Cisco Systems 1300 manual Guidelines for Using a Lightweight Access Point/Bridge

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Chapter 1 Overview

Guidelines for Using a Lightweight Access Point/Bridge

Lightweight Access Point

The lightweight access point (model: AIR-LAP1310G) is part of the Cisco Integrated Wireless Network Solution and requires no manual configuration before they are mounted. The lightweight access point is automatically configured by a Cisco wreless LAN controller (hereafter called a controller) using the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP).

The lightweight access points contain one integrated radio: a 2.4-GHz radio (IEEE 802.11g). Using a controller, you can configure the radio settings.

In the Cisco Centralized Wireless LAN architecture, access points operate in the lightweight mode (as opposed to autonomous mode). The lightweight access points associate to a controller. The controller manages the configuration, firmware, and controls transactions such as 802.1x authentication. In addition, all wireless traffic is tunneled through the controller.

LWAPP is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) draft protocol that defines the control messaging for setup and path authentication and run-time operations. LWAPP also defines the tunneling mechanism for data traffic.

In an LWAPP environment, a lightweight access point discovers a controller by using LWAPP discovery mechanisms and then sends it an LWAPP join request. The controller sends the lightweight access point an LWAPP join response allowing the access point to associate with the controller. When the lightweight access point is associated, it downloads its software if the versions on the lightweight access point and controller do not match. After a lightweight access point associates with a controller, you can reassign it to any controller on your network.

LWAPP secures the control communication between the lightweight access point and controller by means of a secure key distribution, using X.509 certificates on both the lightweight access point and controller.

This chapter provides information on the following topics:

Key Features, page 1-3

Network Examples with Autonomous Access Point/Bridges, page 1-9

Network Examples with Lightweight Access Points, page 1-13

Guidelines for Using a Lightweight Access Point/Bridge

You should keep these guidelines in mind when you use a lightweight access point/bridge:

A lightweight access points/bridge can communicate only with Cisco 2006 series wireless LAN controllers or 4400 series controllers. Cisco 4100 series, Airespace 4012 series, and Airespace 4024 series controllers are not supported because they lack the memory required to support access points running Cisco IOS software.

A lightweight access points/bridge does not support Wireless Domain Services (WDS) and cannot communicate with WDS devices. However, the controller provides functionality equivalent to WDS when the access point associates to it.

A lightweight access points/bridge supports eight BSSIDs per radio and a total of eight wireless LANs per access point. When a lightweight access point associates to a controller, only wireless LANs with IDs 1 through 8 are pushed to the access point.

A lightweight access points/bridge does not support Layer 2 LWAPP. They must get an IP address and discover the controller using DHCP, DNS, or IP subnet broadcast.

The lightweight access point console port is enabled for monitoring and debuging purposes (all configuration commands are disabled when the access point is associated to a controller).

Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Wireless Outdoor Access Point/Bridge Hardware Installation Guide

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OL-5048-06

 

 

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Contents Corporate Headquarters Page N T E N T S IiiWindow Mounting Ssid Japanese Translation B-6 Load-Dump Protection H-1 ViiViii Purpose PrefaceAudience OrganizationConventions Preface Conventions Cisco.com Related PublicationsObtaining Documentation XiiProduct Documentation DVD Ordering Documentation Documentation FeedbackCisco Product Security Overview XiiiProduct Alerts and Field Notices Reporting Security Problems in Cisco ProductsXiv Obtaining Technical Assistance Cisco Support WebsiteLocating the Product Serial Number XviSubmitting a Service Request XviiObtaining Additional Publications and Information Definitions of Service Request SeverityXviii Xix OL-5048-06 Overview Autonomous Access Point/BridgeProduct Terminology Guidelines for Using a Lightweight Access Point/Bridge Lightweight Access PointKey Features Power 1shows the two outdoor access point/bridge configurationsIntegrated Antenna External AntennaEthernet Ports ConnectorsEnclosure LEDs Operating Roles for the Autonomous Access Point/Bridge Network Examples with Autonomous Access Point/Bridges Repeater Unit that Extends Wireless RangeRoot Access Point on a Wired LAN Access Points as Root Units on a Wired LANCentral Unit in an All-Wireless Network Bridge Network with Wireless ClientsPoint-to-Point Bridge Configuration Workgroup Bridge NetworkNetwork Examples with Lightweight Access Points OL-5048-06 Installation Overview Safety Warnings All InstallationsDC Power Source Installations Safety InformationOutdoor and DC Power Source Installations FCC Safety Compliance StatementInstallation Overview Safety Information Installation Guidelines Typical Outdoor Installation ComponentsPackage Contents Unpacking the Access Point/BridgeSite Surveys Before Beginning the Installation Access Point/Bridge Layout Installation Summary Installation Overview Installation Summary Mounting the Access Point/Bridge, Mounting Hardware, LEDs, Mounting OverviewMounting the Access Point/Bridge Mounting HardwareWindow Mounting Multi-Function MountAccess Point Bracket LEDs Install LED Status Rssi Level dBm Ethernet LED Status LED Radio LED OL-5048-06 Troubleshooting Autonomous Access Points and Bridges Checking the LEDs on an Autonomous Access Point/Bridge Ethernet Status Radio Install Meaning Blinking Codes First Second Power Injector Default IP Address Behavior Checking PowerChecking Basic Configuration Settings Default Ssid and Radio BehaviorEnabling the Radio Interface SsidAntenna Alignment Security SettingsRunning the Carrier Busy Test Running the Ping or Link Test Using the Web-Browser Interface Using the CLI on an Autonomous Access Point/Bridge Reloading the Access Point/Bridge ImageWeb-Browser Interface Browser Http Interface Obtaining the Autonomous Access Point/Bridge Image File Connecting to the Console Serial Port Console Serial Port ConnectorObtaining the Tftp Server Software Http//tftpd32.jounin.netOL-5048-06 Troubleshooting Lightweight Access Points Checking the LEDs on Lightweight Access Points LED Indications Troubleshooting Lightweight Access Points Power Injector Using Dhcp Option Console serial port connector RJ-45 connector Configuring Controller Information Clearing Manually Entered Controller InformationReturning the Access Point to Autonomous Mode Manually Resetting the Access Point to DefaultsObtaining the Autonomous Access Point Image File OL-5048-06 Translated Safety Warnings OL-5048-06 Declarations of Conformity and Regulatory Information For Home or Office USE Vcci Statement for Japan Industry Canada Canadian Compliance StatementOL-5048-06 EMC Declaration of Conformity for RF Exposure Japanese TranslationAll Access Points and Bridges English TranslationEnglish Translation Operation of Cisco Aironet Access Points in Brazil Access Point ModelsDeclaration of Conformity Statements Page OL-5048-06 Access Point Specifications Category Access Point Power Injector and Power ModuleOfdm Category Access Point Power Injector and Power Module Category Access Point Power Injector and Power Module Channels and Maximum Power Levels OL-5048-06 Overview, page E-2 Signals and Pinouts, page E-2 Console Serial Cable PinoutsSignals and Pinouts OverviewPriming Lightweight Access Points Prior to Deployment OL-5048-06 Page OL-5048-06 Access Points Access Point Vendor Class Identifier VCI Quotation marks must be included Type + Length + Value Load-Dump Protection for Transportation Vehicles Load-Dump ProtectionAppendix H Load-Dump Protection for Transportation Vehicles Numeric GL-1Signal continuously over a wide frequency band GL-2GL-3 Single data message packet sent to multiple addresses GL-4Power level of radio transmission GL-5GL-6 D E IN-1Site survey Size C-1 SSID, troubleshooting IN-2
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1300 specifications

Cisco Systems 1300 series, commonly referred to as the Cisco Aironet 1300 Series, represents a pivotal advancement in wireless networking solutions designed for outdoor environments. These access points are primarily intended for outdoor wireless applications, including temporary installations, public areas, and enterprises requiring robust outdoor coverage.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 1300 series is its ruggedized design. The access points are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and precipitation. They comply with IP67 ratings, ensuring protection against dust and water intrusion, making them suitable for deployment in various environmental conditions.

The Cisco 1300 series provides comprehensive WLAN coverage through its support for various wireless standards, including 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. This compatibility ensures interoperability with existing wireless infrastructure while enabling faster data rates and improved connectivity. The technology leveraged in the Cisco 1300 series offers enhanced throughput and capacity, ensuring seamless connectivity for end-users.

Another key characteristic is the integration of advanced security features. The access points support robust encryption protocols, such as WPA2 and 802.1X, safeguarding sensitive data transmitted over the air. The ability to create secure guest access networks also enhances security, allowing organizations to provide internet access without compromising internal network safety.

Cisco's proprietary features, such as Cisco CleanAir technology, further enhance the performance of the 1300 series. This technology effectively detects and mitigates wireless interference, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in congested areas. Additionally, the series supports mesh networking capabilities, allowing for flexible deployment without the necessity of extensive wiring, which is particularly advantageous for temporary or mobile installations.

Management and configuration are simplified through the use of Cisco's Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). This centralized management allows network administrators to streamline firmware upgrades, monitor performance, and enforce policy compliance across multiple access points.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 1300 series access points combine robust outdoor capabilities with advanced wireless technology, security features, and ease of management, making them a valuable asset for organizations looking to extend their networking capabilities into outdoor environments. Through their durable design and innovative technologies, the Cisco 1300 series meets the demanding needs of today’s wireless landscape.