Cisco has developed a comprehensive line of wireless LAN products and technologies intended to enable continual access to data and resources and to promote collaboration among workers, partners, suppliers, and customers. Cisco's wireless product families include Cisco's Small Business, Aironet and Meraki series of access points (APs), as well as Cisco's Wireless Network Controller plug-ins and standalone devices. Progent's certified wireless experts can enable organizations of all sizes to deploy Cisco wireless solutions to accommodate the current paradigm of Bring-Your-Own-Device computing by integrating their tethered and untethered ecosystems to achieve easy deployment, consistently high throughput, centralized management, uniform policy, fault tolerance, and advanced security.

Cisco Wireless Consulting Services

Cisco's Converged Architecture for Bring-Your-Own-Device and Wired/Wireless Access

The Cisco Unified Wireless solution can scale to up to 18,000 wireless access points with Layer 3 mobility at local or remote venues like enterprise headquarters, university lecture halls, branches, and telecommuter homes. Cisco's Wi-Fi wireless access points and controllers are part of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are engineered to support the same degree of protection, performance, and manageability for WLANs that businesses expect in their wired networks. Cisco's technology incorporates built-in mobility services such as IP voice, high-definition IP video, and secure guest connectivity. Cisco's Unified Wireless architecture enables companies to build Wi-Fi ecosystems that improve the way they work and improve productivity through a dynamic and collaborative employee base.

Progent's Cisco-certified network infrastructure consultants can provide remote or on-premises support to assist you to design, deploy, maintain, upgrade, and repair converged wired and wireless network infrastructure of any size and for any venue. In addition, Progent can provide value-priced online and onsite wireless site surveys to assist you to plan and install a Wi-Fi LAN with custom-designed AP clustering optimized for your individual work area layout, building structure, and application workloads.

Cisco Small Business, Aironet and Meraki Wireless Access Points (APs)
Cisco and Meraki Access Points Consulting FirmCisco's Small Business, Aironet and Meraki families of wireless access points allow organizations to converge wired and wireless networks to deliver the coverage, capacity, performance, security compliance and manageability needed for virtually any environment. Cisco's APs start at bare bones, single-band 802.11b/g/n units with data rates of 300 Mbps intended for very small businesses or telecommuters to dual-band 802.11ac access points capable of handling 200 or more wireless clients on each AP and offering data rates as high as 1.9 Gbps. Cisco's current line of APs can be combined or clustered to provide the scale to support sites with high client density and with high usage rates of HD video application software.

Small Business Family of Access Points
Cisco Small Business Access Points ConsultingCisco's Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Series of wireless access points are Linux-powered units intended as value-priced wireless solutions for light workloads. Most models in the Cisco Small Business portfolio of APs support Cisco's Single Point Setup system, which allows you to set up, manage and repair a group of wireless access points from one device via an intuitive web browser interface. All of the versions include Power over Ethernet (POE) and provide Quality of Service (QoS), rogue access point awareness, and bridging for connecting to a second network.

Cisco's Small Business WAP121 Wireless-N Access Point is a wallmount, single-radio 2.4GHz device that can handle 16 active 802.11b/g/n wireless clients, includes a Fast Ethernet port, allows up to 4 access pointss and 40 active wireless clients in a cluster, and can handle sustained data rates of 300 Mbps. The Cisco Small Business WAP131 is a desktop dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11n AP that can support 16 wireless clients on each radio for a total of up to 32 wireless clients, features a GE LAN interface, and delivers throughput of 300 Mbps for each radio. The WAP131 Wireless-N does not allow clustering. Cisco's Small Business WAP150 is a value-priced dual-radio AC/n AP that features a one Gbit Power over Ethernet (PoE) port and can handle up to 16 clients from each radio with 867 Mbps performance for 802.11ac devices and 300 Mbps for 802.11n clients. The Cisco WAP1501 supports 4 APs for each cluster.

Cisco's Small Business WAP321 model is a wall-mountable single-band (2.4 or 5 GHz) 802.11n device that can handle up to 80 active clients sharing an 8-device cluster. The Cisco WAP321 features a Gigabit Ethernet interface and can support a data rate of 300 Mbps for the selected radio. Cisco's WAP351 is a dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11n AP with a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet interface and can handle 32 active clients per radio for up to 64 clients, and support throughput of 300 Mbps for each radio. The WAP351 access point does not allow clustering. The Cisco Small Business WAP361 is a dual-radio 802.11ac Wave 1 wireless access point that includes a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet LAN switch, can support 32 active WLAN clients per radio, and offers 867 Mbps performance for wireless AC clients and 300 Mbps performance for 802.11n devices. The Cisco WAP361 supports eight access points for each cluster. Cisco's wallmount WAP371 Wireless-AC/N is a dual-band device that supports 802.11a/b/g/n and the latest 802.11ac IEEE Wi-Fi standard. The WAP371 includes a GE interface, can handle up to 32 active wireless clients per radio, and eight access points per cluster.

Cisco's WAP561 Wireless-N Selectable Band access point includes a 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface and two concurrent radios that offer 450 Mbps throughput per radio, can handle 64 clients for each radio, and allow up to 16 wireless access points for each cluster. The Cisco WAP551 is like the WAP 561 but has a single radio selectable band. Cisco's Small Business WAP571 and WAP571E (the ruggedized outdoor version) are dual-band 802.11ac APs that feature two Gb Ethernet interfaces with link aggregation, 3x3 MIMO, and up to 1.9 Gbps performance with 1300 Mbps on 802.11ac and 600 Mbps over 11n. Both access points can handle 32 clients on each radio and 16 WAP371 access points on each cluster.

For more information about Progent's consulting services for current and older Cisco Small Business family of WiFi APs, see Cisco Small Business WiFi access points configuration and troubleshooting.

The Aironet Line of Access Points
Aironet Access Point System DesignCisco Meraki Wireless Access Points Consulting and TroubleshootingCisco's Aironet portfolio of indoor and outdoor wireless APs has consistently been the leading access point solution. Aironet access points range from value-priced entry-level models to advanced APs. The Aironet family cover multiple generations of models compliant with the continually improving 802 specification. The current line of Aironet APs work with Cisco's Unified Wireless Network software and come with 802.11ac support, which offers three times the performance as well as superior coverage and density compared to the previous generation of devices. Cisco's latest multi-frequency Aironet APs continue to support 802.11n at 2.4 GHz for client devices that do not have 802.11ac capability.

The earliest Aironet APs are legacy units that have come to end-of-life status and are no longer supported by Cisco. Progent still offers support for the entire Aironet line of access points and can help you to manage and troubleshoot your current Aironet wireless environment or move efficiently to current Aironet products. For more information about Progent's consulting services for current and outdated Cisco Aironet wireless access points, refer to Cisco Aironet APs system design and troubleshooting.

Cisco's Meraki Wireless Access Points
Cisco Meraki Access Point ConsultantsCisco Meraki AP Configuration ConsultingCisco's family of Meraki 2.4/5 GHz indoor wireless access points include budget-friendly models for small businesses to enterprise-class units that offer up to 2.5 Gigabit per second performance. Each Meraki indoor AP offers high-end features such as self-configuring plug-and-play installation, in-depth security, Bring-Your-Own-Device support, built-in analytics, zero-touch over-the-web firmware updates, and unified cloud-based management for multiple sites. Every Cisco Meraki indoor wireless access point also includes two high-power radios with enhanced reception plus a dedicated radio that provides (WIDS/WIPS) security for RF analysis and deep packet inspection at line rate.

Cisco's Meraki outdoor APs are IP67 certified, designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, and tested to resist dust particles, vibration and humidity. Cisco's Meraki outdoor access points include a 1 x Gbit Ethernet port and offer advanced capabilities such as cloud-based management with multi-site visibility, 802.1X and native Active Directory integration, built-in antivirus scan (NAC), single-click secure guest access and isolation firewall, Layer 7 traffic shaping, plus self-configuring mesh with beamforming. For more information about Progent's consulting services for Meraki wireless access points and management, see Meraki access points consulting.

Cisco Wave 2 WiFi LAN Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers allow realtime communication, deployment, management, monitoring and troubleshooting for Cisco wireless appliances and software services. Cisco has developed both physical and virtual Wi-Fi controllers for centralized management of WiFi environments, but WLANs with a large number of Wi-Fi APs are better served by hardware-based wireless controllers. Wave 2 wireless controller devices from Cisco offer major advantages over Wave 1 and older products such as higher throughput, simultaneous support for 1G and 10G Ethernet, improved application visibility and control, and hardened, built-in security.

Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller Integration ConsultantsCisco's 3504 Wireless Controller is an entry-level appliance available in a desktop enclosure and intended for smaller organizations. You can use the 3504 model in a centralized WLAN environment such as in lean branch and home-based offices administered across the WAN with FlexConnect, or in mesh installations where Ethernet cabling is limited. The 3504 wireless controller can handle up to 150 wireless APs and 3,000 clients, delivers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 3504 controller features a multi-gigabit Ethernet interface and four 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports. Access points can be attached directly to the WiFi controller through two Power over Ethernet ports. The 3504 wireless controller offers subsecond failover for APs and clients, which provides high availability for applications. Like other current Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers from Cisco, the 3504 model has the integrated ability to work with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services Engine, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 WiFi controllers.

Cisco 5520 Wireless Controller Integration ConsultantsCisco's 5520 Wireless Controller, available in a 1 rack unit enclosure, is designed for larger enterprises and campus environments and can be run in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures. The 5520 Wi-Fi controller can handle up to 1,500 Wi-Fi access points and 20,000 users, offers 20 Gbps performance, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 wireless controller includes two 10 GE ports and features solid-state storage, backup fans, optional backup power supplies, and rapid failover for high availability.

Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller Integration ConsultingThe Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller, offered in a 2RU form factor, is a top-of-the-line WiFi controller designed to support large enterprises, service providers, and large campuses. The 8540 Wireless controller can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh deployments and can handle up to 6,000 APs and 64,000 clients. The 8540 WiFi controller can deliver throughput up to 40 Gbps and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 8340 includes four 1-GB or 10GE ports and features solid-state storage, backup power supplies, backup fans, and rapid failover.

Wave 1 Cisco WiFi Network Controllers
Wireless Network Controllers Consulting ServicesCisco wireless LAN controllers cut the time and expense needed to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks by centralizing control of critical functions such as provisioning APs, applying consistent policies throughout converged networks, supporting enterprise-wide Quality of Service for voice and video, tracking and troubleshooting system performance, activating wireless intrusion prevention system (wIPS) capabilities to guard against cyber break-ins and Distributed Denial of Service attacks, and handling IPv6 and dual-stack clients. Cisco has designed wireless LAN controllers for businesses of any size and offers standalone desktop controllers, modular plug-in wireless controllers for Cisco ISR routers and switches, and switches with integrated wireless controllers.

Cisco Wireless Network Controller Module Online Consulting ServicesCisco's Wave 1 WiFi network controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir tools to avoid RF interference and produce self-healing and self-optimizing wireless LANs for top 802.11n and 802.11ac throughput and protection. Integrated Apple Bonjour Gateways allow discovery throughout the enterprise for Apple applications. For high availability (HA), Cisco wireless controllers support AP and client stateful failover by enabling a standby HA controller to synch with a primary wireless controller for access point license tabulation, CAPWAP keys, and AP CAPWAP state. In case the main controller stops working, thousands of wireless access points and clients can switchover at subsecond speeds to the backup controller.

Cisco's Wireless Module for ISR G2 Routers with UCS-E provides entry-level 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for Cisco 2900 and 3900 Series routers deployed by smaller organizations and branch offices. This value-priced and expandable module can support up to 200 access points and as many as 6000 clients. (To learn about Progent's online and onsite consulting support for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router configuration and troubleshooting support.)

Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU switches designed for small to mid-size businesses and branch offices and come with an integrated wireless LAN controller with the ability to handle 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and 25 wireless access points and 1000 wireless clients on each switch. Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU switches designed for mid-size businesses and large enterprises and include an integrated wireless controller with up to 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and the ability to handle up to 50 APs and up to 2000 clients. The Wireless Services Module2 is an add-in blade for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include a built-in wireless LAN controller intended for mid-to-large size businesses and capable of 20 Gbps performance and with support for up to 1000 wireless access points and 15,000 wireless clients. (For information concerning Progent's support for Cisco switches, refer to Cisco Catalyst switches deployment and management support.)

Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers are entry-level desktop devices that streamline the deployment and operation of Wi-Fi LANs for small and midsize businesses and satellite offices. The 2500 Series wireless controller can manage from five to 75 access points and 1000 clients and offers sustained data rates of up to 1 Gbps.

Cisco Wireless Network Controllers Consulting and TroubleshootingCisco's 5500 Wireless Controller is a scalable 1RU unit designed for medium-sized to large enterprises and campuses and can support 500 wireless access points and 7,000 clients while delivering 8 Gbps throughput. Cisco's 5760 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU device designed for mid-to-large campuses with support for up to 1000 access points and 12,000 wireless clients and providing performance of 60 Gbps to accommodate high wireless client densities and high amounts of video-intensive mobile applications.

The Cisco Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controller is intended to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless remote sites from one location, avoiding the requirement for a wireless controller at every remote site. The 1RU rackmount Flex 7500 allows you to create a private cloud to deploy, monitor, manage, and repair up to 6000 APs and up to 64,000 wireless clients while handling 1 Gbps throughput. Cisco's 8500 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU rackmount device designed to monitor and control Wi-Fi networks for large campuses or service providers and can scale to handle up to 6000 wireless points and 64,000 wireless clients while offering 10 Gbps throughput.

For more information about Cisco WiFi controllers, go to Cisco Wi-Fi controllers consulting and integration.

Legacy Cisco APs, Bridges and Wi-Fi Controllers Supported by Progent
The introduction of the 802.11ac standard for wireless connectivity effectively made obsolete the previous releases of Wi-Fi devices for environments that support high densities of wireless clients and high incidence of HD video software applications. Even for businesses who do not need the performance of 802.11ac, many of Cisco wireless products have reached end-of-sale or end-of-support status, which can pose significant maintenance and compliance issues. Progent's Cisco-certified consulting experts offer online and on-premises support for a broad range of older-generation Cisco wireless products. Progent can in addition help companies to evaluate the potential ROI for updating legacy wireless technology and can help in planning and executing affordable, non-disruptive upgrades. The following are a sample of Cisco older-generation Wi-Fi devices that Progent's consultants continue to support.

Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1000 or 1130AG Series APs are designed for offices and other venues which have minimal environmental instability. These access points include integrated antennas that provide dependable radio range profiles. The Aironet 1130G Series access point is offered for restricted locations that do not permit 5GHz operation.

Cisco Aironet 1230AG or 1240AG Series access points are intended for more problematic RF environments such as manufacturing plants and warehouses or above ceiling structures which tend to call for adjustable protruding antennas and durable enclosures. The Cisco 1240G family wireless access point is intended for controlled domains that do not permit 802.11a/5GHz operation.

Cisco Aironet 1500 Series lightweight outside wireless mesh APs offer an affordable, expandable, protected outdoor Wi-Fi mechanism for enterprise campuses and for public sites that need connectivity for mobile devices.

Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridges
Cisco Wireless LAN Bridges Support ServicesCisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges offer a high-performance and multi-featured solution for integrating numerous LANs in a metropolitan area or public access environment. Cisco bridges offer a versatile, manageable solution that meets the security requirements of WAN professionals. They handle both P2P and PMP deployments with excellent range and support for data throughput as high as 54 Mbps.

Cisco Aironet wireless bridges deliver data rates several times higher than E1/T1 links for much lower cost, avoiding the necessity of expensive leased lines when connecting separate offices. Since bridges require no recurring charges, the expenses saved on connection bills quickly cover the initial equipment costs. Private lines and even leased lines made of metal or optical cable often result in very expensive startup costs if they are impeded by barriers such as freeways, railroads, or bodies of water. Cisco Aironet wireless bridges can be installed rapidly with a fast return on investment.

Aironet 1300 outside access points/bridges can be deployed as independent access points, bridges, or workgroup bridges. These devices have a ruggedized cover and provide fast, affordable wireless interfaces between numerous fixed or mobile networks and clients.

Cisco Aironet 1400 family bridges provide high-speed, reliable outside bridging for LOS environments. These devices include a ruggedized enclosure that can hold up to severe outdoor conditions and can function within wide temperature ranges.

Legacy Cisco Wireless Controllers
Cisco WLAN Controllers Consulting FirmCisco Wireless LAN Controllers provide single-point management of wireless LANs by streamlining the handling of key technologies such as intrusion prevention, fast RF management, automatic deployment, and full N+1 redundancy. WLAN controllers work with small access points to offer superior throughput and high-end management functions.

Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers provide the manageability, scalability, protection, and dependability that network managers need to build secure, large-scale wireless networks, from branch offices to small businesses to headquarter campuses. Cisco's first-generation Wireless Controllers can be clustered to offer support for as many as 2400 wireless access points per roaming domain.

The Cisco WLCM or WLCM-E Module for IS Routers provides small-to mid-size businesses and enterprises a cost effective solution to implement and manage secure WLANs at branch offices. These controllers supervise as many as a dozen Aironet wireless access points and are installable in 2800/3800 Integrated Services Routers and Cisco 3700 Series IS Routers. (To learn concerning Progent's remote and onsite support for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router deployment and management consulting.)

How Progent's Engineers Can Assist Your Business with Cisco Wireless Devices
Progent can provide access to a Cisco-certified consultant to help your business to plan, deploy, maintain and troubleshoot a converged wired and wireless environment incorporating a broad range of wireless devices that offer the same protection, extensibility, and manageability you expect from a wired environment. Progent can assist you to support early-generation wireless solutions from Cisco or upgrade efficiently to current 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. Progent's CISM and CISSP security specialists can advise you about how to build security into your WLAN and into your company's operations. Progent's disaster recovery planning consultants and business continuity planners can show you how to deploy the high availability (HA) features incorporated into Cisco's wired/wireless products so your converged network provides continuing return on investment.

Progent’s Wireless Site Survey helps you to plan and deploy a robust wireless network customized for your environment, providing a Wi-Fi solution that provides seamless coverage, high performance and capacity, Quality of Service features to handle IP voice and video, advanced security and compliance, and easy management. Progent's Wireless Site Survey can be delivered online to cut time and expense, or onsite for more challenging environments.

For a further discussion of Progent's wireless integration services, visit Progent's Wireless Consulting.

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