Once the printed edition is released I will try to review it. The CCDA 640-864 Official Cert Guide, 4th Edition is helpful to CCDA, CCDP aspirer which is a comprehensive self-study resource for the new DESGN exam, required for CCDA certification. This title coverage includes: ” Network design methodology and models ” Designing enterprise campuses, enterprise data centers, and wireless LANs ” IPv4, IPv6, Interior Routing Protocols, BGP, and route manipulation ” Network security technology and design This edition’s 40% new coverage includes all-new chapters on designing the enterprise data center, and on final exam preparation. New topics include: Webex, auditing tools, borderless networks, Enterprise Campus 3.0, CAPWAP, 802.11n, scalability, Cisco 500 Series Mobility Express, VPN using public networks, enterprise route redistribution, risk calculation, Ironport, and more.

I believe a good Cisco Press title to own.

Cisco Systems launched recently a Wireless access point targeting the Small to Midsize business. The Cisco AP 500 Access Point is easy to install and manage.  The clustering technology with simplifies the deployment and of Cisco AP 500 AP by creating single point of administration for multiple Cisco AP 500 Access Points. Currently Cisco is offering one model AP 541.

The Cisco AP 500 comes with clustering technology, Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface for higher throughput, 802.11n compliance and dual band user selection for either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz and more over it supports voice roaming.

Some of the features of Cisco AP 500 are as follows

Cisco AP 500 Series Wireless Access Points offer a range of features:

• Clustering Technology: Simplifies wireless deployments by creating a single point of administration for multiple access points. Clustering technology replicates a configuration, pushes it out to other access points, and continuously manages the frequency channels for each device, reducing network interface.
• Superior Performance: Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface for higher throughput. Wireless radio complies with 802.11n wireless technology, using MIMO technology to enhance network coverage, capacity, and throughput for data and multimedia applications, while allowing for backward compatibility with a, b, and g clients.
• Robust Security: Supports business-class security encryptions (WPA2, 802.1x supplicant) and authentication for client compatibility, MAC address authentication, client isolation, and rogue access point detection.
• Voice Roaming: Allowing for client fast roaming while maintaining good voice quality with 802.11i pre-authenticated standards.
• Power Options: Uses both standard AC power and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), simplifying installations in locations such as drop ceilings where power outlets may not be accessible.

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Cisco Aironet 1140 Series 802.11n Access Point

Courtsesy: Cisco Systems.

The new Cisco® Aironet® 1140 Series Access Point is introduced at a time when businesses are becoming increasingly mobile and collaborative. The Wi-Fi Certified 802.11n Draft 2.0 access point is designed to meet the need for integrating high-quality voice, video and rich media across wireless networks with greater performance and throughput than prior 802.11a/g-based wireless networks. Cisco, which delivered the first enterprise-class Wi-Fi Certified 802.11n Draft 2.0 platform in 2007, is now taking 802.11n mainstream with new solutions that offer ease of deployment, reliability and performance. Learn more about Cisco’s leadership in 802.11n and business demands for wireless in a video from Ben Gibson, Cisco’s senior director of mobility solutions. http://blogs.cisco.com/wireless/comments

Some Facts:

• As part of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, the Cisco Aironet 1140 Series Access Point integrates easily into any enterprise network targeting investment protection and a low total cost of ownership.
• The Aironet 1140 Series Access Point is the only dual-radio platform that combines full 802.11n Draft 2.0 performance (up to nine times the throughput of existing 802.11a/g wireless networks) and built-in security features using standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet.
• The access point can be ordered in a new Eco-Pack, a 10-access point bulk pack that reduces packaging by 50 percent and allows simpler unpacking, staging and installation.
• The access point takes advantage of Cisco M-Drive Technology – a new system-wide set of features of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network that showcases Cisco’s RF excellence to deliver a reliable and consistent platform that further enhances 802.11n performance. The benefits of Cisco M-Drive Technology include improving wireless coverage and capacity, optimizing device connections, and simplifying wireless management.
• ClientLink, a feature of Cisco M-Drive Technology, will help extend the useful life of existing 802.11a/g devices while enhancing the performance of new 802.11n devices. The technology (see below for availability) will use beam forming to improve the throughput for existing 802.11a/g devices, increase overall wireless channel capacity and reduce wireless coverage holes for legacy devices.
• Miercom, an independent testing and analysis lab, tested ClientLink which showed an increase of up to 65 percent in throughput for existing 802.11a/g devices connecting to a Cisco 802.11n network. Unlike other solutions that do not offer performance improvements for legacy devices, ClientLink delivers airtime connectivity fairness for both 802.11n and 802.11a/g devices. Furthermore, by increasing the throughput speed for 802.11a/g clients, ClientLink effectively increases the total available channel capacity by up to 27 percent, and can help optimize both 802.11n and 802.11a/g device performance. For the complete Miercom testing methodology and results, download the ClientLink report at: http://www.cisco.com/go/802.11n/
• Cisco M-Drive Technology is currently available as a software upgrade for existing Cisco Unified Wireless Network customers. The ClientLink feature is scheduled to be available to customers as a part of their Cisco SMARTnet support agreements in the first half of 2009.
• The Cisco Aironet 1140 Series Access Point is available globally with a list price of $1,299 USD. The 10-unit Eco-Pack for the Aironet 1140 Series Access Point has a list price of $12,990 USD. Customers should engage their Cisco partner to explore any current trade-in and pricing options. Cisco Capital has financing programs to provide customers flexible purchasing options. Cisco Services offers migration services to assist in the adoption of next generation wireless.

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Supporting Quotes:

• “Cisco leads the industry with more 802.11n deployments than any other vendor, a result of our expertise in addressing the next generation of mobility solutions that enterprises need to enhance and simplify their business,” said Maciej Kranz, vice president of product marketing for the Cisco Wireless Networking Business Unit. “To support the increasing wave of mobile devices, media-rich collaborative applications and mobile user expectations, businesses need a proven 802.11n wireless solution, and the easy-to-deploy 1140 Series Access Point is designed to do just that.”
• “We increased employee efficiency and improved patient satisfaction by mobilizing applications, including bedside and surgical charting, patient throughput management and voice over IP,” said Scott Lapham, network engineer at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. “With the Cisco Aironet 1140 Series Access Point, we significantly enhanced the performance of our wireless network; and this will support more mobile devices, as well as the next wave of mobility applications like asset tracking and mobilizing our picture archiving and communications system (PACS) software to view large radiology images where needed.”
• “Cisco’s M-Drive Technology simplifies the adoption of 802.11n by delivering high-performance and a stable wireless environment,” said John Yrigoyen, director of Wireless Solutions at NEC Unified Solutions. “As a user benefit, expect improved wireless coverage, optimized device connections and simplified management.”