Cisco offers a comprehensive catalog of wireless LAN devices and technologies that enable anywhere, anytime access to information and other resources and to promote collaboration among employees, associates, vendors, and clients. Cisco's wireless product families include Cisco's Small Business, Aironet and Meraki series of wireless access points, as well as Cisco's Wireless Network Controller modules and appliances. Progent's certified wireless consultants can enable businesses of all sizes to deploy Cisco wireless products to accommodate the current model of BYOD networks by converging their wired/wireless environments to achieve simplified configuration, consistent and fast performance, single-point management, uniform policy, fault tolerance, and advanced protection.
Cisco's Unified Wireless Network solution can expand to up to 18,000 access points with full Layer 3 mobility at local or remote venues like enterprise headquarters, university auditoriums, branch offices, and home offices. Cisco's 802.11x wireless access points and wireless controllers are part of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are designed to support the same degree of security, throughput, and manageability for wireless networks that companies demand in their wired ecosystem. Cisco's architecture includes built-in mobility services like IP voice, high-definition IP video, and safe guest access. Cisco's Unified Wireless solution allows companies to build Wi-Fi ecosystems that improve the way they do business and improve productivity via a mobile and connected workforce.
Progent's Cisco-certified network consultants offers online or on-premises expertise to help you to plan, deploy, manage, upgrade, and repair converged wired and wireless networks of all sizes and for any venue. In addition, Progent offers value-priced remote and on-premises Wi-Fi site surveys to assist you to plan and deploy a wireless LAN with custom-designed AP clustering optimized for your individual work area layout, building structure, and application workloads.
Cisco Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst Wireless Access Points (APs)
Cisco's Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst families of wireless access points enable organizations to integrate wired/wireless infrastructure to deliver the accessibility, capacity, throughput, protection and manageability required to support virtually any environment. Cisco's APs start at entry-level, single-band 802.11b/g/n units with data rates of 300 Mb for small companies or telecommuters to 802.11ax wireless access points suitable for handling hundreds of clients on each access point and offering data rates in excess of 5 Gigabits per second. Cisco's current selection of access points can be clustered to deliver the capacity to support sites with high client density and with a high incidence of video-intense applications.
Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Series of Access Points
Cisco's Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Family of wireless access points are Linux-powered units designed as entry-level wireless APs for light workloads. Most versions in Cisco's Small Business line of APs support Cisco's Single Point Setup technology, which makes it possible to set up, control and repair a group of wireless access points from a single AP via an intuitive web browser interface. All versions include Power over Ethernet (POE) and provide QoS, rogue AP detection, and bridge mode for connecting to another Ethernet LAN.
Cisco's Small Business WAP121 Wireless-N AP is a wallmount, single-band 2.4GHz device that can support 16 active 802.11n wireless clients, includes a 10/100 Ethernet interface, permits up to four AP devices and 40 wireless clients in a cluster, and supports data rates of up to 300 Mbps. The Cisco Small Business WAP131 is a desktop dual-radio 802.11a/b/g/n AP that can support 16 wireless clients per radio for up to 32 wireless clients, features a Gigabit Ethernet port, and delivers throughput of up to 300 Mbps per radio. The WAP131 Wireless-N does not allow AP clustering. The Cisco Small Business WAP150 is a general-purpose dual-radio AC/n AP that features a one Gbit Poe port and can support 16 clients per radio with 867 Mbps throughput for 802.11ac devices and 300 Mbps for 802.11n devices. Cisco's WAP1501 allows 4 access points per cluster.
The Cisco Small Business WAP321 Wireless-N model is a wallmount selectable-band (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) 802.11n device that can handle 80 active wireless clients sharing an 8-device cluster. The WAP321 has a Gigabit Ethernet port and can support sustained throughput of 300 Mbps for the selected radio. The Cisco WAP351 is a dual-radio 802.11a/b/g/n AP that includes a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet interface and can support 32 active clients on each radio for up to 64 active clients, and support throughput of 300 Mbps per radio. The WAP351 access point does not support clustering. The Cisco WAP361 is a dual-radio 802.11ac Wave 1 wireless access point that features a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet LAN switch, can support 32 clients on each radio, and delivers 867 Mbps throughput for 802.11ac clients and 300 Mbps for 802.11n devices. The Cisco WAP361 supports 8 access points for each cluster. Cisco's wall-mountable 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 wireless networking standard. The WAP371 Wireless-AC/N has a GE interface, can handle as many as 32 active wireless clients on each radio, and eight access points for each cluster.
The Cisco Small Business WAP561 802.11n Dual Radio AP features one Gigabit Ethernet port and dual radios (2.4 and 5.0 GHz) that offer 450 Mbps performance for each radio, can handle 64 devices for each radio, and allow 16 access points for each cluster. The Cisco WAP551 is like the WAP 561 but features a single selectable band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz). The Cisco Small Business WAP571 and WAP571E (a ruggedized outdoor model) are dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11ac APs that feature 2 x GE LAN interfaces with link aggregation, 3x3 MIMO, and up to 1.9 Gbps performance with 1300 Mbps over 11ac and 600 Mbps on 11n. Both APs can handle 32 clients on each radio and 16 wireless access points per cluster.
The Cisco Small Business WAP581 Wireless-AC Wave 2 Wireless Access Point complies with the 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 standard and offers 4x4 and 3x3 MU-MIMO to deliver 2.8 Gbps data rates at 5 GHz and 0.6 Gbps on the 2.4-GHz radio for an aggregate maximum throughput of 2.4 Gbps. The WAP581 has an integrated 2.5G Ethernet LAN interface and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN interface with 802.3at Power over Ethernet. Cisco's WAP581 Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 access point supports up to 200 connective users, a maximum of 50 active client users per radio, 16 access points for each cluster, and 960 active client users for each cluster.
To learn more about Progent's support for current and older Cisco Small Business family of WiFi APs, see Cisco Small Business wireless APs planning and support.
Cisco's Aironet Family of Access Points
Cisco's Aironet family of indoor and outdoor wireless APs has consistently been the leading access point product. Aironet APs run the gamut from entry-level models to advanced units. Cisco's Aironet line span several generations of devices supporting the continually improving 11x standard. The current line of Aironet access points support Cisco's Unified Wireless Network software and incorporate 802.11ac technology, which delivers three times the speed plus greater distance and density in comparison to the previous generation of APs. Cisco's current dual-frequency Aironet APs continue to accommodate 802.11n at 2.4 GHz for clients without 802.11ac radios.
The earliest Aironet access points are legacy devices that have come to end-of-sale status and are not fully supported by Cisco. Progent still offers support for the entire Aironet line of APs and can help your company to manage and troubleshoot your existing Aironet Wi-Fi system or upgrade efficiently to the latest Aironet products. For details about Progent's support for current and outdated Cisco Aironet wireless access points, see Aironet wireless access points consulting services.
Cisco's Meraki Access Points
Cisco's portfolio of Meraki 2.4/5 GHz indoor wireless access points include value-priced models for general use to enterprise-class products that offer up to 5.9 Gigabit per second performance. Each Cisco Meraki indoor AP provides high-end capabilities such as self-configuring plug-and-play deployment, advanced security, BYOD support, built-in traffic analysis, zero-touch web-based updates, and consolidated cloud-based management for multiple sites. Every Meraki indoor AP also incorporates dual powerful client-serving radios with boosted reception as well as a dedicated radio that offers intrusion detection and prevention system (WIDS/WIPS) security for threat detection and deep packet inspection.
Meraki outdoor APs are IP67 certified, designed to operate in rugged outdoor environments, and able to withstand dust particles, vibration and humidity. Meraki outdoor wireless access points include a 1 x Gbit Ethernet port and deliver advanced features that include cloud management with multi-site control, 802.1X and native Active Directory integration, built-in antivirus scan, 1-click secure guest access and guest isolation firewall, Layer 7 traffic shaping, plus auto-configuring mesh with MIMO. For more information about Progent's consulting services for Cisco's Meraki APs and cloud management, refer to Meraki access points consulting services.
Catalyst 9100 Family of Wi-Fi 6 and W-Fi 6E APs
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6/6E APs are designed for deployments ranging from telecommuter homes to crowded stadiums. Cisco Catalyst 9100 access points are compliant with the 802.11ax specification, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, which is an evolution of the previous 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard. Unlike 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 is able to utilize both the 2.4-Ghz and 5-GHz radio bands. Headline enhancements supported by Catalyst 9100 Series access points include MU-MIMO support for uplink traffic, dual NAVs for improved dependability, Target Wake Time for reduced power usage in battery-dependent endpoints, adaptive power and sensitivity thresholds for better spectrum use, and extended guard intervals for improved outdoor performance. Catalyst 9100 Series wireless APs can run Cisco's Embedded Wireless Controller (EWC), handle up to 400 client users per Wi-Fi radio, and are powered by Cisco IOS XE Software.
Cisco's Catalyst 9160 Series Wi-Fi 6E APs are the first Cisco APs to offer the flexibility to be monitored and managed either on-site via Cisco DNA Center or from the cloud by using Meraki Dashboard management tools. This enables businesses to transition to cloud-based or hybrid deployments at their own pace. All Catalyst 916x APs meet the a/b/g/n/ac/ax and 6E Wi-Fi specifications and support the new 6-GHz band. Each device includes 5 radios and allows up to 400 clients per radio. Each AP model also contains a dedicated radio for Cisco CleanAir Pro for reducing wireless interference, includes a USB 2.0 port, and supports Bluetooth BLE. Cisco's value-priced 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 AP is designed for tough outdoor deployments 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 a GPS/GNSS antenna connector. The 9163E supports Omnidirectional Dipole Self-Identifying Antennas. Cisco's Catalyst 9164 Series AP is suited for small and mid-size enterprises, incorporates one 2x2 radio and two 4x4 radios, and offers 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G mGig Ethernet support. The Catalyst 9166 Series AP is meant for large and mid-sized enterprises, has three 4x4 radios, and provides 1x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G mGig Ethernet connectivity. The 9166 also has environmental sensors that measure air quality, temperature, and moisture. For details about Progent's consulting services for Catalyst 9100 Line of 802.11ax Access Points, see Wi-Fi 6/6E APs system planning, configuration, and management consulting.
Cisco 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers
Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6-compatible wireless LAN controllers help you manage modern wireless networks that support 802.11ax wireless APs. The 802.11ax standard, popularly known as Wi-Fi 6, builds on previous generation 802.11ac (called Wi-Fi 5) appliances by providing less latency and more reliable performance, allowing higher client user density, offering enhanced security, saving energy for battery-powered mobile devices, and allowing more versatility for supporting new types of IoT endpoints. Catalyst 9800 family wireless controllers include always-on availability with seamless software updates, hot patching, and the ability to add access points with zero downtime. Enhanced security technologies include Cisco Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), image signing, and Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access). Streaming telemetry allows you to track and understand infrastructure and endpoint health.
All appliances in the Catalyst 9800 family are powered by Cisco's IOS XE Software and work with Cisco's DNA Center or Prime Infrastructure management platforms. Cisco's Catalyst 9800 wireless LAN controllers can support Cisco Aironet Wi-Fi 5 Wave 1 and Wave 2 access points concurrently with Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi access points. To learn more about Progent's support for Cisco 9800 line of 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers, see Cisco Catalyst 9800 family of Wi-Fi 6 wireless LAN controllers system design, deployment, and troubleshooting services.
Cisco Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers enable fast communication, configuration, management, monitoring and troubleshooting for Cisco wireless appliances and services. Cisco has developed both physical and software-based wireless controllers for unified administration of WiFi environments, but networks with many wireless access points typically require hardware-based wireless controllers. New wireless controller appliances from Cisco deliver major advantages over Wave 1 and earlier products such as higher throughput, simultaneous support for 1G and 10G Ethernet, enhanced application visibility and control, and hardened, built-in protection.
Cisco's 3504 Wireless Controller is a value-priced device available in a desktop body and designed for small and medium-sized businesses. You can use the 3504 in a centralized WLAN environment such as in small branch and remote offices managed over the wide-area network with FlexConnect, or in bridge deployments where wiring is limited. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller can handle up to 150 WiFi access points and 3,000 client users, delivers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 3504 controller includes a Cisco Multigigabit interface and four 1-GB Ethernet ports. APs can be attached directly to the WiFi controller through two PoE ports. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller features fast failover for access points and clients, which provides uninterrupted availability for applications. As with other Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers available from Cisco, the 3504 model has the built-in capability to work with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 WiFi controllers.
The Cisco 5520 WiFi Controller, offered in a 1RU enclosure, is intended to support larger organizations and campus environments and can be run in centralized, distributed, and mesh deployments. The 5520 wireless controller can handle up to 1,500 APs and 20,000 client users, offers 20 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 model controller includes two 10 GE interfaces and incorporates solid-state storage, backup fans, optional backup power supplies, and subsecond failover for high availability.
Cisco's 8540 Wireless Controller, offered in a 2 rack unit (RU) form factor, is a top-of-the-line wireless controller designed to support enterprises, service providers, and large campuses. The 8540 WiFi 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 offers throughput as high as 40 Gbps and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 8540 controller comes with four 1-GB or 10GE interfaces and features SSD storage, dual power supplies, redundant fans, and subsecond failover.
Wave 1 Cisco WiFi LAN Controllers
Cisco wireless network controllers cut the effort and expense needed to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot wireless networks by offering single-point control of tasks like provisioning APs, enforcing consistent policies throughout wired/wireless networks, supporting enterprise-wide QoS for voice and HD video, monitoring and optimizing system health, implementing security tools to guard against unauthorized access and DDoS threats, and managing IPv6 and dual-stack clients. Cisco has designed wireless LAN controllers for organizations of all sizes and offers standalone desktop controllers, modular plug-in wireless controllers for Cisco routers and Catalyst switches, and Catalyst switches with built-in wireless network controllers.
Cisco's Wave 1 WiFi LAN controllers include Cisco CleanAir tools to avoid RF interference and create self-optimizing wireless networks for maximum 802.11n and 802.11ac throughput and protection. Integrated Bonjour Gateways enable discovery across the enterprise for Apple applications. For high availability (HA), Cisco wireless LAN controllers allow wireless access point and client stateful switchover by enabling a backup HA controller to synch with a main wireless controller for AP license count, CAPWAP state and roaming keys, and access point CAPWAP state. If the primary controller goes down, thousands of APs and wireless 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 support for 2900 and 3900 routers deployed by smaller organizations and branch offices. This affordable and expandable module can support up to 200 access points and as many as 6000 clients. (To find out concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting services for Cisco routers, see Cisco router configuration and troubleshooting support.)
Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU switches designed for small to mid-size businesses and branch offices and features a built-in wireless network controller with the ability to support up to 40 Gb of wireless capacity per switch and up to 25 APs and 1000 wireless clients on each switch. Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU switches designed for mid-size and large organizations and include an integrated wireless LAN controller supporting 40 Gb of wireless throughput on each switch and the ability to handle 50 access points and up to 2000 clients. The WiSM2 is an add-in blade for Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include a built-in wireless network controller intended for mid-to-large size enterprises and capable of 20 Gbps throughput and with support for up to 1000 APs and 15,000 wireless clients. (For information concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting support for Cisco switches, see Cisco switches deployment and management support.)
Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers are value-priced desktop appliances that simplify the provisioning and management of Wi-Fi networks for SMBs and branch offices. The 2500 Series wireless LAN controller can handle 5 to 75 wireless access points and 1000 clients and offers throughput of up to 1 Gbps.
The Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller is a scalable 1RU unit intended for mid-to-large sized organizations and campuses and can manage 500 wireless access points and 7,000 clients while providing 8 Gbps throughput. Cisco's 5760 Wireless Controller is a 1RU device intended for mid-to-large campuses with the ability to manage up to 1000 wireless access points and 12,000 clients and offering performance of 60 Gbps to handle high wireless client densities and high amounts of video-intensive mobile applications.
Cisco's Flex 7500 Wireless Controller is designed to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless branches from a single location, avoiding the requirement for a Wi-Fi controller at each remote site. The 1RU rackmount Flex 7500 appliance allows you to create a private cloud to configure, monitor, maintain, and repair up to 6000 wireless access points and 64,000 wireless clients while supporting 1 Gbps performance. Cisco's 8500 Wireless Controller is a 1RU appliance designed to manage Wi-Fi environments for large campuses or service providers and can be expanded to support up to 6000 APs and 64,000 wireless clients while offering 10 Gbps throughput.
For more information about Cisco wireless controllers, go to Cisco wireless controllers consulting and integration.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Access Points, LAN Bridges and Controllers Supported by Progent
The introduction of the 802.11ac specification for Wi-Fi virtually rendered obsolete the earlier releases of Wi-Fi devices for many venues that have high numbers of clients and high usage of video-intensive software applications. Even for businesses who do not currently require the performance of 802.11ac, many of Cisco wireless products have reached end-of-life status, which can present significant service and regulatory compliance problems. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants offer remote and on-premises support for a wide range of older-generation wireless products from Cisco. Progent can also help organizations to assess the potential ROI for updating legacy wireless technology and can assist in designing and executing cost-effective, non-disruptive migrations. The following are a few of Cisco older-generation wireless products that Progent's consulting experts still support.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless Access Points
Aironet 1000 or 1130AG family access points are designed for offices and similar sites which have little environmental instability. These access points include integrated antennas that provide dependable radio coverage patterns. The Cisco 1130G family product is offered for regulated locations that do not allow 5GHz transmission.
Aironet 1230AG/1240AG family APs are ideal for more difficult radio frequency environments such as factories or above suspended ceilings which tend to require flexible external antennas and ruggedized enclosures. The Aironet 1240G family wireless access point is intended for regulatory domains that do not allow 802.11a operation.
Cisco Aironet 1500 Series lightweight outside mesh APs offer an affordable, expandable, protected outdoor wireless network solution for enterprise campuses and for public venues that require access for portable phones or computers.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Bridges
Cisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges provide a high-throughput and feature-rich solution for connecting multiple LANs in a metropolitan area or public wireless environment. Cisco bridges provide a flexible, manageable technology that satisfies the security requirements of public networking professionals. These bridges manage both PTP and point-to-multipoint implementations with excellent range and support for data rates as high as 54 Mbps.
Cisco wireless bridges offer throughput several times higher than E1/T1 lines for far less cost, doing away with the necessity of costly leased lines when connecting different buildings. Because wireless bridges have no ongoing costs, savings on leased-line bills rapidly pay for the startup equipment costs. Private lines and in some cases leased lines using metal or fiber-optic cable can require high startup costs in cases where they are impeded by obstacles such as freeways, train tracks, or lakes and rivers. Cisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges can be deployed quickly an offer a fast return on investment.
Aironet 1300 Series outside access points/bridges can be implemented as stand-alone wireless access points, bridges, or workgroup bridges. These devices have a ruggedized enclosure and offer high-speed, cost-effective wireless interfaces between multiple fixed or mobile environments and users.
Aironet 1400 family bridges offer high-speed, dependable outside wireless bridging for line-of-sight applications. These devices are housed in an all-weather enclosure that can withstand severe outdoor conditions and can operate in wide temperature ranges.
Legacy Cisco WLAN Controllers
Cisco WLAN Controllers provide single-point management of WLANs by streamlining the handling of common functions including intrusion prevention, real-time RF management, zero touch configuration, and N+1 redundancy. Wireless LAN controllers operate with small wireless access points to deliver enhanced performance and high-end control capabilities.
Cisco WLAN Controllers (WLCs) offer the manageability, scalability, protection, and dependability that network managers need to build safe, enterprise-scale wireless solutions, from satellite locations to small companies to headquarter campuses. Cisco's first-generation Wireless Controllers can be clustered to provide support for as many as 2400 wireless access points for each roaming domain.
Cisco's WLCM or WLCM-E Controller Module for Integrated Services Routers provides small-to medium businesses and enterprises an economical solution to implement and manage secure WLANs at branch locations. These wireless controllers manage up to a dozen Cisco APs and are supported on 2800/3800 Integrated Services Routers and 3700 IS Routers. (For information concerning Progent's online and on-premises consulting services for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router deployment and management services.)
How Progent Can Help Your Company with Cisco Wireless Devices
Progent can provide a Cisco-certified consulting professional to help you to design, install, maintain and repair a converged wired/wireless infrastructure incorporating a wide array of wireless technologies that provide the same security, expandability, and manageability you demand from a wired environment. Progent can assist you to manage early-generation Wi-Fi products from Cisco or migrate efficiently to the latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 technology. Progent's CISM and CISSP security specialists can show you how to build protection into your WLAN and your business processes. Progent's disaster recovery planning consultants and business continuity consultants can show you how to deploy the HA features incorporated into Cisco's wireless and wired technologies so your converged infrastructure provides non-stop return on investment.
Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey assists you to plan and implement a robust WLAN optimized for your facilities, offering a wireless ecosystem that provides comprehensive coverage, high speed and density, Quality of Service features to support IP voice and video, enterprise-class security, and simplified management. Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey can be delivered online to cut time and costs, or onsite for more complex environments.
For a more in-depth discussion of Progent's wireless consulting capabilities, see Progent's Wireless Expertise.
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