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Sep 26 2009   7:20AM GMT

Cisco Launches SA 500 Series Security Appliances, specifically designed and priced to meet small business needs



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco SA 500, SA 520, SA 520 W, SA 540, VPN, Firewall, Trend Micro, email, Web Security, Appliance, Cisco Systems, Cisco Firewall, Wireless, secured wireless, network ports, 1 giga

 

If you are having an Organization with 100 employees or less and you are looking for an appropriate Security device to protect your Organization from the frequently growing internet threats, also offering  secured  wireless,  offering Virtual Private Network (VPN) services to remote branch offices and on to go employees, with a firewall and optional email and web security capabilities. Here is the answer, the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance. Cisco Systems recently launched the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance recently exclusively for Small to Medium size business.

 

The Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance comes in three models; SA 520, SA 520 W and SA 540,  each of these  models features the integrated firewall, support for the Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway and network ports which are capable of working at 1 Giga Speed.  Here are some of the features of the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance. Only SA 520 W is capable of supporting Wireless (802.11 b/g/n capabilities) working in the 2.4 GHz range with high encryption capabilities.

 

·       Secure remote access to business information with a built-in stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall and VPN capabilities.

·       Increased security of remote access: With support for optional VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP), the Cisco SA 500 Series provides two-factor authentication and one-time-use password access control.

·       Lower costs associated with deployment and management based on a single, easy-to-install, easy-to-use solution.

·       Prevent security breaches from email threats or malicious websites that could lead to disruption of business-critical applications and services.

·       Increased employee productivity by helping prevent spam, spyware, and inappropriate web browsing with the optional Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway.

·       Easy deployment and management: The embedded Security Appliance Configuration Utility offers comprehensive configuration and monitoring of all the services in a single application.

·       Affordable service coverage: The highest level of performance and reliability to keep your business running smoothly. Check out Small Business Pro Service.

In conclusion Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliances is designed to solve Small business problems.  For more information visit the Cisco SA 500 Website.

 

Aug 22 2009   8:46AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 6



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, configuration scenarios, Windows 2003 Server, Wireless Clients, SSIDs, Native VLAN, Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3, IOS version 12.2(44) SE1, IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14, Cisco IOS

In this post I will just post the snap shots for SSIDS ADMIN and GUEST, where you can see the SSIDS are connected, they got an IP address and they can ping the default gateway as well. It’s just to confirm  connectivity.

ADMIN SSID Connectivity

The PC is getting an IP from the DHCP Server for the SSID ADMIN  and VLAN 101

The PC can ping the default gateway

GUEST SSID Connectivity

The PC is getting an IP from the DHCP Server for the SSID GUEST and VLAN 102

 The PC can ping the default gateway

So with this I will conclude this series. If any body have any comments please do comment.


Aug 18 2009   7:47AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 5



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, configuration scenarios, Windows 2003 Server, Wireless Clients, SSIDs, Native VLAN, Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3, IOS version 12.2(44) SE1, IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14, Cisco IOS, Running Configuration, show running-config, ping command, Ping

 

Dear all lets proceed further with the configuration of the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch

 

Configure the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch.

 

In this step we will configure the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch port which is connected to the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point to the wired network. We will configure the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch port, which is connected to the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point as trunk port because this port will carries traffic for all the VLANs on the wired network. In our case the VLANs are VLAN 101, 102 and the native VLAN 100.

When you configure the Cisco Catalyst 3560, which connects to the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point ,ensure that the native VLANs that you configure match the native VLAN on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point. Otherwise, frames are dropped. In order to configure the trunk port on the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, use the following commands from the CLI on the Cisco Catalyst 3560 switch:

Note: In our scenario the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point is connected to a Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch to the port number Giga Ethernet 0/20

ITKE-Cisco(config)#interface interface gigabitEthernet 0/20

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)# switchport mode trunk

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)#switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)#switchport trunk native vlan 100

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)#switchport trunk allowed vlan 101,102

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)#switchport nonegotiate

ITKE-Cisco(config-if)#

 

(The above commands configures the Giga Ethernet port 0/20  as trunk port, with a dot1q encapsulation , with VLAN 100 as a native trunk VLAN ).

 

Note: Cisco IOS Software-based Aironet wireless equipment does not support Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP). Therefore, the Cisco Catalyst 3560 must not try to negotiate DTP.

With this configuration we have successfully completed the configuration of multiple SSIDs in the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point . In the coming post I will post the snap shots for the connection established to SSIDS ADMIN and GUEST. Basically we will test the connectivity with the ping command.

 

 


Aug 17 2009   5:40AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 4



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, configuration scenarios, Windows 2003 Server, Wireless Clients, SSIDs, Native VLAN, Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3, IOS version 12.2(44) SE1, IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14, Cisco IOS, Running Configuration, show running-config

 

In the previous post we looked at configuration of the VLANs and SSIDS in a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point.  The final configuration in the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point should be as follows, I am just posting the complete running configuration from the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

 

 

ITKE-AP-01# show running-config

Building configuration…

 

Current configuration : 2693 bytes

!

version 12.4

no service pad

service timestamps debug datetime msec

service timestamps log datetime msec

service password-encryption

!

hostname ITKE-AP-01

!

enable secret 5 $1$d1hx$IvRMqYGHs0JXjIgy8/.Ms0

!

no aaa new-model

!

!

!

dot11 ssid ADMIN

   vlan 101

   authentication open

!

dot11 ssid GUEST

   vlan 102

   authentication open

   guest-mode

   mbssid guest-mode

!

power inline negotiation prestandard source

!

!

username Cisco password 7 00271A150754

!

bridge irb

!

!

interface Dot11Radio0

 no ip address

 no ip route-cache

 !

 ssid ADMIN

 !

 ssid GUEST

 !

 mbssid

 station-role root

!

interface Dot11Radio0.100

 no ip route-cache

!

interface Dot11Radio0.101

 encapsulation dot1Q 101

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 101

 bridge-group 101 subscriber-loop-control

 bridge-group 101 block-unknown-source

 no bridge-group 101 source-learning

 no bridge-group 101 unicast-flooding

 bridge-group 101 spanning-disabled

!

interface Dot11Radio0.102

 encapsulation dot1Q 102

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 102

 bridge-group 102 subscriber-loop-control

 bridge-group 102 block-unknown-source

 no bridge-group 102 source-learning

 no bridge-group 102 unicast-flooding

 bridge-group 102 spanning-disabled

!

interface Dot11Radio0.100

 encapsulation dot1Q 100 native

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 1

 bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control

 bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source

 no bridge-group 1 source-learning

 no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding

 bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled

!

interface Dot11Radio1

 no ip address

 no ip route-cache

 !

 ssid ADMIN

 !

 dfs band 3 block

 channel dfs

 station-role root

 bridge-group 1

 bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control

 bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source

 no bridge-group 1 source-learning

 no bridge-group 1 unicast-flooding

 bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled

!

interface GigabitEthernet0

 no ip address

 no ip route-cache

 duplex auto

 speed auto

!

interface GigabitEthernet0.101

 encapsulation dot1Q 101

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 101

 no bridge-group 101 source-learning

 bridge-group 101 spanning-disabled

!

interface GigabitEthernet0.102

 encapsulation dot1Q 102

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 102

 no bridge-group 102 source-learning

 bridge-group 102 spanning-disabled

!

interface GigabitEthernet0.100

 encapsulation dot1Q 100 native

 no ip route-cache

 bridge-group 1

 no bridge-group 1 source-learning

 bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled

!

interface BVI1

 ip address 10.0.0.99 255.255.254.0

 no ip route-cache

!

ip default-gateway 10.0.0.1

ip http server

no ip http secure-server

bridge 1 route ip

!

!

!

line con 0

line vty 0 4

 login local

!

end

 

ITKE-AP-01#

 

In my next post as promised I will post the configuraton for the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch.


Aug 16 2009   4:53AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 3



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, configuration scenarios, Windows 2003 Server, Wireless Clients, SSIDs, Native VLAN, Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3, IOS version 12.2(44) SE1, IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14, Cisco IOS, DHCP Server, IP Address

 

In today’s entry we will focus on configuration of VLANs and SSIDs in a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point. The procedure is as follows.

 

Configure

 

In this section, you will see the configuration steps required to complete the above mentioned scenario.

 

1st Step: Configure the Native VLAN on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

The Native VLAN is a VLAN to which the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point and the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch are connected. Native VLAN of the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point is usually different from the other VLANS configured in the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point (In our case VLAN 101 and VLAN 102). The IP address used for the management of the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point is assigned to its BVI Interface and the IP address assigned is in the native VLAN. (In our case VLAN 100). . The traffic, for example, management traffic, sent to and by the Point itself assumes the native VLAN (VLAN 100), and it is untagged. All untagged traffic that is received on an IEEE 802.1Q (dot1q) trunk port is forwarded with the native VLAN (VLAN 100) that is configured for the port. If a packet has a VLAN ID that is the same as the native VLAN ID of the sending port, the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch sends the packet without a tag. Otherwise, the switch sends the packet with a tag.

In order to configure a native VLAN on a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point, issue the following commands in the global configuration mode on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface gigabitEthernet 0.100

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 100 native

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

 

(The above commands will configure the encapsulation as dot1q and assign VLAN 100 as the native VLAN on the Giga Ethernet interface.)

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface dot11radio 0.100

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 100 native

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

 

(The above commands will configure the encapsulation as dot1q and assign VLAN 100 as the native VLAN on the radio interface.)

 

 

2nd Step: Configure the SSIDs on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

In this step we will configure two VLANs (VLAN 101 & VLAN 102) one for the ITKE administration department and other for the guest users only with an internet access.  The SSIDs are also need to be associated with specific VLANS as shown below.

 

·         VLAN 101 for the ITKE administration department and uses the SSID ADMIN.

·         VLAN 102 for the guest users and uses the SSID GUEST.

 

In order to configure a VLAN101 and 102 on a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point, issue the following commands in the global configuration mode on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#dot11 ssid ADMIN

ITKE-AP-01(config-ssid)#authentication open

ITKE-AP-01(config-ssid)#vlan 101

 (The above commands will create an ssid ADMIN, assigned to VLAN 101 and with an open authentication.)

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#dot11 ssid GUEST

ITKE-AP-01(config-ssid)#authentication open

ITKE-AP-01(config-ssid)#vlan 102

(The above commands will create an ssid GUEST, assigned to VLAN 102 and with an open authentication).

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface gigabitEthernet 0.101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#encapsulation dot1Q 101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#bridge-group 101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

ITKE-AP-01(config)#

(The above commands will set the encapsulation dot1q for VLAN 101 and assigns the sub interface to bridge group 101 to the giga Ethernet).

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface dot11Radio 0.101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#encapsulation dot1Q 101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#bridge-group 101

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

ITKE-AP-01(config)#

 

(The above commands will set the encapsulation dot1q for VLAN 101 and assigns the sub interface to bridge group 101 to the sub interface on the radio interface).

 

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface gigabitEthernet 0.102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#encapsulation dot1Q 102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#bridge-group 102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

ITKE-AP-01(config)#

(The above commands will set the encapsulation dot1q for VLAN 102 and assigns the sub interface to bridge group 102 to the giga Ethernet).

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface dot11Radio 0.102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#encapsulation dot1Q 102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#bridge-group 102

ITKE-AP-01(config-subif)#exit

ITKE-AP-01(config)#

(The above commands will set the encapsulation dot1q for VLAN 101 and assigns the sub interface to bridge group 101 to the sub interface on the radio interface).

 

3rd Step: Assign the multiple SSIDs to the radio interface on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point

 

ITKE-AP-01(config)#interface dot11Radio 0

ITKE-AP-01(config-if)#ssid ADMIN

ITKE-AP-01(config-if)#ssid GUEST

ITKE-AP-01(config-if)#mbssid

(The above commands assigns the multiple SSIDs ADMIN and GUEST  to the radio interface dot11radio 0 ).

 

Note: The SSIDs ADMIN and GUEST are configured for open authentication, For information on how to configure different authentication types on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point , refer the Cisco document “Configuring Authentication Types”.

In next post we will look at the configuration for the Cisco 3560 Switch .


Aug 13 2009   8:56AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 2



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, configuration scenarios, Windows 2003 Server, Wireless Clients, SSIDs, Native VLAN, Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3, IOS version 12.2(44) SE1, IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14, Cisco IOS, DHCP Server, IP Address

In order to configure multiple SSIDs in a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point, we will follow the following scenario,

 

The Scenario is based on following hardware and software versions.

 

Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point runs with an IOS Version 12.4(10b) JDA3.

Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch runs with an IOS version 12.2(44) SE1.

Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch runs with an IOS version 12.2(18) SXF14.

 

The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point has three VLANs, - VLAN 100, VLAN 101 and VLAN 102. VLAN 100 will be the native VLAN, VLAN 101 for the ITKE admin department and VLAN 102 for the guest users. The Wireless users who belong to ITKE admin department must connect to the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point and should be able to connect the ITKE admin department users on the wired network which is VLAN 101.

 

The wireless guest users should be able to connect to the Internet Gateway or web server which is on the wired segment of VLAN 102.

A Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch is connected to the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point at the access layer and the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch is also connected to the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Switch at the Core/Distribution layer). All VLANs are created in the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Switch which is beyond the scope of this document. (If any one feels he or she needs the sample configuration for the VLANs in the Cisco Catalyst 6500 switch it can be provided in the comments section of this blog entry).

 

A windows 2003 Server is used as a DHCP server which provides the IP address for both the VLANs VLAN 101 and VLAN 102. A DHCP scope has to be configured for both VLANS in the windows 2003 Server which is also beyond the scope of this document. But I am just adding the snap shot from the DHCP Server.

 

The following IP Address Scheme is applied for the VLANs

 

VLAN 100– 10.0.0.0 /23 (NATIVE VLAN)

VLAN 101 – 10.2.0.0/23

VLAN 102– 10.4.0.0/23

 

Following are the IP address used for the devices in this document.

 

·         The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point Bridge-Group Virtual Interface (BVI) IP Address (VLAN 100) 10.0.0.99.

 

·         Windows 2003 DHCP Server with an IP address 10.0.1.100 with VLAN scopes configured

 

·         Web Server with an IP Address 10.4.0.100.

 

·         Wireless Clients (SSID ITKE) gets connected to VLAN 101 gets an IP address from the Windows 2003 DHCP Server from the subnet 10.2.0.0.

 

·         Wireless Clients (SSID Guest) gets connected to VLAN 102 gets an IP Address from the Windows 2003 DHCP Server from the subnet 10.4.0.0.

In my next post I will post the configuration steps required to carry out the above motioned task. Until then do leave your comments for any future improvements or suggestions.


Aug 8 2009   6:18AM GMT

Configuring Multiple SSIDs in Cisco 1250 Access Points Series 1



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Multiple SSID, Configuring Multiple SSID in Cisco Access Point, Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs, VLANS, Cisco Configurations, Wireless, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Aironet 1250, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Sample Configurations, HP Procurve, HP 503 Access Points, HP 420 Access Point, Wirless LAN Controllers, configuration scenarios

 

Recently we purchased plenty of Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, unfortunately we don’t have any Wireless LAN controllers to manage the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points.  Previously we were using HP Procurve 503 and 420 access points with multiple SSIDs with different VLANS, which was quite simple and easy to manage.

Whereas with the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, configuring multiple SSIDs was an uphill task. As there was no proper documentation or configuration scenarios available particularly for Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points in the Cisco Web Site.   I did some research and  tried few things and finally managed to configure the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, with multiple SSIDs. In my next post I will come up the scenario and sample configuration which can be used to create multiple SSIDs in a Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point.


Jul 27 2009   5:55AM GMT

Reset Cisco 1250 Access Point to factory default settings



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Aironet 1250, Access Point, Access Point troubleshooting, factory default settings, Cisco Access Point reset, write erase, Cisco Access Points, Cisco Tips, Cisco Commands, troubleshooting, Network Troubleshooting, web browser interface, Static IP, default settings, Cisco, Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point, Wireless

 

If you want to reset the Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point to factory default settings you have to use “Write erase or erase/all nvram” command, these commands resets the Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point to factory default settings except the static IP Configured. This feature is really helpful if you reset the Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point accidentally. Still you will have an option to access Cisco Aironet 1250 Access Point  using a web browser interface.

Mindful thinking from Cisco.

 

 


Mar 17 2009   7:59AM GMT

The Cisco Mind Share Game is coming soon, enjoy the beta version



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCNA, CCENT, Cisco Mind Share game, Binay number, IOS Fundamentals, IP addressing, Subnetting, Wireless, Cisco Certifications, Cisco Games, Learning Games, Cisco learning game

Dear Friends, the most comprehensive Cisco learning game is about to launch! good news for the Cisco Certification aspirers, the Cisco Systems came up with a brilliant idea, it’s a game known as Cisco Mind Share game which covers more than 50% of the CCENT/CCNA certification exam. Currently the Cisco Mind Share game is available as demo version. Which features 5 excitng sections of the full subnet of 15 features? Each level is playable at three difficulty levels based upon your experience and knowledge.

 

Following topics are covered by the Cisco Mind Share game

Topics covered include:

 

·         Binary Number

·         IOS Fundamentals

·         IP Addressing

·         IP routing

·         NAT and PAT

·         The OSI Model

·         Subnetting

·         Switch Operation and behavior

·         Wireless

 

 

 

 

 

In order to achieve a high score in the Cisco Mind Share game requires deep understanding of the technology. The Cisco Mind Share game is a great way to improve your speed and accuracy on Cisco Certification exams as well as it’s a fun filled activity.

DOWNLOAD AND PLAY THE DEMO VERSION NOW!

Join the discussion on this and other Learning Games in the Games Forum


Jan 21 2009   8:01AM GMT

Cisco’s Latest Wireless Innovation - New 802.11n Access Point



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
802.11n, Cisco's Latest Wireless Innovation, Aironet 1140 Series Access Point, cisco collaboration, healthcare, intel, mobility, southeast alabama medical center test, wi-fi, Wireless, wlan

Cisco announced the industry’s first next-generation wireless access point that combines full 802.11n performance with deployment simplicity, enabling businesses to cost-effectively support the growing wave and diversity of mobile devices and applications.

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.

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.”