03-31-2009 09:49 PM - edited 07-03-2021 05:23 PM
I;m setting up a campus LAN and I would like to use Cisco Access Points for some of my LAN deployments both indoor and outdoor. I'm new to the Cisco Wireless apart from reading about it. No practical done. I'm very interested in using the Cisco Wireless gears but I need some guide on the recommended type to use and how and where to start. THe Campus LAN is for a University. Please somebody help me!!
04-01-2009 06:52 AM
Welcome to the world of Cisco Wireless, then! There are several resources available for getting started:
Cisco Wireless Homepage
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/index.html
Cisco Access Point Homepage
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5678/Products_Sub_Category_Home.html
I'll give you a brief rundown of Cisco's different AP models and their uses:
1130 Series - An 802.11a/g AP that is designed for indoor use. It has integrated antennas, no option for externals.
1240 Series - An 802.11a/g AP that is ruggedized for extreme temperatures/environments. It is still designed for indoor use. It has no integrated antennas, so you need to purchase antennas to use this.
1140/1250 Series - These resemble the above APs but have 802.11n Draft 2.0 capabilities.
1300 Series - An 802.11g Bridge that can also act as an AP. Designed for outdoor use. Can be purchased with either integrated or non-integrated antennas.
1400 Series - An 802.11a Bridge, designed for outdoor use. Can be purchased with either integrated or non-integrated antennas.
1500 Series - "Mesh" access points that use the 802.11g radio for client access and the 802.11a radio to backhaul back to another Mesh AP. Designed for outdoor use to cover large campuses and parking lots. Does not have integrated antennas.
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6302/Products_Sub_Category_Home.html
This is an entire subject in itself. Most of the above APs can run in either "Lightweight" or "Autonomous" mode. Autonomous means that they act as any other AP, they are individually configured and place traffic directly on the LAN. Lightweight APs receive their configurations from a controller and also tunnel all traffic back through that controller. This offers a centralized management platform and also allows for aggregated client and radio information.
Whew, that's a lot! Hopefully this gets you started. Don't hesitate to ask specific questions as you start reading around.
Jeff
04-01-2009 07:23 PM
Hi there
thanks for all the info provided here. I will need to go through all of it and understand more.
From your experience, which APs would you recommend to use when distance is 10km or more between buildings outdoors?
I'm also concerned about Security issues involve. What is I want to have all APs to have 802.11n instead of the others for both indoor and outdoor.
04-01-2009 07:56 PM
To travel great distances, you need a dish antennae.
Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Antennas and Accessories
Cisco Aironet Antennas and Accessories Reference Guide
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