Cisco offers an extensive line of wireless networking products and technologies designed to provide anywhere, anytime access to information and resources and to facilitate collaboration among colleagues, partners, and clients. Cisco's wireless product portfolio includes the Small Business, Aironet and Meraki lines of wireless access points (APs) plus Cisco's standalone and modular Wireless LAN Controllers. Cisco's wireless solutions can help organizations of any size support the new paradigm of Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) by converging their wired and wireless networks to achieve simplified deployment, uniformly high-performance, centralized management, consistent policy enforcement, and across-the-board security.

Cisco's Unified Wireless Network architecture can scale to as many as 18,000 access points with full Layer 3 mobility across central or remote locations such as enterprise campuses, college lecture halls, branch offices, and home offices. Cisco's Wi-Fi access points and wireless controllers are components of Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and are designed to support the same level of security, performance, and ease of management for wireless LANs that companies expect in their wired infrastructure. This includes integrated mobility services such as VoIP, HD IP video, and secure guest connectivity. Cisco's Unified Wireless Network technology allows companies to create wireless ecosystems that streamline the way they do business and improve productivity through a mobile and connected workforce.
Progent's Cisco-certified wireless networking consultants can provide online or onsite expertise to help you design, deploy, manage, expand, upgrade, and troubleshoot converged wired/wireless networks of any size and for any venue. Progent also offers affordable online and onsite wireless site surveys to help you design and install a Wi-Fi network with custom-designed access point clustering optimized for your specific office layout, building structure, and application workloads.
Cisco Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst Wi-Fi Access Points
Cisco's Small Business, Aironet, Meraki and Catalyst families of wireless access points (APs) allow you to converge wired and wireless networks to provide the coverage, density, performance, security and manageability needed to support virtually any environment. These wireless access points range from entry-level, single-band 802.11b/g/n devices with data rates of 300 Mbps for very small businesses or home offices to dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac APs capable of supporting 200 or more clients per access point and offering sustained data rates of up to 5.9 Gbps. Cisco's current line of APs can be clustered to provide the scale to support environments with high client density and high usage rates of HD video applications.
Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Series Wireless Access Points
Cisco's Small Business 100, 300 and 500 series wireless access points are Linux-based devices designed as entry-level 802.11n Wi-Fi solutions for small offices. Many models in the Cisco Small Business family of wireless access points support Cisco's Single Point Setup technology, which makes it possible to configure, manage and troubleshoot a cluster of access points from a single device via a simple browser-based interface. All models support Power over Ethernet (POE) and feature QoS, rogue access point detection, and bridge mode for wirelessly connecting to a second Ethernet network. For more information about Progent's consulting expertise for Cisco Small Business 100, 300 and 500 Series Wi-Fi access points, refer to Cisco Small Business 100/300/500 Series planning and integration consulting.
Cisco's Aironet Family of Wireless Access Points

Cisco's Aironet family of indoor and outdoor wireless access points has for years been the top-selling AP solution. Aironet APs range from value-priced entry-level models to enterprise-class APs. The Aironet line span several generations of devices supporting the evolving 802.11x Wi-Fi standard. The latest Aironet APs support Cisco's Unified Wireless Network software and incorporate 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, which offers triple the performance as well as greater range and user density compared to the previous generation of devices. Cisco's current dual-band Aironet APs continue to support 802.11n at 2.4 GHz to accommodate clients not compatible with 802.11ac.
The oldest Aironet APs are legacy devices that have reached end of life status and are no longer fully supported by Cisco. Progent continues to support the entire Aironet family of wireless access points and can help you manage and troubleshoot your current Aironet Wi-Fi environment or upgrade efficiently to the latest Aironet technology. For details about Progent's support for both current and legacy Cisco Aironet wireless access points, see Cisco Aironet Access Point consulting services.
Cisco's Meraki Wireless Access Points
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Cisco's family of Meraki dual-band 2.4/5 GHz indoor access points range from value-priced models for general use to enterprise-class devices that offer up to 5.9 Gbit/sec performance. All Meraki indoor access points feature next-generation capabilities such as self-configuring plug-and-play deployment, advanced security, BYOD support, built-in analytics, automatic over-the-web updates, and centralized cloud management for multiple sites. Each Meraki access point also includes two high-power client-serving radios with enhanced receive sensitivity plus a dedicated intrusion detection and prevention system (WIDS/WIPS) security radio that provides RF analysis and deep packet inspection at line rate.
Cisco's Meraki outdoor access points are IP67 rated, designed to operate in harsh outdoor environments, and tested for dust, shock, vibration and moisture. Meraki outdoor access points include a Gigabit Ethernet port and offer advanced features that include cloud management with network-wide visibility and control, 802.1X and native Active Directory integration, built-in antivirus scan (NAC), 1-click secure guest access and guest isolation firewall, application-aware traffic shaping, plus self-configuring mesh with MIMO and beamforming. For more information about Progent's consulting services for Cisco Meraki access points and management tools, refer to Cisco Meraki Access Point consulting services.
Catalyst 9100 Family of Wireless APs

Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Series 802.11ax wireless access points are intended for environments ranging from home offices to high-density convention centers. Catalyst 9100 access points are based on the 802.11ax specification, known as Wi-Fi 6, which in turn builds on the preceding 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) specification. Unlike 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 is able to utilize both the 2.4-Ghz and 5-GHz radio bands. Important technologies supported by Catalyst 9100 Series APs include OFDMA scheduling for high density deployments, dual NAVs for improved reliability, TWT for conserving power consumption in battery-powered endpoints, adaptive power thresholds for more efficient spectrum utilization, and extended guard intervals for improved outdoor performance. All Cisco Catalyst 9100 Wi-Fi 6 APs support Cisco's EWC, handle as many as 200 clients per Wi-Fi radio, and run on Cisco IOS XE Software. For more information about Progent's consulting services for Catalyst 9100 Series 802.11ax APs, refer to 802.11ax access points system planning, deployment, and troubleshooting services.
Cisco 9800 Series 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers
Cisco Catalyst 9800 family of Wi-Fi 6-supported wireless LAN controller appliances help you automate and manage modern wireless environments that support 802.11ax APs. The 802.11ax standard, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, improves on previous generation 802.11ac (called Wi-Fi 5) devices by providing lower latency and more predictable performance, allowing higher client density, offering greater protection, conserving energy for battery-dependent mobile devices, and allowing more flexibility for supporting new types of Internet-of-Things (IoT) endpoints. Cisco's Catalyst 9800 Series wireless controllers feature high availability with transparent software upgrades, live patching, and the ability to connect additional wireless APs with zero service interruption. Enhanced security technologies include Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), secure boot, and Software-Defined Access (SD-Access). Streaming telemetry permits you to monitor and understand infrastructure and client health.
All devices in the Catalyst 9800 line are powered by Cisco's IOS XE Software and work with Cisco's DNA Center (DNAC) or Prime Infrastructure network management platforms. Cisco's Catalyst 9800 Series wireless LAN controllers can manage Cisco Aironet 802.11ac Wave 1 and Wave 2 APs as well as Catalyst 9100 Series 802.11ax APs. To find out more about Progent's support for Cisco 9800 line of 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers, refer to Catalyst 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 wireless LAN controllers solution planning, deployment, and debugging consulting.
Cisco Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 wireless controllers enable realtime data exchange, provisioning, management, monitoring and debugging for Cisco Wi-Fi appliances and software services. Cisco has developed both hardware and virtual Wi-Fi controllers for unified management of wireless networks, but networks with a large number of wireless APs are better served by physical wireless controllers. Current generation Wi-Fi controller appliances from Cisco deliver significant benefits over Wave 1 and older models such as greater performance, concurrent support for 1G and 10G interfaces, improved application visibility and control, and advanced, built-in security.
Cisco's 3504 Wireless Controller is a value-priced device available in a desktop enclosure and designed for small and medium-sized organizations. You can use the 3504 model in a centralized network environment such as in lean branch and home-based offices managed over the wide-area network with Cisco FlexConnect, or in mesh deployments where Ethernet cabling is limited. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller supports up to 150 access points and 3,000 clients, delivers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. Cisco's 3504 controller includes a Cisco Multigigabit interface and four 1-GB Ethernet interfaces. Access points can be attached directly to the controller through two Power over Ethernet ports. The 3504 wireless controller offers subsecond failover for access points and users, which provides nonstop availability for applications. As with other Wave 2 Wi-Fi controllers from Cisco, the 3504 device has the integrated capability to communicate with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 WLAN controllers.
The Cisco 5520 WiFi Controller, offered in a 1RU form factor, is designed to support larger organizations and campus networks and can be run in centralized, distributed, and mesh architectures. The 5520 Wi-Fi controller supports up to 1,500 wireless APs and 20,000 client users, delivers 20 Gbps performance, and supports up to 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 model controller includes two 10 GE interfaces and features solid-state storage, backup fans, optional backup power supplies, and subsecond failover for uninterrupted availability.
Cisco's 8540 Wireless Controller, available in a 2RU enclosure, is a top-of-the-line wireless controller designed to support large enterprises, service providers, and large campuses. The 8540 WiFi controller can be run in centralized, distributed, and mesh deployments and can handle up to 6,000 access points and 64,000 clients. The 8540 Wireless controller can deliver 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 SSD storage, backup power supplies, backup fans, and rapid failover.
Wave 1 Cisco Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco wireless network controllers reduce the time and cost needed to configure, manage, and operate Wi-Fi networks by offering single-point control of functions like setting up access points, enforcing single-point policies throughout converged wired/wireless LANs, supporting enterprise-wide QoS for IP voice and HD video, tracking and troubleshooting network health, activating security capabilities to defend against cyber break-ins and Distributed Denial of Service threats, and managing IPv6 clients. Cisco has developed wireless LAN controllers for businesses of all sizes and can provide desktop or rackmount appliances, modular add-on wireless controllers for Cisco routers and Catalyst switches, and Catalyst switches with built-in wireless LAN controllers.
Cisco's Wave 1 wireless network controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir tools to minimize signal interference and produce self-healing wireless networks for top 802.11n and 802.11ac performance and security. Integrated Bonjour Gateways permit discovery, advertisement and policy across the enterprise for Apple applications. For fault tolerance, Cisco wireless LAN controllers support access point and client stateful switchover by permitting a standby high-availability wireless controller to synch with a primary controller for access point license count, CAPWAP keys, and AP CAPWAP state. In case the main controller stops working, thousands of APs and wireless clients can failover in less than a second to the backup wireless network controller.
Cisco's Wireless Controller Module for ISR Routers with UCS-E offers basic 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for 2900 and 3900 Series routers used by smaller organizations and branch offices. This affordable and expandable solution can handle from five to 200 wireless access points and up to 6000 clients. (For information about Progent's remote and on-premises consulting and troubleshooting services for Cisco routers, refer to Cisco router deployment and troubleshooting consulting.)
Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU switches intended for SMBs and branch offices and come with a built-in wireless network controller with the capability to support up to 40 Gb of wireless capacity per switch and 25 wireless access points and 1000 wireless clients per switch. Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU switches intended for midsize businesses and large enterprises and include an integrated wireless network controller with 40 Gb of wireless capacity on each switch and the ability to handle 50 wireless access points and 2000 clients. The Wireless Services Module2 (WiSM2) is an add-in blade for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include a built-in wireless LAN controller designed for mid-to-large size enterprises and capable of 20 Gbps performance and with support for 1000 wireless access points and 15,000 wireless clients. (To learn concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting support for Cisco switches, see Cisco Catalyst switches deployment and management consulting.)
Cisco 2500 Wireless Controllers are value-priced desktop devices that simplify the provisioning and management of Wi-Fi LANs for SMBs and branch offices. The Cisco 2500 Series wireless network controller can handle from five to 75 APs and up to 1000 clients and offers sustained performance of 1 Gbps.
Cisco's 5500 Series Wireless Controller is an expandable 1RU unit intended for medium-sized to large organizations and campuses and can support up to 500 APs and 7,000 clients while delivering 8 Gbps throughput. The Cisco 5760 Series Wireless Controller is a 1RU device intended for mid-to-large campus environments with the ability to manage 1000 access points and 12,000 clients and offering throughput of 60 Gbps to handle high wireless client densities and high amounts of video-intensive mobile applications.
The Cisco Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controller is designed to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless branches from a single location, eliminating the need for a wireless controller at every remote site. The 1RU Flex 7500 appliance lets you establish a private cloud to configure, monitor, maintain, and repair up to 6000 wireless access points and up to 64,000 clients while supporting 1 Gbps performance. Cisco's 8500 Wireless Controller is a 1RU rackmount appliance designed to monitor and manage wireless environments for very large campuses or for service providers and can scale to support 6000 wireless points and up to 64,000 clients while delivering 10 Gbps throughput.
For more information about Cisco wireless controllers, go to Cisco wireless controllers consulting and integration.
Legacy Cisco Wireless Bridges and Controllers Supported by Progent
The introduction of the 802.11ac standard for Wi-Fi effectively obsolesced previous generations of Wi-Fi products for many environments that require high densities of clients and high usage of HD video applications. Even for organizations who do not require the bandwidth efficiency of 802.11ac, many Cisco wireless products have reached end-of-sale or end-of-support status, which can present serious maintenance and compliance issues. Progent's Cisco-certified consultants provide online and onsite support for a broad array of earlier-generation Cisco wireless products. Progent can also help organizations evaluate the business case for updating legacy wireless technology and can help plan and execute cost-effective, non-disruptive upgrades. Below are a sample of legacy wireless products from Cisco supported by Progent.
Legacy Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridges
Cisco wireless LAN bridges provide a high-speed and multi-featured technology for integrating numerous LANs in a metropolitan situation or public access environment. Cisco Aironet wireless LAN bridges provide a versatile, manageable technology that satisfies the security requirements of wide-area networking specialists. These devices support both PTP and P2MP configurations with excellent range and support for traffic throughput up to 54 Mbps.
Cisco Aironet wireless bridges deliver data rates substantially faster than E1/T1 connections for far less cost, doing away with the requirement for costly leased lines when linking different buildings. Since bridges carry no recurring costs, the expenses saved on connection services rapidly pay for the startup equipment costs. Self-installed private lines and even leased lines made of metal or fiber-optic cable often require considerable up-front costs if they are impeded by barriers like highways, train tracks, or lakes and rivers. Cisco wireless bridges can be deployed rapidly with a fast return on investment.
Aironet 1300 family outdoor access points/bridges can be deployed as independent wireless access points, wireless bridges, or wireless group bridges. These appliances have a ruggedized cover and provide high-speed, economical wireless interfaces between numerous fixed or mobile environments and users.
Cisco Aironet 1400 wireless bridges provide high-performance, reliable outdoor connections for LOS applications. These devices are housed in a durable cover that is optimized for harsh outside environments and function within extended temperature ranges.
Legacy Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco's WLCM or WLCM-E Wireless LAN Controller Module for Integrated Services (IS) Routers offers small-to medium businesses and large corporations an affordable solution to implement and control secure WLANs at satellite offices. These devices manage as many as 12 Aironet lightweight access points and are installable in 2800/3800 Integrated Services Routers and 3700 Integrated Services Routers.
The Cisco 2106 Wireless LAN Controller operates together with Cisco Aironet lightweight access points and Cisco's Wireless Control System (WCS) to provide centralized wireless network functions. Cisco's 2106 Series WLC handles as many as six Cisco Aironet lightweight wireless access points, making it an affordable alternative for multi-controller architectures common for enterprise satellite office installations. The Cisco 2106 Series Wireless LAN Controller may also be used for single device solutions for small and midsize company environments. The Cisco 2106 WLC includes eight Ethernet ports, two of which can provide power directly to Aironet lightweight APs.
Cisco's 4400 Series WLC offers centralized wireless LAN features for mid-size to enterprise environments. The Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controller operates in conjunction with Aironet lightweight wireless access points, the Cisco Wireless Control System, and the Cisco Wireless Location Appliance to support business-critical wireless data, voice, and video applications. Cisco's 4400 WLC offers real-time communication between Cisco lightweight APs and other wireless controllers to deliver centralized security policies, intrusion prevention system functions, outstanding RF control, quality of service (QoS), and mobility.
How Progent's Consultants Can Help Your Company with Cisco Wireless Technology
Progent can provide a certified CCIE or Cisco Certified Network Professional to help you design, deploy, manage and troubleshoot a converged wired/wireless ecosystem that integrates a wide range of wireless products that offer the same security, scale, manageability and performance you demand from your wired technology. Progent can help you maintain legacy Wi-Fi solutions or upgrade efficiently to the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. Progent's CISA, CISM, CISSP, GIAC, and ISSAP security consultants can show you how to build protection into your wireless network and into your business processes. In addition, Progent's disaster recovery consultants and business continuity planners can help you configure the high availability (HA) technology incorporated into Cisco's wireless and wired products so your converged network provides non-stop business value.
Progent's Wi-Fi Site Survey helps you plan and deploy a robust WLAN customized for your facilities, providing a wireless solution that delivers seamless coverage, high performance and capacity, QoS features to support voice and video IP, enterprise-class security, and easy management. Progent's Wireless Site Survey services can be performed online to save time and cut costs, or on premises for more challenging environments.
For a further discussion of Progent's wireless integration and troubleshooting services, see Progent's Wireless Network Consulting.
Contact Progent about Consulting Services for Cisco Wireless Solutions
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