Cisco Aironet APs

APs are the devices that connect to the LAN, providing wireless access to the network. Wireless clients communicate with APs to access LANs or WLANs, as shown in Figure 1-1.


APs serve either as the core of an all-wireless network or as a point of connection between the wired and wireless networks. In addition, APs can be located throughout an organization to ensure access at remote locations in a facility.

Cisco features several models of APs. The model that fits best for your organization depends on a number of factors, which include:

• The number of wireless devices accessing the WLAN.
• The desired range.
• The desired speed.
• Your budget.

The following sections examine the Cisco Aironet APs, with specific details of each model.


Cisco Aironet 1100 Series
The Aironet 1100 AP (shown in Figure 1-2) includes a single radio and supports the 802.11g protocol. 802.11g is backward compatible to support the earlier 802.11b protocol. The most important distinction between 802.11b and 802.11g is the data rate802.11b provides 11 Mbps, whereas 802.11g allows up to 54 Mbps.


The 802.11b device can be upgraded to 802.11g capability. The 802.11g version allows wireless networks to leverage their investment on existing 802.11b equipment. It is also capable of 54-Mbps speeds with any new equipment. The Aironet 1100 AP allows the use of up to 16 virtual LANs (VLANs) and quality of service (QoS) functions. The AP also features hot standby and load balancing, which allow an organization to deploy intelligent network services and ensure network reliability and availability.

VLANs allow an organization to segment its users into their own discrete LANs. Thus, individual LAN policies, services, security levels, and QoS levels can be established for different groups of users.


Aironet 1130AG Series AP
The 1130AG AP builds on the functionality and utility of the Aironet 1100 Series AP. This AP uses two built-in radios (802.11a and 802.11g) for optimal coverage and usability.

Shown in Figure 1-4, the 1130AG AP employs two internal antennas for omnidirectional coverage. The ring on the front of the device changes color, depending on its current state. For example, when nothing is associated, the ring glows a pale green. When one or more devices have associated, it glows blue. If an error occurs, it glows red.


Because the AP employs both 802.11a and 802.11g radios, it affords a capacity of up to 108 Mbps. In addition, because both radios are used, it can handle 15, nonoverlapping channels (12 from the 802.11a radio and 3 from the 802.11g radio). In a future firmware upgrade, this capacity will increase to 22 channels. This will ensure less interference with neighboring WLANs and fewer transmission errors.


Cisco Aironet 1200 Series
The big brother to the Aironet 1100 is the Cisco Aironet 1200. The 1200 series (shown in Figure 1-5) incorporates single or dual radios, and it allows connectivity in both the 2.4-GHz (802.11g) or 5-GHz (802.11a) bands. The device can be configured for optimal flexibility (as shown in Figure 1-6), and it can be set up to operate solely in the 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g mode. Alternately, it can be set in dual mode, which allows connectivity for clients operating in two different protocols. Ultimately, it can be set in trimode, to offer simultaneous service for all three protocols. This functionality provides great flexibility and return on investment because devices using any of the popular protocols can be used.


Like the Aironet 1100 series, the Aironet 1200 offers up to 16 VLANs, QoS capabilities, and Cisco Wireless Security Suite manages its security set.

The Aironet 1200 series is an important component in the Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network (SWAN). SWAN is a framework for deploying, operating, and managing thousands of Aironet APs when using a Cisco infrastructure.

For 802.11a networks, the Aironet 1200 series offers a variety of antennas including one that can be configured omnidirectionally (in a circle surrounding the AP) or as a patch antenna that directs a hemispherical signal from the wall and across the room.


Aironet 1230AG Series AP
The Aironet 1230AG Series AP provides many of the same features as its younger brother, the 1130AGchiefly dual 802.11a and 802.11g radios. However, the Aironet 1230AG is designed for environments in which omnidirectional antennas would be lacking. The 1130AG AP employs only internal antennas, but the 1230AG AP features connectors for external antennas.

This is ideal in environments such as factories, warehouses, or large retail facilities that require specialized antennas for proper functionality. Figure 1-7 shows this device.


Like other AP offerings from Cisco, the Aironet 1230AG AP is a component of the Cisco SWAN framework that delivers an integrated wired and wireless network.

Because the device uses both 802.11a and 802.11g radios, up to 15 nonoverlapping channels are available. This number will increase to 22 channels in a future firmware release.

The Aironet 1230AG AP is rugged enough to withstand high levels of heat.


Cisco Aironet 1300 Series
For outdoor wireless applications, Cisco offers its Aironet 1300 Series of APs, shown in Figure 1-8. These APs are encased in a tough, durable exterior, which makes them well suited for operation in the elements. In addition to its work as an AP, this device is also used as a network bridge.

The Aironet 1300 supports the 802.11g standards, providing data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps.

These APs are not just for employees to take their laptops outside during lunch breaks. A number of organizations that benefit from an outdoor AP include the following:

• Campus networks For multibuilding organizations (schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and so on), Wi-Fi makes interbuilding networks easy and inexpensive.
  

• Nomadic users Networks and users are not just tethered to their desks, offices, or even buildings. Many users work in trucks, vans, cars, or ambulances and require connectivity to the network. To resolve this problem, outdoor, Wi-Fi networks come in handy.
  

• Outdoor public access Wi-Fi hotspots pop up at many places, such as coffee shops, libraries, hotels, and now truck stops. As hotspots grow, devices such as the Cisco Aironet 1300 can be employed to provide Wi-Fi access to large outdoor areas.
  

• Temporary access The Aironet 1300 is a good solution when a temporary wireless network is needed. For example, aid workers caring for victims of a natural disaster can employ this sort of device to provide easy, reliable connectivity among its users and devices.