Cisco Systems 1520 3

The access point is a standalone unit that can be cable strand or tower mounted. The access point can

also operate as a relay node for other access points not directly connected to a wired network.

Intelligent wireless routing is provided by the patent-pending Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol

(AWPP). This enables each access point to identify its neighbors and intelligently choose the optimal

path to the wired network by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and the

number of hops required to get to a controller. The access point is configured, monitored, and operated

through a Cisco wireless LAN controller (hereafter called a controller) as described in the appropriate

Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide. The Cisco Mesh Networking Solution

Deployment Guide describes how to plan and initially configure the Cisco mesh network, which

supports wireless point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh deployments. The controllers use a

browser-based management system, a command-line interface (CLI), or the Cisco Wireless Control

System (WCS) network management system to manage the controller and the associated access points.

The access point is compliant with Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) and employs hardware-based

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption between wireless nodes to provide end-to-end

security.

3 Unpacking the Access Point

Note When you are unpacking the access point, do not remove the foam blocks attached to the

antenna connectors. The foam protects the antenna connectors during installation.

Follow these steps to unpack the access point:

Step1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.

Step2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container and save it.

Step3 Ensure that all items listed in the “Package Contents” section are included in the shipment.

Check each item for damage. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco

sales representative.

Each access point package contains the following items:

•One 1520 series access point

•Installed mounting plate (attached to the back of the access point)

•Ground lug with screw and washer