet® 1250 Series
Access Point (Figure 1) is a modular platform designed
to be easily field-upgradeable to support a variety
of wireless capabilities. This modularity allows businesses
to deploy existing wireless technologies today with
the confidence that their network investment will extend
to support emerging and future wireless technologies.
The platform was specifically engineered to support
the power, throughput, and mechanical requirements of
higher-speed WLAN technologies, including 802.11n. Currently,
the platform provides both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz modules
compliant with the IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0 standard.
As technology evolves, the platform is flexible to support
future radio modules designed to deliver intelligent
RF services, further enhancing the performance and reliability
of the wireless network. The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series
is a rugged indoor access point designed for both office
and challenging RF environments such as factories, warehouses,
hospitals and large retail establishments that require
the antenna versatility associated with connectorized
antennas, a rugged metal enclosure, and a broad operating
temperature range. With a Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
interface, the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series delivers line-rate
throughput for higher-speed WLAN technologies such as
802.11n. The access point offers the flexibility of
inline as well as local power options.
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series is part of the Cisco
Unified Wireless Network. The Cisco Unified Wireless
Network is a comprehensive solution that unifies the
wired and wireless network to deliver a common set of
services and applications, providing users a single
experience for any mode of network connectivity, and
offering IT simplified operational management. The Cisco
Aironet 1250 Series integrates seamlessly with the Cisco
Unified Wireless Network. It extends the same industry-leading
RF and network management capabilities as currently
available across the breadth of Cisco wireless solutions.
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series has two deployment
options: controller-based (unified) or standalone (autonomous).
Access points using the Lightweight Access Point Protocol
(LWAPP) work in conjunction with Cisco wireless LAN
controllers and optionally with the Cisco Wireless Control
System (WCS). When configured with LWAPP, the Cisco
Aironet 1250 Series simplifies operations by automatically
detecting the best-available Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
and downloading appropriate policies and configuration
information with no manual intervention. When deployed
as a standalone access point, the Cisco Aironet 1250
Series delivers a baseline set of features and can later
be software-upgraded to take advantage of the full benefits
of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network.
Investment Protection
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series is a modular platform
that is compliant with the 802.11n draft 2.0 standard
and is the first Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11n draft 2.0 access
point. Furthermore, the platform has been tested extensively
to ensure simple, secure interoperability with IEEE
802.11n draft 2.0 standard devices. The Cisco Aironet
1250 Series provides additional investment protection
with its modular, field-upgradeable design and easy-to-install
radio modules. Cisco is committed to standards, and
the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series provides a path for compliance
to the final IEEE 802.11n standard, once ratified. Businesses
with an immediate need to enhance the performance of
their WLANs can deploy the IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0 standard
radio modules now with the confidence that their investments
are protected. These modules can be easily field-upgraded
should this be required by a shift in standards evolution.
Award-Winning Security
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series supports industry-standard
wireless security protocols, including 802.11i, Wi-Fi
Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, and 802.1X, along with
numerous Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types.
The access point delivers hardware-accelerated Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) encryption designed to meet
the most stringent enterprise and government encryption
requirements without compromising performance. As part
of the Cisco Secure Wireless Solution, Cisco Aironet
1250 Series Access Points operating with LWAPP enable
comprehensive wired and wireless intrusion prevention
and detection. Each access point can scan the RF environment
and report on suspicious or unauthorized wireless activity,
effectively allowing businesses to create a comprehensive
threat defense across 802.11a/b/g and now 802.11n. Additionally,
the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point supports
management frame protection for the encryption of 802.11
management frames by the wireless network infrastructure.
This allows the network to completely remove the threat
from man-in-the-middle and spoofing attacks. If an access
point detects a malicious attack, an alarm will be generated
and reported to the network administrator.
RF Management
Cisco incorporates unique capabilities within its wireless
solution that address the operational challenges of
deploying business wireless networks. At the heart of
these capabilities are intelligent Radio Resource Management
(RRM) algorithms designed to consistently fine-tune
WLAN parameters to best meet ongoing performance requirements.
RRM allows the Cisco Unified Wireless Network to continuously
analyze the existing RF environment and automatically
adjust access point power and channel settings to help
mitigate such things as co-channel interference and
signal coverage problems. Unlike conventional 802.11a/b/g
products, the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series uses multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) technology to take advantage
of the effects of RF multipath propagation in order
to improve the reliability and predictability of the
wireless signal. The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series supports
the latest U.S. and European requirements for Dynamic
Frequency Selection (DFS), ensuring the access point
accurately detects radar events and makes full use of
the available 5-GHz spectrum. In addition, the Cisco
Aironet 1250 Series supports a Software Defined Radio
(SDR) enabling it to be upgraded in the field to support
new frequencies and power levels as they are approved
for use. These RF management capabilities increase system
capacity, perform automated self-healing to compensate
for RF dead zones and access point failures, and provide
a comprehensive way to manage one of your most precious
assets, your corporate spectrum.
Deployment Scenarios
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series with support for the 802.11n
draft 2.0 standard is ideal for a variety of deployment
scenarios across many industries. The improved throughput,
reliability, and predictability of an 802.11n network
meet the requirements that many companies have for moving
towards a truly mobile enterprise. Cisco's next-generation
wireless technology is especially beneficial for environments
with the following characteristics:
- Challenging RF environments (for example, manufacturing
plants, warehouses, clinical environments)
- Bandwidth-intensive applications (for example,
digital imaging, file transfers, network backup)
- Real-time, latency-sensitive applications including
voice and video
- Environments that need to support existing 802.11a/b/g
and new 802.11n wireless clients
Designed for critical business environments and installations
that require antenna versatility, the Cisco Aironet
1250 Series features antenna connectors for improved
coverage and aesthetically pleasing installation options.
The UL2043 rating of the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series allows
the access points to be placed above the ceiling tile
in plenum areas regulated by municipal fire codes or
suspended from drop ceilings.
Cisco Aironet Wireless Access Points Solution:
As WLAN deployments expand, security,
scalability, reliability, ease of deployment, and management
become increasingly important. Cisco provides a comprehensive
line of access points that deliver enterprise-class
features for business-ready wireless LANs.
Executive Summary
Access points are critical elements
of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. Cisco single-
and dual-band access points are designed for offices
and similar environments, challenging RF environments,
and the outdoors. The devices are available in two versions:
unified or autonomous. Unified access points operate
with the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and
work in conjunction with Cisco wireless LAN controllers
and the Wireless Control System (WCS. Autonomous access
points are based on Cisco IOS® Software and
may optionally operate with the CiscoWorks Wireless
LAN Solution Engine (WLSE). Autonomous access points,
along with the WLSE, deliver a core set of features
and may be field-upgraded to take advantage of the full
benefits of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network as requirements
evolve.
To make the best choices for their particular
applications, customers need to understand the features
and benefits of the different Cisco Aironet®
access points. This solution overview details the capabilities
of each of the devices in the Cisco Aironet Family of
wireless access points
Management Paradigm
As wireless LANs become increasingly
mission-critical and evolve in terms of scale and capabilities,
the way the wireless deployment is managed must evolve
as well. Because each customer and each deployment is
unique, Cisco provides differing feature sets and differing
management paradigms to address these customer-specific
requirements
Cisco provides a core feature set that
includes autonomous access points and the CiscoWorks
WLSE management appliance. The core feature set provides
a base set of capabilities that are required for enterprise
deployments. Core features include secure connectivity
through support for 802.11i Wi-Fi Protected Access 2
(WPA2), fast and secure Layer 2 roaming, and interfaces
to a variety of third-party applications and products.
Most Cisco access points are available in versions designed
for autonomous operation. These devices may be upgraded
in the field to lightweight mode, thereby providing
customers with a smooth path from core to unified features.
The Cisco unified feature set is delivered
by lightweight access points, wireless LAN controllers,
and the Wireless Control System (WCS) management solution.
The unified feature set represents the most comprehensive
set of capabilities in the industry, including guest
access, wireless intrusion detection and intrusion prevention,
scalable Layer 3 mobility, and location services. Most
Cisco Aironet access points are available in versions
designed for lightweight operation.
Deployment Environments
Wireless LANs are becoming commonplace
in numerous environments, including offices, schools,
factories, warehouses, and even the outdoors. At the
same time, the wireless industry is evolving from lower-capacity,
single-band devices to high-capacity, dual-band solutions.
The Cisco Aironet Family of access points meets these
various application requirements by providing:
- Single- and dual-band access points
- Devices designed for indoor and outdoor deployments
- A consistent hardware feature set and predictable
RF performance for deployment across the enterprise
As WLAN deployment expands into more applications
and installation scenarios, a diverse line of access
points is required to meet the associated capacity,
coverage, and environmental requirements. The Cisco
product line includes access points designed for offices
and similar facilities, such as hospitals and retail
environments, challenging RF environments like factories
and warehouses, and the outdoors. These devices can
be installed on desktops, on walls, on ceilings, above
ceilings, and on top of poles.
While application requirements may vary, Cisco understands
that all enterprise customers require uncompromised
network security, scalable manageability, and an evolving
set of network services. That's why all Cisco Aironet
access points support the Cisco Unified Wireless Network,
a framework for wired and wireless integration that
delivers the security, manageability, and services that
enterprises have come to expect from Cisco on both wired
and wireless networks.
Solution
Addressing Feature Requirements
As wireless LAN usage has evolved from basic transport
for largely transactional applications, so have the
feature expectations of wireless LAN users and administrators.
This change has come about on a segment-by-segment,
customer-by-customer basis. It is critical for Cisco
to provide differing feature sets to best fit differing
customer requirements. Given that customer requirements
can evolve during the lifetime of a wireless LAN deployment,
it is also necessary to provide a means of smoothly
upgrading this feature set for the installed base of
products, with minimal disruption to network operations.
Cisco's unified wireless LAN feature set offers the
features required for most enterprise deployments. Some
deployments may not yet require these advanced capabilities.
To address these evolving requirements, customers can
select lightweight access points, or they can upgrade
autonomous access points in the field to lightweight
operation. With Cisco, customers can choose the feature
set that is right for them, at the time that it is right
for them. Table 1 provides a summary of the operational
capabilities of various Cisco Aironet access points.
|
Operational Capabilities
of Cisco Aironet Access Points
|
| Cisco
Series |
Autonomous Operation |
Lightweight Operation |
| 1100
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1130AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1200
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1230AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1240AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1250
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1300
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1500
Series |
No |
Yes |
Addressing Capacity Requirements
In just a few years, WLANs have evolved from proprietary
systems with sub-Mbps capabilities to standardized offerings
operating at data rates as high as 600 Mbps for dual-band
802.11n access points. These high data rates are available
by taking advantage of the emerging 802.11n draft 2.0
standard with radios operating in both the 2.4 GHz band
and the 5 GHz band. 802.11n draft 2.0 offers backward
compatibility with 802.11a/b/g devices. Both 802.11b/g
and 802.11n draft 2.0 are limited to three nonoverlapping
channels when deployed in the 2.4 GHz band. 802.11a
and 802.11n draft 2.0 support as many as 23 channels
in the 5 GHz band (depending upon local regulations).
To provide both backward compatibility and high capacity,
WLAN client vendors are migrating to 802.11n-capable
client devices, although many devices will continue
to support the 802.11a/b/g standards and the 802.11n
support complete backwards compatibility to ensure investment
protection.
Deploying an infrastructure that takes full advantage
of next generation wireless with 802.11n makes sense
if capacity or reliability is currently an issue or
is expected to become an issue during the useful life
of the infrastructure devices. Given the rapid expansion
of wireless-enabled devices, increasing capacity requirements
are likely to apply to most WLAN installations. For
this majority of applications, access points that support
the emerging 802.11n draft 2.0 standard represents a
better long-term value, particularly given the low price
premium relative to performance. For the few applications
that are not expected to present capacity issues in
the near term, customers can choose existing 802.11a/g
dual-radio access points. Table 2 summarizes which Cisco
access points support 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and
the new 802.11n draft 2.0 standard.
|
Cisco Aironet Access
Point Support for 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n
draft 2.0
|
| Cisco
Series |
802.11b |
802.11g |
802.11a |
802.11n Draft 2.0 |
| 1100
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| 1130AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| 1200
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Optional1 |
No |
| 1230AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| 1240AG
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| 1250
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 1300
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| 1500
Series |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
1 With a hardware upgrade
module, Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Points may
be field-upgraded to support 802.11a.
Award-Winning Security
The Cisco Aironet Series access points supports 802.11i,
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, and numerous Extensible
Authentication Protocol (EAP) types. WPA and WPA2 are
the Wi-Fi Alliance certifications for interoperable,
standards-based WLAN security. These certifications
support IEEE 802.1X for user-based authentication, Temporal
Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for WPA encryption, and
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for WPA2 encryption.
These certifications help to ensure interoperability
between Wi-Fi-certified WLAN devices from different
manufacturers.
Cisco Aironet Series Access Points operating with
LWAPP support Cisco Unified Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion
Prevention System (IDS/IPS), a software feature that
is part of the Cisco Self-Defending Network and is the
industry's first integrated wired and wireless security
solution. Cisco Unified IDS/IPS (Figure 1) takes a comprehensive
approach to security-at the wireless edge, wired edge,
WAN edge, and through the data center. When an associated
client sends malicious traffic through the Cisco Unified
Wireless Network, a Cisco wired IDS device detects the
attack and sends shun requests to Cisco wireless LAN
controllers, which will then disassociate the client
device.
Figure 1. Cisco Unified IDS/IPS
Detects Malicious Attacks Allowing
the WLAN Controller to Disassociate the Offending Client
Device
Autonomous or unified Cisco Aironet Series access
points support management frame protection for the authentication
of 802.11 management frames by the wireless network
infrastructure. This allows the network to detect spoofed
frames from access points or malicious users impersonating
infrastructure access points. If an access point detects
a malicious attack, an incident will be generated by
the access point and reports will be gathered on the
Cisco wireless LAN controller, Cisco WCS, or CiscoWorks
WLSE.
Management and Deployment Flexibility
The Cisco Aironet Series access points are key elements
of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, a comprehensive
solution that delivers an integrated, end-to-end wired
and wireless network. Using the radio and network management
features of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network for simplified
deployment, the access points extend the security, scalability,
reliability, ease of deployment, and manageability available
in wired networks to the wireless LAN. In addition to
management flexibility the Cisco Aironet Series offers
investment protection deployment flexibility with Hybrid
REAP and Link Role Flexibility.
Hybrid REAP
Hybrid Remote Edge Access Point (Figure 2) functionality
is supported on the Cisco Aironet 1240AG and 1130AG
Series Access Points. It allows users to deploy access
points in remote offices, and choose whether they would
like to have traffic bridged locally, or tunneled over
the WAN over LWAPP on a per SSID basis. If users choose
to bridge traffic locally, then it is bridged onto separate
VLANs that directly correlate to an SSID (i.e. there
is a 1:1 mapping of SSIDs to VLANs when traffic is bridged
locally).
Figure 2. Remote Edge Access
Point (REAP) Capabilities Allow Users to
Deploy Access Points in Remote Offices, and Choose Whether
They Would Like to Have Traffic Bridged Locally, or
Tunneled
over the WAN over LWAPP on a Per-SSID Basis
Users receive their IP address locally within the
branch, but authenticate at a central site when using
802.1x, 802.11i, MAC authentication, web authentication,
or NAC is in use. If any type of pre-shared key is used
(i.e. WEP, WPA-PSK), then there is no need for central
authentication. After central authentication, the user
traffic can still be bridged locally.
If a WAN link goes down, no new users using authentication
can be added into the network, however users that have
already authenticated remain connected. Users using
pre-shared key remain connected and new pre-shared key
users can still associate with the network since centralized
authentication is not necessary. When the WAN link becomes
active again, all users are disassociated and then authenticated
to the network. This is used to ensure that the controller
has accurate, up to date information about the users
who are on the network.
Following are key elements of Hybrid REAP functionality:
- Supported only on Cisco Aironet 1240AG and 1130AG
Series Access Points.
- 8 advertised WLANs/SSIDs that terminate on a
Controller or bridged locally.
- Locally bridged WLAN/SSID can be mapped to a
VLAN.
- There is support for NAC/Web Auth/802.1x/802.11i
on a per WLAN/SSID basis. These protocols are handled
centrally, and subsequently the traffic can be bridged
locally or continue to be tunneled back to the controller.
- If an AP has never joined a Controller, it can
be primed with an IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway, and IP address of a Controller. After the
AP has contacted the Controller the console is no
longer available.
- Cisco recommends that only two Hybrid REAPs
be used in any one location over a WAN connection.
This configuration is recommended because of the
WAN bandwidth required.
Link Role Flexibility
The autonomous versions of the Cisco Aironet 1300 Series,
1240AG Series, 1230AG Series, and the 1200 Series offer
link role flexibility, which provides both access point
and bridge functions through configuration of each radio
as an access point, repeater, root bridge, non-root
bridge, or workgroup bridge. This configuration flexibility
enables the access points to address a wide range of
applications, including basic wireless LAN coverage,
wireless LAN coverage with wireless backhaul, and more
traditional bridging applications.
|
Wireless LAN Link
Role Flexibility Applications for Dual-Band
Access Points
|
| Radio
1(802.11g or 802.11a) |
Radio
2 (802.11g or 802.11a) |
RJ-45
State |
| Root Bridge (RB) |
Root bridge, non-root bridge,
access point, or workgroup bridge |
Uplink |
| Non-root Bridge (NRB) |
Root bridge, non-root bridge,
access point, or workgroup bridge |
Uplink |
| Workgroup Bridge (WGB) |
Root bridge, non-root bridge,
or access point |
Uplink |
| Access Point (AP) |
Root bridge, non-root bridge,
access point, or workgroup bridge |
Uplink |
| Repeater |
Root bridge, non-root bridge,
or access point |
Downlink |
Note: Only one 802.11g
radio and one 802.11a radio are supported.
Office Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1130AG Series IEEE 802.11a/b/g Access
Point
Packages high-capacity, high-security, and enterprise-class
features to deliver wireless LAN access for a low total
cost of ownership. The device is available in either
a lightweight version or an autonomous version that
may be field-upgraded to lightweight operation. With
support for both lightweight and autonomous operation,
customers can enjoy the simplicity and efficiency of
a common hardware platform even while having a hybrid
lightweight and autonomous deployment. Designed for
wireless LAN coverage in offices and similar RF environments,
this unobtrusive access point features integrated antennas
and dual IEEE 802.11a/g radios for robust and predictable
coverage, delivering a combined capacity of 108 Mbps.
The product comes complete with all necessary mounting
hardware to provide for an installation that is both
secure and consistent with contemporary office décor.
The mounting bracket locks the access point as well
as the Ethernet and console cables in place to prevent
theft and tampering. The Cisco Aironet 1130AG Series
is ready to install and easy to manage, reducing the
cost of deployment and ongoing maintenance.
Cisco Aironet 1100 Series Access Point
Offers customers an affordable, easy-to-install, 802.11g
single-band access point that features enterprise-class
management, security, and scalability. The device is
available in either a lightweight version or an autonomous
version that may be field-upgraded to lightweight operation.
Indoor Access Points for Challenging RF Environments
Cisco Aironet 1250 Series IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0
Access Point
The Cisco Aironet® 1250 Series is the first
enterprise-class access point to support the IEEE 802.11n
draft 2.0 standard. 802.11n offers combined data rates
of up to 600 Mbps to provide users with mobile access
to high-bandwidth data, voice, and video applications
regardless of their location. Through the use of multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) technology, 802.11n also provides
reliable and predictable WLAN coverage to improve the
end-user experience for both existing 802.11a/b/g clients
and new 802.11n clients. The robust Cisco Aironet®
1250 Series Access Point is a modular platform designed
to be easily field-upgradeable to support a variety
of wireless capabilities. This modularity allows businesses
to deploy existing wireless technologies today with
the confidence that their network investment will extend
to support emerging and future wireless technologies.
Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series IEEE 802.11a/b/g Access
Point
Delivers the versatility, high capacity, security, and
enterprise-class features required in more challenging
RF environments, such as warehouses, factories, and
retailers. The device is available in either a lightweight
or an autonomous version that may be field-upgraded
to lightweight operation. With support for both lightweight
and autonomous operation, customers can enjoy the simplicity
and efficiency of having a common hardware platform
even while having a hybrid lightweight and autonomous
deployment. Designed for wireless LANs in rugged environments
or installations that require specialized external antennas,
the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series features diversity antenna
connectors for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands to provide extended
range, coverage versatility, and more flexible installation
options. The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access points
combines this versatility with industry-leading transmit
power, receive sensitivity, and delay spread for high-multipath
environments, providing reliable performance and throughput
under the most demanding conditions. A second-generation
dual-band access point, the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series
supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE). The
product comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware
to provide for an installation that is both secure and
rugged. The mounting bracket locks the access point
as well as the Ethernet and console cables in place
to prevent theft and tampering.
Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point
Offers the same versatility, high capacity, security,
and enterprise-class features demanded by industrial
wireless LAN customers in a single-band 802.11g solution.
The modular device provides the flexibility to field-upgrade
to a dual-band 802.11a/g network by adding a CardBus-based
802.11a upgrade module that can be easily installed
in Cisco Aironet 1200 Series access points that were
originally configured for 802.11g.
Cisco Aironet 1230AG Series Access Point
The Cisco Aironet 1230AG Series is a preconfigured dual-band
version of the 1200 Series, providing support for 802.11a
and 802.11g. This first-generation, dual-band device
does not, however, provide the same performance and
support for 802.3af PoE as does the 1240AG Series.
Outdoor Access Points and Bridges
Cisco Aironet 1300 Series IEEE 802.11g Wireless
Outdoor Access Point and Bridge
Provides access point, wireless bridge, and workgroup
bridge capabilities with enhanced WLAN security. For
high-speed, cost-effective wireless connectivity between
multiple fixed or mobile networks and clients, this
ruggedized platform is ideal for public access for outdoor
areas, network connections within a campus area, or
outdoor infrastructures for mobile networks and users.
Engineered specifically for harsh outdoor environments,
the Cisco Aironet 1300 Series is ideal for WLANs requiring
outdoor coverage. The Cisco Aironet 1300 Series is available
in either a lightweight version or an autonomous version
that may be field-upgraded to lightweight operation.
Note: The Cisco Aironet
1300 Series supports LWAPP when operating as an access
point. When it operates in bridge mode, however, it
does not support the LWAPP protocol.
Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor
Mesh Access Point
The Cisco Aironet 1500 Series enables cost-effective,
scalable deployment of secure outdoor wireless LANs.
With dual-band, simultaneous support for IEEE 802.11a
and 802.11b/g standards, the Cisco Aironet 1500 Series
employs a patent-pending Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol
to form a dynamic wireless mesh network between remote
access points, and delivers secure wireless access to
any Wi-Fi-compliant client.
Access Point Features and Benefits
Table provides a summary of the Cisco Aironet access
points that are best suited for different environments.
|
Cisco Aironet Access
Points for Different Environments
|
|
Cisco Series |
Offices
and Similar Environments |
Challenging
Indoor RF Environments |
Outdoors |
|
1100 Series |
Recommended** |
Not Recommended |
Not Recommended |
|
1130AG Series |
Ideal |
Not Recommended |
Not Recommended |
|
1200 Series |
Recommended*** |
Recommended |
Recommended**** |
|
1230AG Series |
Recommended*** |
Recommended |
Recommended**** |
|
1240AG Series |
Recommended*** |
Recommended |
Recommended**** |
|
1250 Series |
Recommended*** |
Ideal |
Recommended**** |
|
1300 Series |
Not Recommended |
Not Recommended |
Ideal** |
|
1500 Series |
Not Recommended |
Not Recommended |
Ideal* |
* For lightweight deployment
only.
** For autonomous deployment only.
*** Particularly for deployments above suspended ceilings.
**** Can be deployed outdoors in a weatherproof NEMA-rated
enclosure.
Table 5 summarizes the complete Cisco Aironet Family
of access points.
Architecture of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network
Cisco Aironet access points are a key component of
the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. The Cisco Unified
Wireless Network cost-effectively addresses the wireless
LAN security, deployment, management, and control issues
facing enterprises. This framework integrates and extends
wired and wireless networks to deliver scalable, manageable,
and secure wireless LANs with the lowest total cost
of ownership. It provides the same level of security,
scalability, reliability, ease of deployment, and management
for wireless LANs that organizations expect from their
wired LANs. It includes innovative RF technology capabilities
that enable real-time access to core business applications
while at the same time delivering enterprise-class,
secure connectivity.
With the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, the best
elements of wireless and wired networking are combined
to bring mobility to the enterprise in a secure and
reliable manner. The flexibility of the Cisco Unified
Wireless Network allows network managers to design networks
to meet their specific needs, whether implementing highly
integrated network designs or simple overlay networks.
Figure 3 depicts a typical unified access point deployment.
Figure 4 depicts a typical autonomous access point deployment.
Figure 3. Unified Access Point
Deployment
Figure 4. Autonomous Access
Point Deployment
Supporting Products, Partners, and Service Offerings
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco wireless LAN controllers are part of the Cisco
Unified Wireless Network LAN feature set and are responsible
for handling systemwide wireless LAN functions across
an entire wireless network. Cisco wireless LAN controllers
are designed to smoothly integrate into existing enterprise
networks. They communicate with Cisco Aironet lightweight
access points over any Layer 2 (Ethernet) or Layer 3
(IP) infrastructure using the Lightweight Access Point
Protocol (LWAPP).
Wireless LAN Management
Network managers need reliable, cost-effective tools
for wireless LAN planning, configuration, and management.
These tools must be centrally available and support
simplified operations and easy-to-use graphical interfaces.
Cisco wireless LAN management options are determined
based on the type of access points deployed and the
features required.
- Lightweight access points may be managed with
Cisco wireless LAN controllers and the Cisco Wireless
Control System (WCS).
- A Cisco Wireless Location Appliance may be added
for advanced features such as wireless voice over
IP (VoIP) and location services, as well as advanced
wireless security features, such as Network Admission
Control (NAC), the Cisco Self-Defending Network,
and guest access.
- Autonomous access points may be configured with
the CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE)
or CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine Express.
Cisco Wireless Control System
Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) is a Windows or
Linux server-based platform for wireless LAN planning,
configuration, and management. It provides a powerful
foundation by which IT managers can design, control,
and monitor enterprise wireless networks from a centralized
location, simplifying operations and reducing total
cost of ownership.
Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller
The Cisco Catalyst® 3750G Integrated Wireless
LAN Controller is a Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN controller
integrated into the Cisco Catalyst 3750G Switch. The
Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller
works in conjunction with Cisco Aironet Series lightweight
access points, the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS),
and the Cisco Wireless Location Appliance to deliver
a secure and unified wireless solution that supports
mission-critical wireless data, voice, and video applications.
Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Wireless Services Module
(WiSM)
The Cisco WiSM is a member of the Cisco wireless LAN
controller family. It works in conjunction with Cisco
Aironet lightweight access points, the Cisco Wireless
Control System (WCS) and the Cisco Wireless Location
Appliance to support mission-critical wireless data,
voice, and video applications. It provides real-time
communication between lightweight access points and
other WLAN controllers to deliver a secure and unified
wireless solution.
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module for Integrated
Services Routers (ISR)
The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module allows small
and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise branch
offices to cost-effectively deploy and manage secure
WLANs. The module provides unparalleled security, mobility,
and ease of use for business-critical WLANs, delivering
the most secure enterprise-class wireless system available.
As a Cisco Integrated Services Router module, it delivers
centralized security policies, wireless Intrusion Prevention
System (IPS) capabilities, award-winning RF management,
quality of service (QoS), and Layer 3 fast secure roaming
for WLANs. The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module
manages up to six Cisco Aironet lightweight access points
and is supported on Cisco 2800 and 3800 Series Integrated
Services Routers and Cisco 3700 Series Routers.
CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine
The CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) is
available as a management tool for Cisco Aironet autonomous
access points and wireless bridges. CiscoWorks WLSE
is an easily deployed and scalable management platform
for managing hundreds to thousands of Cisco Aironet
autonomous access points and wireless bridges.
CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE)
Express
The WLSE Express is a complete wireless LAN management
solution with an integrated authentication, authorization,
and accounting (AAA) server for small to medium-sized
enterprise facilities or branch offices using Cisco
Aironet autonomous access points and wireless bridges.
Wireless LAN Location Services
Cisco Wireless Location Appliance
The Cisco Wireless Location Appliance is the industry's
first location solution that simultaneously tracks thousands
of devices from directly within the WLAN infrastructure.
The Cisco Wireless Location Appliance brings the power
of a cost-effective, high-resolution location solution
to critical applications such as high-value asset tracking,
IT management, and location-based security. This easy-to-deploy
solution smoothly integrates with Cisco wireless LAN
controllers and Cisco Aironet lightweight access points
to track the physical location of wireless devices,
including Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, voice handsets, Wi-Fi
tags, and rogue devices, to within a few meters.
Cisco
Aironet 1250 Series Access Point
