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
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.
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Line of Wi-Fi 6 APs
Cisco's Catalyst 9100 family of Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax access points are designed for environments ranging from telecommuter homes to high-density arenas. Catalyst 9100 access points are compliant with the 802.11ax standard, known as Wi-Fi 6, which is an evolution of the previous 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) specification. As an improvement to 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 is able to use both the 2.4-Ghz and 5-GHz radio bands. Important technologies incorporated in Catalyst 9100 Series access points include OFDMA scheduling for high density deployments, dual NAVs for improved dependability, TWT for reduced power usage in battery-dependent endpoints, adaptive sensitivity thresholds for more efficient spectrum use, and dynamic fragmentation for reduced overhead. All Cisco Catalyst 9100 wireless access points support Cisco's EWC, handle up to 200 client users per Wi-Fi radio, and run on Cisco IOS XE Software. For details about Progent's consulting services for Cisco's Catalyst 9100 Line of Wireless APs, refer to Wi-Fi 6 access points system planning, configuration, and troubleshooting services.
Cisco 9800 Series 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers
Cisco Catalyst 9800 family of Wi-Fi 6-compatible wireless LAN controller appliances allow you to manage modern wireless networks that incorporate 802.11ax APs. 802.11ax, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, builds on prior generation 802.11ac (referred to as Wi-Fi 5) appliances by delivering lower latency and more reliable performance, allowing higher client density, offering enhanced protection, saving energy for battery-powered mobile devices, and allowing more versatility for handling new kinds of IoT endpoints. Catalyst 9800 Series wireless controllers include high availability with transparent software upgrades, hot fixes, and the ability to add access points with zero disruption of service. Advanced cybersecurity technologies include Cisco Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), image signing, and Software-Defined Access. Streaming telemetry allows you to monitor and analyze infrastructure and client health.
All controllers in the Catalyst 9800 family are powered by Cisco's IOS XE Software and operate with Cisco's DNA Center (DNAC) or Cisco Prime Infrastructure management tools. Catalyst 9800 wireless network controllers can manage Cisco Aironet Wi-Fi 5 Wave 1 and Wave 2 APs as well as Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi access points. For details about Progent's support for Cisco 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Controllers, see Catalyst 9800 Series Wi-Fi 6 wireless LAN controllers system design, configuration, and management services.
Cisco Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wave 2 wireless controllers allow fast data exchange, deployment, administration, monitoring and troubleshooting for Cisco Wi-Fi devices and software services. Cisco has developed both hardware and software-based wireless controllers for centralized management of WiFi networks, but systems with many wireless access points typically require physical wireless controllers. New wireless controller devices from Cisco deliver significant advantages over Wave 1 and earlier models such as greater throughput, concurrent support for both 1G and 10G interfaces, improved application visibility and control (AVC), and hardened, integrated protection.
Cisco's 3504 Wireless Controller is a value-priced appliance available in a desktop body and designed for small and medium-sized organizations. You can install the 3504 model in a centralized WLAN environment such as in small branch and home-based offices administered over the wide-area network via FlexConnect, or in bridge deployments where Ethernet cabling is sparse. The 3504 wireless controller supports up to 150 access points and 3,000 users, offers 4 Gbps throughput, and supports 4,096 VLANs. Cisco's 3504 wireless controller features a Cisco Multigigabit port and four 1-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Access points can be attached directly to the controller via two Power over Ethernet ports. The 3504 Wi-Fi controller offers fast failover for access points and users, which provides nonstop availability for apps. As with other current Wave 2 wireless controllers available from Cisco, the 3504 model has the integrated ability to communicate with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco Mobility Services Engine, and Cisco 5520 and 8540 wireless controllers.
Cisco's 5520 Wireless Controller, offered in a 1 rack unit (RU) form factor, is designed for larger enterprises and campus environments and can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh deployments. The 5520 Wi-Fi controller supports up to 1,500 Wi-Fi access points and 20,000 client users, delivers 20 Gbps performance, and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 5520 WiFi controller includes two 10 GE interfaces and incorporates solid-state storage, redundant fans, optional redundant power supplies, and subsecond failover for nonstop availability.
Cisco's 8540 Wireless Controller, available in a 2 rack unit package, is a high-end WiFi controller designed to support enterprises, service providers, and large campuses. The 8540 Wireless controller can be used in centralized, distributed, and mesh deployments and can handle up to 6,000 Wi-Fi access points and 64,000 clients. The 8540 WiFi controller can deliver throughput as high as 40 Gbps and supports 4,096 VLANs. The 8340 includes four 1-GB or 10GE ports and features SSD storage, dual power supplies, redundant fans, and rapid failover.
Wave 1 Cisco Wireless Network Controllers
Cisco wireless LAN controllers cut the time and cost required to configure, manage, and operate Wi-Fi networks by offering single-point control of tasks like setting up APs, applying consistent policies across converged wired/wireless networks, supporting enterprise-wide QoS for voice and video, monitoring and optimizing network health, implementing wireless intrusion prevention system (wIPS) capabilities to guard against cyber break-ins and Distributed Denial of Service attacks, and managing IPv6 and dual-stack clients. Cisco has developed wireless network controllers for businesses of all sizes and offers desktop or rackmount appliances, modular add-on wireless controllers for Cisco routers and Catalyst switches, and switches with integrated wireless controllers.
Cisco's Wave 1 wireless controllers incorporate Cisco CleanAir technology to minimize signal interference and produce self-healing wireless networks for maximum 802.11n and 802.11ac throughput and security. Built-in Apple Bonjour Gateways allow discovery, advertisement and policy throughout the enterprise for Apple-based applications. For fault tolerance, Cisco wireless controllers support AP and client stateful failover by enabling a standby high-availability wireless controller to synchronize with a primary controller for access point license count, CAPWAP state and roaming keys, and access point CAPWAP state. If the main wireless controller fails, thousands of APs and wireless clients can failover at subsecond speeds to the backup controller.
Cisco's Wireless Module for ISR G2 Routers with UCS-E offers basic 802.11n and 802.11ac capability for 2900 and 3900 Series routers used by smaller businesses and branch offices. This value-priced and scalable module can handle up to 200 access points and as many as 6000 clients. (To learn concerning Progent's online and onsite consulting support for Cisco routers, see Cisco router deployment and troubleshooting services.)
Catalyst 3650 Series are 1RU form-factor switches designed for SMBs and branches and features an integrated wireless controller with the capability to support 40 Gb of wireless throughput per switch and 25 APs and 1000 clients on each switch or stack. Catalyst 3850 Series are 1RU switches designed for mid-size businesses and large enterprises and include an integrated wireless controller with up to 40 Gb of wireless throughput on each switch and the ability to handle 50 access points and up to 2000 wireless clients. The Wireless Services Module2 is a plug-in blade for Catalyst 6500 Series switches that include an integrated wireless network controller designed for mid-to-large size enterprises and able to deliver 20 Gbps throughput and able to handle up to 1000 wireless access points and as many as 15,000 clients. (To find out about Progent's online and onsite consulting support for Cisco Catalyst switches, see Catalyst switches configuration and management consulting.)
Cisco 2500 Series Wireless Controllers are entry-level desktop devices that simplify the deployment and management of wireless LANs for SMBs and branch offices. The Cisco 2500 wireless network controller supports from five to 75 access points and 1000 wireless clients and offers sustained data rates of 1 Gbps.
The Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller is an expandable 1RU appliance intended for medium-sized to large enterprises and campus environments and can support up to 500 wireless access points and 7,000 wireless clients while providing 8 Gbps throughput. The Cisco 5760 Wireless Controller is a 1RU device designed for mid-to-large campus environments with support for up to 1000 access points and 12,000 clients and offering performance of 60 Gbps to handle high wireless client densities and high amounts of media-rich applications.
Cisco's Flex 7500 Series Wireless Controller is intended to enable centralized management of thousands of wireless remote sites from one datacenter, eliminating the costs of a wireless controller at each branch. The 1RU Flex 7500 lets you establish a private cloud to deploy, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot up to 6000 access points and up to 64,000 wireless clients while supporting 1 Gbps performance. Cisco's 8500 Wireless Controller is a 1RU device engineered to monitor and manage Wi-Fi environments for large campuses or for service providers and can scale to support 6000 APs and up to 64,000 wireless clients while offering 10 Gbps throughput.
For more information about Cisco WiFi controllers, visit Cisco Wi-Fi 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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