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Cisco Aironet Solutions offer many features that make it flexible and more manageable. Read more about these features:
Additional features in the new Cisco Aironet 1200 Series:
Security architecture
Cisco give research and development top priority, making Cisco WLAN security the most comprehensive currently available. User-level authentication, coupled with the centralized generation and distribution of single-session, single-user encryption keys provide the scalable security architecture required for large and mid-sized business.
Cisco Aironet security includes:
- 802.1x standard Access Points (APs), Client Adapters (CAs) and Access Control Servers (ACSs)
- Use of LEAP by ACSs, Network Integration Cards (NICs) and Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) servers (v2.6). LEAP (Cisco Wireless EAP, or Extensible Authentication Protocol) ensures support for operating systems that do not natively support EAP - such as Windows 95, 98, NT, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium, Linux, and Mac OS.
Dynamic, single-user single-session encryption keys.
Existing security schemes for WLANs are based on client-side manual configuration of shared WEP keys or on MAC addresses. If a single client device is compromised, the administrator must change the encryption keys in all remaining client devices. Given that MAC addresses can be spoofed relatively easily, the authentication services provided in this scheme do not represent true enterprise-class security.
Cisco's centralized architecture eliminates administrative and management burden by providing dynamic, user-level authentication. Single-session, single-user keys are automatically generated when a user performs a network logon.
Roaming
WLANs today can scale to meet the requirements of organizations with thousands of users, using multiple APs and the roaming feature inherent in the Aironet Microcellular Architecture to provide users with a coverage network.
CiscoWorks 2000
CiscoWorks 2000 uses Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) to automatically locate and recognize APs on the network. Other Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)- software tools can be used to manage Cisco Aironet infrastructure via the Management Information Base (MIB). APs can be managed using the embedded Web-based management.
Load balancing
Load balancing transfers client demands from one AP to another nearby AP, in order to optimise network performance. This is based on policies such as number of users, signal strength, and bit error rates.
When multiple APs are used, those with overlapping coverage areas should be set to different channels to decrease interference. With Cisco Aironet, up to three non-overlapping channels (1, 6, and 11) can be used to provide load balancing and to achieve a higher cell capacity of up to 33 Mbps. The peak data rate is 11Mbps per AP.
Hot standby
With hot standby, two APs are configured to use the same channel in a single coverage area. One AP will be active, while the standby AP passively monitors the network. If the primary AP fails, the secondary AP seamlessly takes over to provide cell coverage. When that occurs, an SNMP trap is generated to alert the administrator that the primary AP has failed.
Hot Standby is recommended where the cost and time of replacing an AP is very high or where critical applications are supported. Examples include enterprise networks with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or business application support, manufacturing floors, and hospitals. The standby AP can be used for monitoring purposes.
Frequency agility
Cisco Aironet improves system performance through the use of Frequency Agility, which dynamically selects the clearest radio frequency transmission channel.
Traditionally, AP channels have been set at the time of initial configuration based on the static channels of nearby APs as well as sources of ambient noise. If the environment changes - for example when a new AP is installed nearby - the transmission channels of installed APs must be revisited. However, with the Frequency Agility mode activated, APs can automatically adjust to the clearest channel.
Frequency Agility also simplifies installation, by scanning the environment for sources of interference and then automatically selecting the clearest transmission channel. You do not need to keep track of the channel settings. Since Frequency Agility is dynamic, the AP constantly adjusts its channels to accommodate any changes in the environment.
World mode
World Mode enables Cisco Aironet Network Integration Cards (NICs) to inherit client configuration, such as country-specific channel sets and to transmit power from the associated AP. A client device will operate effectively if the NIC's country-specific settings are identical to the AP's and in regulatory compliance. This eliminates the need to swap WLAN NICs when travelling between regulatory domains.
World Mode is extremely useful for global travellers to countries where country specifications in the 2.4 GHz band are different.
Modular platform for single or dual-band operation
Flexible dual-band design protects existing investments in 802.11b technology - and provides an easy path to emerging technologies such as 802.11a. Dual radios allow simultaneous operation of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks - offering the largest possible number of available channels, maximizing system capacity and scalability.
Field-upgradeable radios
Cisco Aironet 1200 series field-upgradeable card bus and mini-PCI radios mean greater investment protection. Standard 802.11b radios can be purchased to meet current needs, and then 802.11a modules can be added (when released) as bandwidth requirements grow. Both standards can be handled simultaneously - so there's no need to upgrade the whole network. Straightaway you migrate to 802.11a.
8MB of flash memory
Memory space for future firmware upgrades supports new 802.11 standards and advanced features.
Support for both in-line power over Ethernet and local power
The Cisco Aironet 1200 Series may be powered over the Ethernet cable by Cisco in-line power enable switches, multiport midspan power panels, or single-power injectors. Or if an AC power point is convenient, it can simply be plugged into the outlet. These options simplify installation and decrease the total cost of ownership.
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