Access
points are critical elements of the Cisco® Unified Wireless
Network. Cisco single- and dual-band access points are designed for
offices and similar environments, challenging RF environments, and
the outdoors. The devices are available in two versions: unified or
autonomous. Unified access points operate with the Lightweight Access
Point Protocol (LWAPP) and work in conjunction with Cisco wireless
LAN controllers and the Wireless Control System (WCS). Autonomous
access points are based on Cisco IOS® Software and may optionally
operate with the CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE).
Autonomous access points, along with the WLSE, deliver a core set of
features and may be field-upgraded to take advantage of the full
benefits of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network as requirements
evolve.
To make the best choices for their particular applications, important
to understand the features and benefits of the different Cisco
Aironet® access points.
On Pic 1 we can see
an example of Autonomous Access Point Deployment.
Pic1.
Autonomous Access Point Deployment
Pic2. Unified Access Point Deployment
The
main challenge of Unified Access Point Deployment Pic2. is the
ability to manage, and secure wireless networks with limited IT staff
across hundreds of remote sites. The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
Modules, along with LWAPP-enabled Cisco Aironet access points,
addresses the deployment and operational challenges of enterprise
wireless networking at remote sites by eliminating the need to
configure and manage each individual access point. In addition, the
Cisco WCS can be used to manage hundreds of remote sites with Cisco
wireless LAN controller modules.
Organizations
that selected to the Cisco Access Point Deployment will experience
the following benefits:
- Lowered total cost of ownership from centralized management,
simplified deployment, and a unified wired and wireless
architecture;
- Decreased operations and staff training costs because the network
management interface is simplified and easy to use;
- Improved network security from built-in security alerts and
real-time monitoring of potential attacks, threats, and breaches;
- Real-time detection, location, and containment of unauthorized
access points and client devices;
- Integrated management for indoor WLANs and outdoor wireless mesh
networks;
- Acceleration of business collaboration and productivity through
mobility services that support innovative business applications.
Unified Access Point Deployment is essential for Cisco IP Telephony and Nokia Intellisync Call Connect 1.0.
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