(June 3, 2003) - Cisco Systems, Inc. has introduced the Structured Wireless-Aware Network, a framework for an integrated highly secure wired and wireless network. The advantages of a "wireless-aware" Cisco switch and router infrastructure combined with a Cisco wireless network include a common management and robust security scheme, simplified deployment and operation, centralized control and configuration of thousands of networking devices, the ability to detect rogue access points, fast secure roaming for mobile applications, and self-healing networks for improved wireless up-time.

Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network infrastructure enhancements will be integrated in Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 Series Access Points (AP), Cisco Catalyst 3750, 4500, and 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 2600XM and 3700 Series Routers. Other components of the solution include CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) for management and monitoring, Cisco Secure Access Control Server for centralized authentication, and Cisco and Cisco Compatible client adapters for Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring and measurement.

Combined with CiscoWorks WLSE 2.0, a platform that supports up to 2,500 APs in a single, centralized appliance, the following Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network capabilities are available as a Cisco IOS Software upgrade for the Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs:

IEEE 802.1x local authentication service for remote site, Wide Area Network survivability

With the subsequent release of CiscoWorks WLSE v2.5 and a corresponding Cisco IOS Software upgrade for Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs, additional security and RF management capabilities will be supported.

Continuing its legacy and innovation in IEEE 802.11 solutions for outdoor distance applications, Cisco introduced the Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge, a high-performance, outdoor wireless bridge that provides cost-effective wireless connectivity among multiple network locations within a metro area. Based on Cisco IOS Software for enterprise feature and interface consistency, the Aironet 1400 Series provides industry leading range and throughput with data rates of 54 Mbps supported at point-to-point ranges up to 7.5 miles and at point-to-multipoint ranges up to 2 miles. Through the use of higher gain antennas or lower data rates, extended ranges in excess of 20 miles point-to-point can be achieved.

The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge ship in June 2003. Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network enhancements will initially be available on Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs starting in June and continuing through 2003, and will be migrated to other Cisco IOS Software-based platforms, including the Cisco Catalyst 3750, 4500 and 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 2600XM and 3700 Series Routers, starting in CY2004.

Published Jan. 1, 2000— Reads 6,513
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