Cisco Network Consulting and Support

Cisco has developed an extensive catalog of wireless networking devices and technologies that provide continual connections to information and resources and to promote collaboration among employees, partners, suppliers, and customers. Cisco's wireless offerings include Cisco's Small Business, Aironet and Meraki lines of wireless access points, as well as Cisco's Wireless LAN Controller modules and appliances. Progent's Cisco-certified wireless consulting experts can enable businesses of all sizes to utilize Cisco wireless technology to support the new paradigm of Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) computing by integrating their wired/wireless networks to benefit from easy deployment, consistent and fast throughput, single-point control, enterprise-wide policy enforcement, fault tolerance, and advanced protection.

The Cisco Unified Wireless Network solution can scale to as many as 18,000 access points with Layer 3 connectivity across central or remote venues such as business headquarters, university lecture halls, branches, and home offices. Cisco's 802.11x APs and wireless controllers are part of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are designed to support the identical degree of security, throughput, and ease of management for wireless networks that companies expect in their wired networks. Cisco's architecture includes built-in mobile services such as Voice over IP, IP video, and safe guest access. Cisco's Unified Wireless Network solution allows organizations to create wireless ecosystems that improve the way they work and improve productivity via a mobile and connected employee base.

Progent's Cisco CCIE network consultants offers online or onsite support to assist you to plan, deploy, maintain, upgrade, and repair converged wired and wireless networks of any size and for any venue. Also, Progent offers economical online and on-premises wireless site surveys to help your company to design and install a wireless LAN with custom-designed access point clusters optimized for your individual office layout, building structure, and application workloads.

Cisco Small Business, Aironet and Meraki Wireless Access Points (APs)
Cisco's Small Business, Aironet and Meraki families of APs allow businesses to integrate wired and wireless networks to deliver the accessibility, density, performance, security compliance and ease of management required to support practically any environment. Cisco's APs range from bare bones, single-band 802.11b/g/n units with data rates of 300 Mb designed for very small companies or home offices to dual-radio 802.11a/b/g/n/ac APs suitable for supporting 200 or more wireless clients per AP and delivering throughput of up to 1.9 Gigabits per second. Cisco's current selection of APs can be combined or clustered to provide the scale to support wireless networks crowded with clients and with high usage rates of video-intense application software.

Small Business Series of APs
Cisco's Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Family of access points are Linux-based units intended as entry-level 802.11n Wi-Fi solutions for small offices. Many versions in the Cisco Small Business line of access points work with Cisco's Single Point Setup system, which makes it possible to configure, manage and troubleshoot a cluster of access points from one device through an intuitive browser-based interface. All of the models include Power over Ethernet (POE) and feature Quality of Service (QoS), rogue access point detection, and bridge mode for connecting to a second Ethernet LAN.

Cisco's Small Business WAP121 Wireless-N AP is a wall-mountable, single-radio 2.4GHz device that can handle 16 active 802.11n wireless clients, includes a 10/100 Ethernet interface, permits up to 4 AP devices and 40 wireless clients in a cluster, and can handle sustained throughput of 300 Mbps. Cisco's WAP131 is a desktop dual-radio 802.11a/b/g/n access point that can handle 16 active clients per radio for up to 32 clients, includes a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN interface, and can support throughput of 300 Mbps per radio. The WAP131 does not support AP clustering. Cisco's Small Business WAP150 is a value-priced Wave 1 dual-radio AC/n wireless access point that includes a one Gbit Poe port and can handle up to 16 clients from each radio with 867 Mbps throughput for 802.11ac clients and 300 Mbps for 802.11n devices. The Cisco WAP1501 supports 4 access points for each cluster.

The Cisco Small Business WAP321 model is a wallmount single-band (2.4 or 5 GHz) 802.11n unit that can handle 80 active clients in an 8-AP cluster. The WAP321 includes a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port and can support throughput of 300 Mbps for the selected radio. Cisco's Small Business WAP351 is a dual-radio 802.11n AP that includes a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch and can support 32 wireless clients on each radio for a total of up to 64 active clients, and deliver a sustained data rate of 300 Mbps per radio. The WAP351 access point does not allow clustering. Cisco's Small Business WAP361 is a dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wireless-AC/N wireless access point that includes a 5 x Gb Ethernet LAN switch, can support 32 clients per radio, and offers 867 Mbps throughput for wireless AC clients and 300 Mbps for 802.11n clients. The Cisco WAP361 allows eight access points per cluster. Cisco's wallmount Small Business WAP371 Wireless-AC/N is a dual-band device that works with 802.11a/b/g/n as well as the new 802.11ac IEEE Wi-Fi standard. The WAP371 includes a Gigabit Ethernet port, can handle as many as 32 active clients on each radio, and 8 APs for each cluster.

The Cisco WAP561 802.11n Selectable Band AP features a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN interface and dual concurrent radios (2.4 and 5.0 GHz) that deliver 450 Mbps performance for each radio, can handle 64 devices for each radio, and allow up to 16 wireless access points per cluster. The Cisco WAP551 is similar to the WAP 561 but features a single radio selectable band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz). The Cisco Small Business WAP571 and WAP571E (a weather-proof outside model) are dual-band 802.11ac Wave 1 wireless access points that feature two Gb Ethernet LAN interfaces with link aggregation (LAG), and up to 1.9 Gbps performance with 1300 Mbps on 802.11ac and 600 Mbps over 11n. Both devices can handle 32 active WAN clients per radio and 16 access points per cluster.

Cisco's Aironet Line of Wireless Access Points
The Aironet line of wireless access points has consistently been the leading access point product. Aironet APs range from value-priced entry-level devices to advanced units. Cisco's Aironet series span multiple generations of devices compliant with the continually improving 11x specification. The current portfolio of Aironet wireless access points support Cisco's Unified Wireless Network architecture and come with 802.11ac Wi-Fi support, which delivers three times the speed plus superior distance and density than the previous generation of devices. Cisco's current dual-band Aironet access points continue to handle 802.11n at 2.4 GHz for clients without 802.11ac radios.

The earliest Aironet APs are now legacy devices that have come to end-of-sale status and are not fully supported by Cisco. Progent continues to provide technical support for the entire Aironet family of wireless access points and can assist you to maintain your current Aironet Wi-Fi environment or upgrade efficiently to current Aironet technology. For details about Progent's consulting services for current and outdated Cisco Aironet access points, see Cisco Aironet APs consulting.

Meraki Access Points
Cisco's family of Meraki 2.4/5 GHz indoor access points include value-priced devices for small businesses to advanced units that offer as high as 2.5 Gigabit per second throughput. Every Cisco Meraki indoor wireless access point provides next-generation features like plug-and-play installation, advanced protection, Bring-Your-Own-Device support, extensive traffic analysis, zero-touch web-based firmware updates, and centralized cloud management for multiple sites. Every Meraki indoor wireless access point also includes two high-power client-serving radios with enhanced receive sensitivity as well as a dedicated radio that offers intrusion detection and prevention system (WIDS/WIPS) security for RF analysis and deep packet inspection at line rate.

Cisco's Meraki outdoor wireless access points are IP67 certified, built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, and able to resist dust particles, shock and humidity. Meraki outdoor wireless access points include a 1 x Gbit Ethernet port and deliver advanced capabilities such as cloud management with multi-site visibility, 802.1X integration, built-in antivirus scan, single-click secure guest access and isolation firewall, Layer 7 traffic shaping, plus auto-configuring mesh with beamforming. For details about Progent's consulting services for Cisco's Meraki APs and management tools, see Cisco's Meraki APs system design and troubleshooting.

Cisco Wave 2 WiFi Network Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 wireless controllers enable fast communication, configuration, management, analysis and debugging for Cisco wireless devices and software services. Cisco offers both hardware and virtual Wi-Fi controllers for unified management of wireless networks, but networks with a large number of Wi-Fi APs are better served by physical Wi-Fi controllers. New Wi-Fi controller devices from Cisco offer significant benefits over Wave 1 and earlier products such as higher performance, simultaneous support for 1G and 10G interfaces, enhanced application visibility and control (AVC), and advanced, built-in security.

The Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller is an entry-level device with a desktop form factor and intended for smaller businesses. You can use the 3504 in a centralized WLAN architecture such as in lean branch and home-based offices administered across the wide-area network with Cisco FlexConnect, or in bridge deployments where Ethernet cabling is sparse. The 3504 wireless controller can handle as many as 150 APs and 3,000 client users, delivers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 3504 wireless controller features a multi-gigabit Ethernet interface (up to 5 Gigabit Ethernet) and four 1-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. APs can be attached to the WiFi controller through two Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller features subsecond failover for APs and clients, which allows uninterrupted availability for applications. Like other Wave 2 wireless controllers from Cisco, the 3504 device has the integrated ability to work with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services Engine, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 wireless controllers.

Cisco's 5520 Wireless Controller, available in a 1 rack unit form factor, is designed to support midsize to large enterprises and campus networks and can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures. The 5520 Wi-Fi controller supports up to 1,500 wireless APs and 20,000 clients, delivers 20 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 WiFi controller features two 10 GE ports and incorporates SSD storage, redundant fans, optional backup power supplies, and subsecond failover for high availability.

The Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller, offered in a 2 rack unit (RU) enclosure, is a high-end WiFi controller designed to support large enterprises, service providers, and large campuses. The 8540 WiFi controller can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures and can handle up to 6,000 Wi-Fi access points and 64,000 client users. The 8540 WiFi controller offers data rates as high as 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, redundant fans, and subsecond failover.

Wave 1 Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco wireless LAN controllers cut the effort and expense required to deploy, manage, and operate Wi-Fi networks by centralizing control of critical tasks like setting up access points, enforcing single-point policies throughout converged wired/wireless networks, supporting enterprise-wide Quality of Service (QoS) for voice and HD video, tracking and optimizing system health, activating security tools to defend against unauthorized access and Denial of Service threats, and handling IPv6 clients. Cisco has designed wireless network controllers for organizations of all sizes and offers desktop or rackmount controllers, modular add-on controllers for Cisco ISR routers and switches, and switches with integrated wireless controllers.

Cisco's Wave 1 wireless LAN controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir tools to avoid RF interference and produce self-healing wireless networks for maximum 802.11n and 802.11ac throughput and security. Built-in Apple Bonjour Gateways enable discovery, advertisement and policy throughout the enterprise for Apple-based applications. For high availability (HA), Cisco wireless LAN controllers support access point and client stateful switchover by permitting a backup high-availability wireless controller to synchronize with a primary controller for access point license count, CAPWAP state and roaming keys, and AP CAPWAP state. In case the primary controller stops working, thousands of APs and clients can failover immediately to the backup wireless network controller.

Cisco's Wireless Controller Module for ISR Routers with UCS-E offers entry-level 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for Cisco 2900 and 3900 routers deployed by smaller businesses and satellite offices. This value-priced and scalable module can handle up to 200 wireless access points and as many as 6000 wireless clients. (To find out concerning Progent's remote and on-premises consulting and troubleshooting support services for Cisco routers, see Cisco router configuration and troubleshooting consulting.)

Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU switches designed for SMBs and satellite offices and features an integrated wireless network controller with the ability to handle up to 40 Gb of wireless throughput for each switch and 25 APs and 1000 clients on each switch. Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU rackmount switches intended for mid-size businesses and large enterprises and feature a built-in wireless controller with up to 40 Gb of wireless capacity on each switch and the ability to handle 50 wireless access points and up to 2000 wireless clients. The Wireless Services Module2 (WiSM2) is a plug-in blade for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include an integrated wireless LAN controller intended for mid-to-large size businesses and able to deliver 20 Gbps performance and able to handle 1000 APs and 15,000 wireless clients. (For information about Progent's support for Cisco switches, see Cisco Catalyst switches deployment and management services.)

Cisco 2500 Wireless Controllers are value-priced desktop devices that simplify the deployment and management of Wi-Fi networks for small to medium-sized enterprises and satellite offices. The Cisco 2500 Series wireless network controller supports 5 to 75 APs and 1000 wireless clients and can deliver sustained data rates of 1 Gbps.

Cisco's 5500 Wireless Controller is a scalable 1RU unit intended for medium-sized to large organizations and campuses and can manage 500 wireless access points and 7,000 wireless clients while delivering 8 Gbps throughput. Cisco's 5760 Wireless Controller is a 1RU appliance intended for mid-to-large campus environments with the ability to manage up to 1000 APs and 12,000 clients and offering throughput of 60 Gbps to accommodate high wireless client densities and high usage of media-rich applications.

Cisco's Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controller is designed to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless remote sites from a single location, eliminating the need for a wireless controller at every remote site. The 1RU rackmount Flex 7500 appliance lets you create a private cloud to configure, monitor, manage, and repair as many as 6000 access points and 64,000 wireless clients while handling 1 Gbps throughput. The Cisco 8500 Wireless Controller is a 1RU appliance designed to manage wireless networks for large campuses or for service providers and can scale to support 6000 wireless points and 64,000 clients while delivering 10 Gbps performance.

For more information about Cisco WiFi controllers, visit Cisco wireless controllers consulting and integration.

Legacy Cisco Wireless Access Points, LAN Bridges and Controllers Supported by Progent
The introduction of the IEEE 802.11ac standard for wireless connectivity virtually rendered obsolete all earlier releases of Wi-Fi devices for venues that support high numbers of wireless clients and high usage of video-intensive applications. Even for organizations who do not currently require the performance of 802.11ac, a large number of Cisco wireless devices have arrived at end-of-life status, which can represent serious service and regulatory compliance issues. Progent's Cisco-certified consulting experts offer remote and on-premises support services for a broad array of earlier-generation wireless products from Cisco. Progent can in addition help organizations to assess the business case for updating legacy wireless technology and can assist in designing and executing affordable, non-disruptive upgrades. Below are a sample of Cisco older-generation Wi-Fi devices that Progent's consultants still support.

Legacy Cisco Aironet APs
Cisco Aironet 1000 or 1130AG family wireless access points are intended for conventional workplaces and similar sites which have minimal environmental instability. These products include integrated antennas that offer predictable radio coverage profiles. The Cisco Aironet 1130G Series product is offered for restricted locations that do not permit 802.11a/5GHz transmission.

Cisco Aironet 1230AG or 1240AG Series wireless access points are intended for more problematic RF situations like factories or above suspended ceilings which tend to require flexible external antennas and ruggedized enclosures. The 1240G Series wireless access point is designed for regulatory domains that do not permit 802.11a transmission.

Aironet 1500 Series lightweight outdoor mesh LAN access points deliver an affordable, expandable, secure outdoor wireless network solution for enterprise campuses and for public venues that require connectivity for mobile phones or computers.

Legacy Cisco Wireless Bridges
Cisco Aironet wireless bridges provide a high-throughput and multi-featured solution for integrating multiple local area networks in a metro area or public wireless environment. Cisco bridges provide a flexible, manageable technology that satisfies the security requirements of wide-area networking professionals. These devices support both PTP and PTMP configurations with good range and the ability to handle traffic throughput as high as 54 Mbps.

Cisco Aironet wireless bridges deliver throughput several times faster than E1/T1 links for a fraction of the expense, eliminating the necessity of costly leased lines when linking different offices. Since bridges require no periodic charges, the expenses saved on connection services quickly pay for the initial equipment investment. Self-installed private lines and even leased lines made of copper or fiber-optic cable can result in high up-front costs if they are separated by barriers like freeways, train tracks, or bodies of water. Cisco Aironet wireless bridges can be installed rapidly an offer a fast ROI.

Cisco Aironet 1300 family outdoor wireless access points/bridges can be deployed as independent access points, wireless bridges, or wireless group bridges. These appliances have a tough cover and offer fast, cost-effective wireless interfaces between multiple stationary or mobile environments and clients.

Cisco 1400 family bridges provide high-performance, reliable outside bridging for LOS applications. These devices include a durable cover that can hold up to harsh outside environments and function within broad temperature ranges.

Legacy Cisco Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco WLAN Controllers provide single-point management of wireless LANs by streamlining the control of key functions such as integrated IPS, fast RF management, automatic deployment, and N+1 redundancy. Cisco Wireless controllers operate with small APs to deliver superior throughput and advanced control capabilities.

WLAN Controllers (WLCs) offer the control, expandability, security, and fault tolerance that network managers require to build safe, large-scale wireless networks, from satellite locations to small companies to main campuses. Cisco's legacy Wireless Controllers can be configured together to provide support for up to 2400 access points per roaming domain.

The Cisco WLCM or WLCM-E Controller Module for IS Routers provides small-to mid-size businesses and enterprises an affordable way to deploy and control secure wireless networks at branch offices. These wireless controllers manage up to 12 Aironet access points and are supported on 2800/3800 Series IS Routers and Cisco 3700 Series Integrated Services Routers. (To find out concerning Progent's remote and on-premises consulting support for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router deployment and troubleshooting support.)

How Progent Can Help You with Cisco Wireless Products
Progent can provide access to a Cisco-certified consulting professional to help you to design, install, manage and repair a converged wired and wireless infrastructure incorporating a wide range of wireless technologies that provide the same security, scalability, and ease of management you expect from your wired environment. Progent can help you to manage early-generation wireless products from Cisco or migrate seamlessly to the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. Progent's CISA and ISSAP security consultants can advise you about how to build security into your wireless network and into your business operations. Progent's disaster recovery consultants and business continuity planning consultants can assist you to set up the high availability (HA) features incorporated into Cisco's wired/wireless technologies so your converged network delivers non-stop business value.

Progent’s Wireless Site Survey helps you to plan and implement a state-of-the-art wireless network optimized for your facilities, offering a Wi-Fi ecosystem that provides seamless coverage, high performance and capacity, QoS features to support IP voice and video, advanced security, and simplified management. Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey can be performed remotely to reduce time and expense, or onsite to deal with more complex facilities.

For a further look at Progent's wireless integration capabilities, see Progent's Wireless LAN Support Services.

To find out additional information about Progent's engineering support for Cisco technology, choose a topic:

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