Cisco offers an extensive line of wireless LAN devices and technologies designed to provide anywhere, anytime access to information and other resources and to facilitate collaboration among workers, associates, vendors, and clients. Cisco's wireless offerings include the 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 businesses of any size to utilize Cisco wireless solutions to accommodate the new model of Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) networks by integrating their wired/wireless networks to achieve simplified deployment, consistently high throughput, single-point management, uniform policy enforcement, high availability, and advanced protection.
Cisco's Unified Wireless solution can expand to as many as 18,000 access points with full Layer 3 connectivity at central or remote venues such as business headquarters, college auditoriums, branches, and home offices. Cisco's 802.11x wireless access points and wireless controllers are part of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are engineered to deliver the same level of security, throughput, and manageability for wireless LANs that businesses demand in their wired infrastructure. Cisco's technology includes built-in mobility services such as IP voice, high-definition IP video, and safe guest access. Cisco's Unified Wireless technology allows organizations to create Wi-Fi environments that improve the way they do business and enhance productivity via a dynamic and collaborative employee base.
Progent's Cisco-certified network infrastructure consultants offers remote or on-premises expertise to assist you to design, configure, manage, upgrade, and troubleshoot converged wired and wireless networks of all sizes and for any venue. Also, Progent can provide value-priced online and onsite wireless site surveys to assist your company to plan and deploy a wireless network with customized AP clustering optimized for your individual work area layout, building characteristics, and application workloads.
Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst Access Points (APs)
Cisco's Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst lines of wireless access points enable organizations to converge wired/wireless infrastructure to provide the accessibility, density, throughput, security and ease of management required for virtually any environment. These access points start at bare bones, single-radio 802.11b/g/n devices with data rates of 300 Mbps for small companies or home offices to 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access points capable of handling hundreds of clients on each access point and delivering data rates in excess of 5 Gigabits per second. Cisco's latest line of wireless access points can be combined or clustered to deliver the capacity to support environments crowded with clients and with a high incidence of HD video application software.
Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Series of APs
Cisco's Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Family of APs are Linux-based units designed as value-priced Wi-Fi solutions for small offices. Most models in Cisco's Small Business family of access points support Cisco's Single Point Setup system, which allows you to configure, control and troubleshoot a group of access points from a single AP via a simple web browser interface. All of the models include Power over Ethernet and feature QoS, rogue AP awareness, and bridge mode for wirelessly connecting to a second Ethernet LAN.
Cisco's Small Business WAP121 AP is a wallmount, single-radio 2.4GHz device able to handle 16 active 802.11n wireless clients, includes a 10/100 Ethernet port, allows up to four access pointss and 40 active clients in a cluster, and supports sustained data rates of up to 300 Mbps. Cisco's WAP131 is a desktop dual-radio 802.11n access point able to handle 16 wireless clients per radio for a total of up to 32 wireless clients, features a Gigabit Ethernet port, and delivers sustained data rates of up to 300 Mbps for each radio. The WAP131 does not allow clustering. The Cisco WAP150 is a value-priced Wave 1 dual-radio AC/n wireless access point that includes a 1xGE Power over Ethernet port and can handle 16 clients from each radio with 867 Mbps throughput for 802.11ac devices and 300 Mbps for 802.11n clients. The Cisco WAP1501 supports 4 access points per cluster.
Cisco's Small Business WAP321 AP is a wall-mountable selectable-band (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) 802.11a/b/g/n unit with support for 80 wireless clients sharing an 8-device cluster. The Cisco WAP321 features a GE interface and can deliver a sustained data rate of 300 Mbps for the selected radio. Cisco's Small Business WAP351 is a dual-radio 802.11a/b/g/n AP that includes a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet interface and can support 32 wireless clients per radio for a total of up to 64 clients, and deliver sustained throughput of 300 Mbps per radio. The WAP351 does not allow clustering. The Cisco Small Business WAP361 is a dual-band Wireless-AC/N AP that features a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet LAN switch, can support 32 active WLAN clients on each radio, and offers 867 Mbps performance for 802.11ac clients and 300 Mbps for 802.11n devices. Cisco's WAP361 supports eight WAP361 access points for each cluster. Cisco's wallmount 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 specification. The WAP371 Wireless-AC/N has a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, can support as many as 32 active wireless clients on each radio, and 8 APs per cluster.
The Cisco WAP561 Wireless-N Selectable Band AP includes one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port and dual radios that offer 450 Mbps throughput per radio, can handle 64 devices per radio, and allow 16 wireless access points for each cluster. The Cisco WAP551 is like Cisco's WAP 561 but features a single radio selectable band. Cisco's WAP571 and WAP571E (the weather-proof outside version) are dual-radio 802.11ac Wave 1 wireless access points that feature 2 x GE interfaces with link aggregation (LAG), and up to 1.9 Gbps throughput with 1300 Mbps over 802.11ac and 600 Mbps over 11n. Both devices can handle 32 clients per radio and 16 wireless access points per cluster.
Cisco's WAP581 Wireless-AC Dual Radio Wave 2 AP complies with the Wi-Fi 5 standard and features 4x4 and 3x3 MU-MIMO to provide 2.8 Gbps throughput at 5 GHz and 0.6 Gbps at 2.4 GHz for an aggregate maximum data rate of 2.4 Gbps. The WAP581 has a fixed 2.5G Ethernet LAN interface and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN interface with 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE). Cisco's WAP581 Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 access point can handle up to 200 connective client users, a maximum of 50 active users per radio, 16 access points per cluster, and 960 active client users per cluster.
To find out more about Progent's support for both current and legacy Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 series of WiFi APs, see Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 WiFi APs planning and support.
The Aironet Family of Wireless Access Points
Cisco's Aironet family of wireless access points has consistently been the top-selling AP solution. Aironet wireless access points range from value priced models to enterprise-class units. The Aironet series cover multiple generations of models compliant with the evolving 11x standard. The latest line of Aironet access points work with Cisco's Unified Wireless Network architecture and come with 802.11ac Wi-Fi support, which delivers triple the speed plus superior distance and user density than the prior generation of APs. The latest multi-frequency Aironet APs continue to accommodate 802.11n at 2.4 GHz for client devices without 802.11ac capability.
The oldest Aironet access points are outdated devices that have come to end-of-sale status and are not fully supported by Cisco. Progent continues to support the complete Aironet family of wireless access points and can help your company to manage and troubleshoot your current Aironet wireless system or move cost effectively to current Aironet products. For details about Progent's consulting services for current and outdated Cisco Aironet access points, refer to Aironet access points consulting services.
Meraki Access Points
Cisco's family of Meraki dual-band 2.4/5 GHz indoor APs range from value-priced models for general use to enterprise-class units that offer as high as 5.9 Gbit/sec performance. Every Meraki indoor wireless access point provides next-generation capabilities like self-configuring deployment, advanced security, BYOD support, extensive analytics, automatic web-based updates, and centralized cloud-based management for multiple sites. Each Cisco Meraki indoor wireless access point also incorporates dual high-power client-serving radios with boosted reception plus a dedicated radio that offers (WIDS/WIPS) security for threat detection and deep packet inspection at line rate.
Meraki outdoor access points are IP67 rated, built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, and tested to resist dust, shock and humidity. Meraki outdoor access points include a 1 x Gbit Ethernet port and deliver advanced features such as cloud management with network-wide control, 802.1X integration, built-in antivirus scan, single-click secure guest access and guest isolation firewall, application-aware traffic shaping, plus auto-configuring mesh with MIMO and beamforming. For details about Progent's consulting services for Cisco's Meraki wireless access points and management tools, refer to Cisco's Meraki APs planning and support.
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Line of Wi-Fi 6 and W-Fi 6E Access Points
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 family of Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax APs are intended for environments ranging from home offices to crowded stadiums. Catalyst 9100 APs are based on the 802.11ax specification, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, which is an evolution of the preceding 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard. Unlike 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 is designed to use both the 2.4-Ghz and 5-GHz bands. Important enhancements incorporated in Catalyst 9100 Series APs include OFDMA scheduling for high density deployments, dual NAVs for improved reliability, Target Wake Time for reduced power consumption in battery-powered endpoints, adaptive sensitivity thresholds for more efficient spectrum utilization, and extended guard intervals for improved outdoor performance. Catalyst 9100 Series 802.11ax APs can run Cisco's Embedded Wireless Controller, accommodate up to 400 clients per Wi-Fi radio, and run on Cisco IOS XE Software.
Cisco's Catalyst 916x Series Wi-Fi 6E access points are the first Cisco APs with the versatility of being managed on-site with Cisco DNA Center platform or via the cloud by deploying Meraki management tools. This allows businesses to transition to cloud-centric or hybrid management environments on their own schedule. All Catalyst 916x access points comply with the a/b/g/n/ac/ax and 6E Wi-Fi specifications and include support for the 6-GHz band. Each device has 5 radios and supports as many as 400 clients on each radio. Every AP model also features a dedicated radio for Cisco CleanAir Pro for mitigating interference, comes with a USB 2.0 port, and offers Bluetooth Low Energy. The entry-level Catalyst 9162 Series AP is meant for small businesses, incorporates three 2x2 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet connectivity. Cisco's Catalyst 9164 Series access point is meant for small and middle-size organizations, includes one 2x2 radio and two 4x4 radios, and features 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet support. The Catalyst 9166 Series access point is meant for large and medium-sized organizations, has three 4x4 radios, and features 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G mGig Ethernet connectivity. The 9166 also includes environmental sensors that measure air quality, temperature, and moisture. For more information about Progent's support for Catalyst 9100 Family of Wireless Access Points, refer to Wi-Fi 6/6E access points system design, deployment, and troubleshooting consulting.
Cisco 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers
Catalyst 9800 family of Wi-Fi 6-supported wireless LAN controllers allow you to automate and manage advanced Wi-Fi environments that support 802.11ax access points. The 802.11ax standard, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, builds on previous generation 802.11ac (called Wi-Fi 5) devices by delivering less latency and more predictable performance, allowing higher client user density, offering greater protection, saving energy for battery-dependent mobile devices, and allowing more versatility for supporting new types of Internet-of-Things endpoints. Cisco's Catalyst 9800 family wireless controllers feature always-on availability with seamless software updates, hot fixes, and the ability to add wireless APs without service interruption. Advanced security technologies include Cisco Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), image signing, and Software-Defined Access (SD-Access). Streaming telemetry allows you to track and analyze network and client health.
All appliances in the Catalyst 9800 line are powered by Cisco's IOS XE Software and operate with Cisco's DNA Center (DNAC) or with Cisco Prime Infrastructure network management platforms. Catalyst 9800 Series wireless LAN controllers can support Cisco Aironet 802.11ac Wave 1 and Wave 2 wireless APs concurrently with Cisco Catalyst 9100 802.11ax APs. For details about Progent's consulting services for Cisco 9800 line of Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers, refer to Cisco Catalyst 9800 line of Wi-Fi 6 wireless LAN controllers solution planning, deployment, and troubleshooting consulting.
Cisco Wi-Fi 5 Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 wireless controllers allow realtime data exchange, provisioning, administration, analysis and debugging for Cisco Wi-Fi devices and software services. Cisco offers both hardware and software-based Wi-Fi controllers for unified management of WiFi networks, but systems with many wireless access points typically require hardware-based Wi-Fi controllers. New Wi-Fi controller devices from Cisco deliver major advantages in comparison to Wave 1 and older products such as higher performance, simultaneous support for 1G and 10G Ethernet, improved application visibility and control (AVC), and advanced, integrated security.
The Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller is an entry-level appliance available in a desktop enclosure and intended for smaller organizations. You can install the 3504 in a centralized WLAN environment such as in lean branch and remote offices managed across the wide-area network via FlexConnect, or in bridge deployments where wiring is sparse. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller can handle up to 150 APs and 3,000 clients, delivers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 3504 wireless controller features a Cisco Multigigabit port (up to 5 Gigabit Ethernet) and four 1-GB Ethernet connections. APs can be connected directly to the WiFi controller via two Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The 3504 wireless controller features fast failover for access points and clients, which provides nonstop availability for applications. As with other current Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers from Cisco, the 3504 model has the integrated capability to work with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services Engine, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 WiFi controllers.
The Cisco 5520 WiFi Controller, available in a 1 rack unit form factor, is designed for midsize to large enterprises and campus networks and can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures. The 5520 wireless controller can handle as many as 1,500 Wi-Fi access points and 20,000 users, offers 20 Gbps throughput, and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 wireless controller features two 10 GE ports and features solid-state storage, backup fans, optional redundant power supplies, and subsecond failover for nonstop availability.
The Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller, offered in a 2 rack unit form factor, is a high-end wireless controller designed to support large enterprises, service providers, and large campus environments. The 8540 WiFi controller can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures and supports up to 6,000 access points and 64,000 users. The 8540 Wireless controller offers data rates up to 40 Gbps and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 8340 includes four 1-GB or 10GE interfaces and features solid-state storage, backup power supplies, backup fans, and rapid failover.
Wave 1 Cisco WiFi Network Controllers
Cisco wireless network controllers reduce the effort and cost needed to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot wireless networks by offering single-point control of critical functions such as setting up access points, applying single-point policies throughout wired/wireless networks, supporting enterprise-wide Quality of Service (QoS) for IP voice and video, tracking and optimizing system health, implementing security capabilities to defend against cyber break-ins and Distributed Denial of Service attacks, and managing IPv6 and dual-stack clients. Cisco has designed wireless LAN controllers for businesses of all sizes and can provide desktop or rackmount controllers, modular plug-in wireless controllers for Cisco ISR routers and Catalyst switches, and Catalyst switches with built-in wireless controllers.
Cisco's Wave 1 WiFi controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir tools to minimize signal interference and produce self-healing and self-optimizing wireless LANs for maximum 802.11n and 802.11ac performance and security. Built-in Apple Bonjour Gateways permit discovery and policy across WLAN, LAN and WAN for Apple-based applications. For fault tolerance, Cisco wireless controllers support AP and client stateful failover by permitting a backup HA wireless controller to synch with a main controller for AP license count, CAPWAP state and roaming keys, and access point CAPWAP state. If the primary wireless controller fails, thousands of wireless access points and clients can failover in less than a second to the secondary wireless controller.
Cisco's Wireless Module for ISR G2 Routers with UCS-E offers basic 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for 2900 and 3900 routers deployed by smaller organizations and branches. This value-priced and scalable module can handle up to 200 access points and up to 6000 clients. (To learn concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting and troubleshooting services for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router configuration and troubleshooting services.)
Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU form-factor switches intended for SMBs and branch offices and come with an integrated wireless controller with the ability to support up to 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and 25 wireless access points and 1000 clients on each switch or stack. Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU rackmount switches designed for midsize and large organizations and include a built-in wireless controller with 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and support for 50 APs and up to 2000 clients. The WiSM2 is a plug-in blade for Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include a built-in wireless LAN controller designed for mid-to-large size businesses and capable of 20 Gbps performance and with support for up to 1000 wireless access points and up to 15,000 clients. (For information concerning Progent's support for Cisco Catalyst switches, see Cisco switches configuration and management support.)
Cisco 2500 Wireless Controllers are value-priced desktop devices that simplify the deployment and management of wireless networks for small and midsize businesses and satellite offices. The Cisco 2500 wireless controller can handle 5 to 75 wireless access points and 1000 wireless clients and offers sustained performance of 1 Gbps.
The Cisco 5500 Wireless Controller is an expandable 1RU appliance designed for mid-to-large sized businesses and campuses and can support up to 500 APs and 7,000 clients while delivering 8 Gbps throughput. Cisco's 5760 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU appliance intended for mid-to-large campuses with the ability to manage up to 1000 wireless access points and 12,000 clients and delivering throughput of 60 Gbps to handle high wireless client densities and high amounts of media-rich mobile applications.
The Cisco Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controller is intended to manage thousands of wireless branches from a single datacenter, avoiding the requirement for a wireless controller at every branch. The 1RU Flex 7500 appliance allows you to establish a private cloud to deploy, track, manage, and repair up to 6000 APs and up to 64,000 wireless clients while supporting 1 Gbps throughput. The Cisco 8500 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU rackmount device engineered to manage wireless environments for large campuses or for service providers and can be expanded to handle up to 6000 access points and up to 64,000 clients while offering 10 Gbps throughput.
For more information about Cisco wireless controllers, go to Cisco wireless controllers consulting services.
Legacy Cisco Access Points, Bridges and Wi-Fi Controllers Supported by Progent
The IEEE 802.11ac standard for wireless connectivity effectively made obsolete all prior generations of Wi-Fi devices for many venues that support high densities of wireless clients and high usage of HD video applications. Even for organizations who do not require the bandwidth efficiency of 802.11ac, a large number of Cisco wireless products have reached end-of-sale or end-of-support status, which can pose serious service and regulatory compliance issues. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants provide remote and onsite support services for a broad range of older-generation Cisco wireless products. Progent can also help organizations to assess the business case for updating up-of-date wireless technology and can assist in planning and executing cost-effective, non-disruptive upgrades. The following are a few of Cisco older-generation Wi-Fi products that Progent's consultants continue to support.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1000/1130AG Series access points are designed for conventional workplaces and similar sites which have little environmental variability. These access points include built-in antennas that provide predictable omnidirectional range patterns. The 1130G Series WAP is offered for restricted locations that do not allow 5GHz operation.
Cisco Aironet 1230AG or 1240AG Series wireless access points are ideal for more problematic radio frequency environments such as manufacturing plants and warehouses or above ceiling structures which often require adjustable external antennas and durable enclosures. The 1240G Series AP is available for controlled locations that do not permit 802.11a operation.
Cisco Aironet 1500 lightweight outdoor mesh APs deliver a cost-effective, scalable, secure outdoor wireless network mechanism for enterprise campuses and for public sites that need connectivity for mobile devices.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Bridges
Cisco wireless LAN bridges provide a high-speed and multi-featured solution for connecting numerous LANs in a metro area or public wireless environment. Cisco Aironet bridges provide a versatile, manageable solution that satisfies the protection requirements of WAN specialists. These devices handle both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint deployments with excellent range and the ability to handle data throughput up to 54 Mbps.
Cisco wireless LAN bridges offer data rates several times faster than E1/T1 connections for far less cost, eliminating the requirement for costly leased lines when connecting separate buildings. Since wireless bridges have no recurring charges, the expenses saved on leased-line services rapidly cover the startup hardware investment. Self-installed private lines and even leased lines using copper or optical cable can result in considerable initial expenses in cases where they are separated by obstacles like freeways, train tracks, or lakes and rivers. Cisco Aironet wireless bridges can be installed rapidly with a fast return on investment.
Cisco Aironet 1300 outdoor wireless access points/bridges can be implemented as stand-alone access points, bridges, or wireless group bridges. These products have a tough enclosure and provide fast, economical wireless interfaces between multiple fixed or mobile networks and users.
Cisco Aironet 1400 bridges provide fast, reliable outdoor connections for line-of-sight (LOS) applications. They are housed in a ruggedized enclosure that is optimized for harsh outside conditions and can function in wide temperature ranges.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Controllers
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers provide single-point management of WLANs by streamlining the handling of key functions such as integrated intrusion prevention system (IPS), real-time RF control, zero touch deployment, and full N+1 redundancy. Wireless Network controllers work with small access points to deliver enhanced performance and advanced management capabilities.
Wireless LAN Controllers provide the control, scalability, protection, and reliability that system managers require to build secure, enterprise-scale wireless environments, from satellite locations to small businesses to main campuses. Cisco's first-generation Wireless Controllers can be clustered to offer accommodation for up to 2400 access points per roaming domain.
The Cisco WLCM or WLCM-E Wireless LAN Controller Module for IS Routers provides small-to medium businesses and large corporations an affordable way to deploy and manage protected wireless LANs at satellite offices. These devices supervise up to 12 Cisco Aironet wireless access points and are installable in 2800/3800 Routers and Cisco 3700 Series Integrated Services Routers. (To learn concerning Progent's remote and on-premises support for Cisco routers, see Cisco router deployment and troubleshooting support.)
How Progent's Consultants Can Assist You with Cisco Wireless Solutions
Progent can provide access to a Cisco-certified consultant to help you to plan, install, manage and troubleshoot a converged wired and wireless ecosystem incorporating a wide array of wireless technologies that offer the same security, extensibility, and manageability you expect from your wired environment. Progent can help you to maintain legacy wireless products from Cisco or upgrade seamlessly to current 802.11ax-compatible products. Progent's CISA and ISSAP security specialists can show you how to build protection into your wireless network and into your business processes. Progent's disaster recovery planning consultants and business continuity planning consultants can help you to configure the HA features built into Cisco's wireless and wired products so your converged network delivers significant return on investment.
Progent's Wireless Site Survey helps you to plan and implement a robust WLAN optimized for your facilities, providing a wireless ecosystem that provides seamless coverage, high speed and capacity, QoS features to support IP video, enterprise-class security and compliance, and streamlined management. Progent's Wireless Site Survey can be delivered remotely to cut time and costs, or on premises for more complex situations.
For a more in-depth discussion of Progent's wireless consulting services, see Progent's Wireless Help.
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