Cisco offers an extensive portfolio of wireless LAN devices and technologies designed to provide continual connections to information and resources and to facilitate teamwork among workers, partners, suppliers, and customers. Cisco's wireless offerings include the Small Business, Aironet and Meraki series of wireless access points, as well as Cisco's Wireless Network Controller plug-ins and standalone devices. Progent's Cisco-certified wireless consulting experts can help businesses of all sizes to deploy Cisco wireless products to accommodate the new paradigm of BYOD networks by integrating their wired/wireless networks to benefit from simplified configuration, consistently high throughput, centralized control, enterprise-wide policy, fault tolerance, and across-the-board security.
The Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture can scale to as many as 18,000 wireless access points with full Layer 3 mobility at central or offsite locations such as business campuses, college lecture halls, branches, and telecommuter homes. Cisco's Wi-Fi access points and controllers are components of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are designed to support the same level of protection, performance, and ease of management for wireless networks that businesses expect in their wired ecosystem. This architecture includes integrated mobility services such as IP voice, high-definition IP video, and safe guest access. Cisco's Unified Wireless solution enables companies to build Wi-Fi environments that streamline the way they do business and enhance productivity via a dynamic and connected workforce.
Progent's Cisco CCIE network infrastructure consultants offers remote or onsite expertise to help you to design, configure, maintain, expand, and troubleshoot converged wired and wireless network infrastructure of all sizes and for any venue. In addition, Progent offers economical remote and onsite wireless site surveys to assist you to plan and install a wireless network with customized access point clusters optimized for your individual work area layout, building structure, and intended application.
Cisco Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst Access Points (APs)
Cisco's Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst lines of access points enable organizations to integrate wired and wireless networks to provide the coverage, density, throughput, security compliance and manageability needed for virtually any scenario. These wireless access points range from entry-level, single-band 802.11b/g/n devices with throughput of 300 Mb for small companies or telecommuters to Wi-Fi 6 wireless access points capable of supporting hundreds of clients on each AP and delivering throughput of more than 5 Gbps. Cisco's current line of access points can be clustered to provide the capacity to support wireless networks with high client density and with high usage rates of video-intense application software.
Cisco Small Business Series of APs
Cisco's Small Business Series of wireless access points are Linux-based units designed as value-priced wireless solutions for light workloads. Many versions in Cisco's Small Business portfolio of access points work with Cisco's Single Point Setup system, which allows you to configure, manage and repair a group of access points from a single device via a simple web browser tool. All models support POE and provide Quality of Service (QoS), rogue access point awareness, and bridge mode for connecting to a second Ethernet LAN.
Cisco's Small Business WAP121 Wireless-N Access Point is a wallmount, single-band 2.4GHz unit able to support 16 active 802.11b/g/n wireless clients, has a Fast Ethernet port, permits up to four AP devices and 40 wireless clients in a cluster, and supports sustained throughput of 300 Mbps. Cisco's Small Business WAP131 is a desktop dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11n wireless access point that can handle 16 active clients on each radio for up to 32 clients, includes a Gigabit Ethernet interface, and delivers throughput of 300 Mbps for each radio. The WAP131 does not allow clustering. The Cisco Small Business WAP150 is an entry-level dual-radio 802.11ac/n wireless access point that features a one Gbit Poe port and can handle up to 16 clients per radio with 867 Mbps throughput for AC clients and 300 Mbps for 802.11n devices. Cisco's WAP1501 allows 4 APs for each cluster.
Cisco's Small Business WAP321 Wireless-N AP is a wall-mountable selectable-band (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) 802.11a/b/g/n device that can handle 80 active clients sharing an 8-device cluster. The WAP321 includes a 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface and can deliver throughput of 300 Mbps for the activated radio. Cisco's WAP351 is a dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n wireless access point with a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet interface and can handle 32 wireless clients on each radio for up to 64 clients, and deliver a sustained data rate of 300 Mbps for each radio. The WAP351 access point does not support clustering. Cisco's Small Business WAP361 is a dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11ac Wave 1 access point that features a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, allows 32 active WLAN clients per radio, and delivers 867 Mbps throughput for wireless AC devices and 300 Mbps performance for 802.11n devices. Cisco's WAP361 supports 8 access points per cluster. Cisco's wallmount WAP371 Wireless-AC/N is a dual-radio AP that works with 802.11n as well as the latest 802.11ac IEEE Wi-Fi specification. The WAP371 Wireless-AC/N has a GE port, can support up to 32 active wireless clients on each radio, and eight APs for each cluster.
The Cisco Small Business WAP561 Wireless-N Dual Radio Selectable Band wireless access point features a 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface and two radios (2.4 and 5.0 GHz) that deliver 450 Mbps performance for each radio, can handle 64 clients per radio, and allow 16 APs per cluster. The Cisco WAP551 is similar to Cisco's WAP 561 but features a single selectable band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz). Cisco's WAP571 and WAP571E (a ruggedized outside model) are dual-band Wireless-AC/N access points that feature 2 x GE LAN interfaces with link aggregation, and as high as 1.9 Gigabit/sec performance with 1300 Mbps on 11ac and 600 Mbps over 802.11n. Both access points can handle 32 clients per radio and 16 access points on each cluster.
Cisco's WAP581 Wireless-AC Wave 2 Access Point supports the Wi-Fi 5 standard and offers 4x4 and 3x3 MU-MIMO to provide 2.8 Gbps data rates on the 5.0-Ghz radio and 0.6 Gbps on the 2.4-GHz radio for a total maximum data rate of 2.4 Gbps. The WAP581 has a fixed 2.5G Ethernet port and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN interface with 802.3at Power over Ethernet. Cisco's WAP581 Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 access point can handle as many as 200 connective users, a maximum of 50 active users for each radio, 16 APs for each cluster, and 960 active users per cluster.
To find out more about Progent's consulting services for current and legacy Cisco Small Business family of WiFi APs, see Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 wireless access points system design and troubleshooting.
The Aironet Line of Access Points
The Aironet line of indoor and outdoor wireless APs has for years been the leading AP product. Aironet APs run the gamut from value-priced entry-level devices to enterprise-class APs. Cisco's Aironet family cover multiple generations of models supporting the evolving 802 standard. The current line of Aironet access points support Cisco's Unified Wireless Network architecture and include 802.11ac Wi-Fi support, which delivers three times the throughput as well as greater coverage and density in comparison to the prior generation of APs. The latest multi-frequency Aironet APs can accommodate 802.11n at 2.4 GHz for client devices that lack 802.11ac radios.
The oldest Aironet access points are now legacy devices that have come to end-of-sale status and are not supported by Cisco. Progent continues to support the entire Aironet family of wireless access points and can assist you to manage and troubleshoot your current Aironet Wi-Fi environment or upgrade efficiently to current Aironet products. To find out more about Progent's consulting services for both current and legacy Cisco Aironet access points, see Aironet APs planning and support.
Meraki Wireless Access Points
Cisco's portfolio of Meraki 2.4/5 GHz indoor APs include value-priced devices for general use to advanced products supporting up to 5.9 Gigabit per second performance. Each Cisco Meraki indoor AP provides next-generation features such as self-configuring plug-and-play installation, advanced security, BYOD support, built-in traffic analysis, zero-touch over-the-web firmware updates, and consolidated cloud management for multiple sites. Each Meraki indoor AP also incorporates dual powerful radios with boosted reception as well as a separate radio that offers (WIDS/WIPS) security for threat detection and deep packet inspection at line rate.
Meraki outdoor APs are IP67 certified, designed to withstand rugged outdoor environments, and tested to resist dust particles, vibration and moisture. Cisco's Meraki outdoor wireless access points include a 1 x Gbit Ethernet port and deliver advanced capabilities that include cloud management with multi-site visibility and control, native Active Directory integration, built-in antivirus scan (NAC), 1-click guest access and guest isolation firewall, application-aware traffic shaping, plus self-configuring mesh with MIMO. To find out more about Progent's consulting services for Cisco's Meraki APs and cloud management, see Cisco's Meraki access points consulting services.
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Line of Wi-Fi 6 and W-Fi 6E APs
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6 and 6E 802.11ax APs are designed for environments ranging from home offices to high-density convention centers. Catalyst 9100 access points are based on the 802.11ax standard, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, which in turn builds on the previous 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. Headline enhancements incorporated in Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series APs include MU-MIMO support for uplink traffic, dual NAVs for improved dependability, Target Wake Time for reduced power usage in battery-powered endpoints, adaptive power thresholds for more efficient spectrum utilization, and extended guard intervals for improved outdoor performance. Catalyst 9100 Wi-Fi 6 APs can run Cisco's EWC, accommodate as many as 400 client users 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 access points with the versatility to be monitored and managed either on-premises via Cisco DNA Center platform or via the cloud using Meraki Dashboard management utilities. This allows organizations to transition to cloud-based or hybrid management environments on their own timetable. All Catalyst 916x APs meet the a/b/g/n/ac/ax and 6E Wi-Fi specifications and fully support the 6-GHz band. Each device has 5 radios and supports as many as 400 clients per radio. Every model also features a dedicated radio for Cisco CleanAir Pro for mitigating wireless interference, comes with a USB 2.0 port, and offers Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The small-footprint Catalyst 9162 Series AP is suited for small organizations, has three 2x2 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet support.
Cisco's Catalyst 9163E Wi-Fi 6E access point is built to withstand harsh outside venues such as campus environments or stadiums. The 9163E includes three client serving 2x2 radios, one IoT radio, and a tri-band scanning radio. Interfaces include 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet (RJ-45), a management console port (RJ-45), 4x N-Type Wi-Fi antenna connectors, and an RP-SMA active GPS/GNSS antenna connector. The AP supports Omnidirectional Dipole Self-Identifying Antennas. The Catalyst 9164 Series access point is intended for small and middle-size enterprises, incorporates one 2x2 radio and two 4x4 radios, and features 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet support. The Catalyst 9166 Series AP is intended for large and medium-sized enterprises, has three 4x4 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G mGig Ethernet support. The 9166 also comes with environmental sensors that measure air quality, temperature, and humidity. For more information about Progent's support for Catalyst 9100 Line of 802.11ax APs, see Wi-Fi 6/6E 802.11ax access points system planning, deployment, and management services.
Cisco 9800 Series 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers
Cisco Catalyst 9800 family of Wi-Fi 6-compatible wireless LAN controllers allow you to manage advanced Wi-Fi environments that incorporate 802.11ax APs. 802.11ax, also called Wi-Fi 6, builds on prior generation 802.11ac (called Wi-Fi 5) devices by providing lower latency and more reliable performance, supporting higher client user density, offering greater security, conserving energy for battery-dependent mobile devices, and allowing more flexibility for supporting the latest types of Internet-of-Things endpoints. Catalyst 9800 family wireless controllers feature always-on availability with transparent software upgrades, hot patching, and the ability to add access points with zero disruption of service. Advanced security features include Cisco Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), secure boot, and Software-Defined Access. Streaming telemetry permits you to track and analyze infrastructure and client health.
All devices in the Catalyst 9800 family are based on Cisco's IOS XE Software and operate with Cisco's DNA Center or with Prime Infrastructure management tools. Cisco's Catalyst 9800 wireless network controllers can manage Cisco Aironet Wi-Fi 5 Wave 1 and Wave 2 wireless APs as well as Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi access points. For more information about Progent's support for Cisco 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers, see Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 wireless controller appliances solution design, configuration, and management services.
Cisco Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers allow fast communication, deployment, control, analysis and troubleshooting for Cisco wireless appliances and software services. Cisco offers both physical and software-based wireless controllers for centralized administration of WiFi environments, but WLANs with many wireless access points typically require hardware-based Wi-Fi controllers. Current generation wireless controller devices from Cisco deliver significant advantages in comparison to Wave 1 and older models including higher performance, simultaneous support for both 1G and 10G Ethernet, enhanced application visibility and control (AVC), and advanced, built-in protection.
Cisco's 3504 Wireless Controller is an entry-level device with a desktop body and designed for small and medium-sized organizations. You can use the 3504 in a centralized WLAN architecture such as in small branch and remote offices managed over the wide-area network via Cisco FlexConnect, or in bridge installations where Ethernet cabling is limited. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller supports as many as 150 APs and 3,000 users, delivers 4 Gbps performance, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 3504 wireless controller includes a Cisco Multigigabit interface and four 1-GB Ethernet connections. Access points can be connected to the controller via two Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The 3504 wireless controller offers subsecond failover for APs and users, which allows uninterrupted availability for apps. Like other Wave 2 wireless controllers from Cisco, the 3504 model has the integrated capability to communicate with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 wireless controllers.
The Cisco 5520 Wireless Controller, offered in a 1 rack unit (RU) enclosure, is designed to support larger enterprises and campus networks and can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures. The 5520 Wi-Fi controller supports as many as 1,500 wireless APs and 20,000 users, offers 20 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 wireless controller features two 10 GE ports and incorporates solid-state storage, backup fans, optional backup power supplies, and subsecond failover for high availability.
Cisco's 8540 Wireless Controller, available in a 2 rack unit package, is a high-end WiFi controller intended to support enterprises, service providers, and large campus environments. The 8540 WiFi controller can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures and can handle as many as 6,000 Wi-Fi access points and 64,000 client users. The 8540 WiFi controller can deliver data rates as high as 40 Gbps and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 8340 comes with four 1-GB or 10GE ports and features SSD storage, redundant power supplies, backup fans, and subsecond failover.
Wave 1 Cisco Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco wireless controllers cut the time and expense needed to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks by offering single-point control of functions like provisioning wireless access points, applying single-point policies throughout converged wired/wireless LANs, supporting enterprise-wide QoS for voice and HD video, monitoring and optimizing system health, implementing wireless intrusion prevention system (wIPS) tools to guard against cyber break-ins and DDoS attacks, and handling IPv6 and dual-stack clients. Cisco has designed wireless LAN controllers for organizations of any size and can provide standalone desktop controllers, modular plug-in controllers for Cisco routers and switches, and switches with integrated wireless network controllers.
Cisco's Wave 1 WiFi controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir technology to minimize signal interference and create self-healing wireless networks for top 802.11n and 802.11ac throughput and protection. Built-in Apple Bonjour Gateways permit discovery and policy across the enterprise for Apple applications. For high availability (HA), Cisco wireless network controllers allow access point and client stateful switchover by permitting a standby HA controller to synch with a main wireless controller for AP license count, CAPWAP state and roaming keys, and AP CAPWAP state. If the main controller goes down, thousands of access points and wireless clients can switchover at subsecond speeds to the secondary wireless controller.
Cisco's Wireless Controller Module for ISR G2 Routers with UCS-E offers entry-level 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for Cisco 2900 and 3900 Series routers used by small to medium-sized organizations and satellite offices. This affordable and expandable module can support from five to 200 access points and up to 6000 wireless clients. (To find out concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting support services for Cisco routers, see Cisco router configuration and troubleshooting services.)
Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU switches designed for small to mid-size businesses and branch offices and have a built-in wireless controller with the ability to support 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and 25 APs and 1000 wireless clients on each switch or stack. Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU rackmount switches designed for midsize businesses and large enterprises and feature a built-in wireless network controller supporting up to 40 Gb of wireless throughput on each switch and support for up to 50 wireless access points and up to 2000 clients. The WiSM2 is an add-in blade for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include an integrated wireless network controller designed for mid-to-large size enterprises and capable of 20 Gbps throughput and with support for up to 1000 APs and up to 15,000 wireless clients. (To find out concerning Progent's consulting services for Cisco Catalyst switches, refer to Cisco switches deployment and troubleshooting support.)
Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers are entry-level desktop devices that streamline the deployment and operation of wireless LANs for SMBs and branches. The Cisco 2500 wireless LAN controller can handle from five to 75 access points and 1000 wireless clients and can deliver sustained data rates of 1 Gbps.
Cisco's 5500 Series Wireless Controller is a scalable 1RU appliance designed 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 designed for mid-to-large campus environments with the ability to manage 1000 APs and 12,000 clients and delivering throughput of 60 Gbps to handle high wireless client densities and high amounts of video-intensive applications.
The Cisco Flex 7500 Wireless Controller is designed to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless remote sites from a single location, eliminating the requirement for a wireless controller at each branch. The 1RU rackmount Flex 7500 appliance allows you to establish a private cloud to configure, track, manage, and repair as many as 6000 APs and up to 64,000 wireless clients while handling 1 Gbps performance. Cisco's 8500 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU rackmount device designed to manage Wi-Fi environments for very large campuses or for service providers and can be expanded to support up to 6000 APs and 64,000 wireless clients while delivering 10 Gbps performance.
To learn more about Cisco wireless controllers, go to Cisco wireless controllers consulting and integration.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Access Points, Bridges and Wi-Fi Controllers Supported by Progent
The introduction of the 802.11ac standard for Wi-Fi largely made obsolete the previous releases of Wi-Fi devices for many environments that support high densities of clients and high incidence of video-intensive applications. Even for organizations who do not currently require the bandwidth efficiency of 802.11ac, a large number of Cisco wireless products have arrived at end-of-life status, which can present significant maintenance and compliance issues. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants offer remote and onsite support services for a wide range of earlier-generation wireless products from Cisco. Progent can in addition assist companies to assess the business case for updating up-of-date wireless infrastructure and can assist in planning and executing affordable, non-disruptive upgrades. The following are a few of Cisco older-generation wireless devices that Progent's consulting experts continue to support.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Access Points
Aironet 1000 or 1130AG family wireless access points are ideal for conventional workplaces and similar venues which have little environmental instability. These devices have built-in antennas that provide predictable omnidirectional coverage patterns. The Cisco Aironet 1130G family device is designed for regulated locations that do not permit 802.11a operation.
Cisco Aironet 1230AG/1240AG Series access points are designed for more problematic RF situations such as factories or above suspended ceilings which often require adjustable protruding antennas and durable enclosures. The Cisco Aironet 1240G Series product is available for controlled domains that do not permit 5GHz transmission.
Cisco Aironet 1500 Series lightweight outside mesh access points provide an economical, expandable, secure outdoor Wi-Fi mechanism for enterprise campuses and for public venues that need access for mobile phones or computers.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridges
Cisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges offer a high-throughput and multi-featured solution for connecting numerous local area networks in a metro area or public wireless network. Cisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges provide a versatile, easy-to-use solution that meets the security needs of wide-area networking specialists. These bridges handle both P2P and point-to-multipoint implementations with good coverage and support for data rates up to 54 Mbps.
Cisco wireless LAN bridges deliver data rates significantly faster than E1/T1 connections for much lower expense, eliminating the requirement for costly leased lines when linking different offices. Since wireless bridges carry no periodic charges, the expenses saved on connection bills quickly pay for the startup equipment costs. Self-installed private lines and in some cases leased lines utilizing metal or fiber-optic cable can require high up-front expenses if they are separated by barriers like highways, train tracks, or lakes and rivers. Cisco wireless LAN bridges can be deployed rapidly an offer a fast return on investment.
Cisco Aironet 1300 family outside wireless access points/bridges can be deployed as independent wireless access points, bridges, or workgroup bridges. These appliances have a durable cover and provide fast, cost-effective wireless connectivity between multiple stationary or mobile networks and clients.
Cisco Aironet 1400 wireless bridges offer high-speed, reliable outdoor wireless bridging for line-of-sight applications. They are housed in an all-weather enclosure that is optimized for severe outside conditions and function in wide temperature ranges.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco WLAN Controllers provide single-point management of wireless networks by simplifying the control of key functions such as intrusion prevention, real-time RF control, automatic configuration, and N+1 redundancy. Wireless Network controllers operate with small wireless access points to deliver enhanced performance and advanced management capabilities.
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) offer the manageability, expandability, protection, and fault tolerance that system managers require to build safe, large-scale wireless environments, from branch locations to small companies to headquarter campuses. Cisco's legacy WLCs can be clustered to provide accommodation for up to 2400 wireless access points per roaming domain.
Cisco's WLCM or WLCM-E Wireless LAN Controller Module for IS Routers offers small-to mid-size businesses and large corporations a cost effective way to deploy and control secure wireless LANs at branch offices. These controllers supervise as many as a dozen Aironet access points and are supported on 2800/3800 IS Routers and 3700 Series Integrated Services Routers. (To learn about Progent's remote and on-premises consulting support for Cisco routers, see Cisco router deployment and management support.)
How Progent Can Assist You with Cisco Wireless Products
Progent can provide access to a Cisco-certified consultant to assist your business to design, deploy, manage and troubleshoot a converged wired and wireless infrastructure incorporating a broad range of wireless devices that provide the identical security, extensibility, and manageability you expect from your wired environment. Progent can help you to manage early-generation Wi-Fi products from Cisco or upgrade seamlessly to current 802.11ax-compatible products. Progent's CISM and CISSP security specialists can show you how to design protection into your WLAN and into your business operations. Progent's disaster recovery consultants and business continuity planning consultants can assist you to set up the high availability features built into Cisco's wired/wireless products so your converged infrastructure delivers non-stop business value.
Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey helps you to plan and deploy a state-of-the-art wireless network optimized for your environment, offering a Wi-Fi ecosystem that delivers seamless coverage, high performance and capacity, QoS to handle IP video, enterprise-class security and compliance, and easy management. Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey can be delivered online to reduce time and costs, or onsite for more challenging situations.
For a further look at Progent's wireless consulting services, visit Progent's Wireless Network Support Services.
To learn additional details about Progent's consulting assistance for Cisco solutions, choose a topic: