Wireless | Cisco Systems WAP121, WAP321 manual

Wireless	5
Wireless
Quality of Service

If the first random backoff wait time expires before the data frame is sent, a retry counter is incremented and the random backoff value (window) is doubled. Doubling continues until the size of the random backoff value reaches the number defined in the Maximum Contention Window.

Valid values are 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, or 1024. This value must be lower than the value for the Maximum Contention Window.

•Maximum Contention Window—The upper limit (in milliseconds) for the doubling of the random backoff value. This doubling continues until either the data frame is sent or the Maximum Contention Window size is reached.

After the Maximum Contention Window size is reached, retries continue until a maximum number of retries allowed is reached.

Valid values are 1, 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, 511, or 1024. This value must be higher than the value for the Minimum Contention Window.

•Maximum Burst (WAP only)—A WAP EDCA parameter that applies only to traffic flowing from the WAP to the client station.

This value specifies (in milliseconds) the maximum burst length allowed for packet bursts on the wireless network. A packet burst is a collection of multiple frames transmitted without header information. The decreased overhead results in higher throughput and better performance.

Valid values are 0.0 through 999.

•Wi-Fi MultiMedia (WMM)—Select Enable to enable Wi-Fi MultiMedia (WMM) extensions. This field is enabled by default. With WMM enabled, QoS prioritization and coordination of wireless medium access is on. With WMM enabled, QoS settings on the WAP device control downstream traffic flowing from the WAP device to client station (AP EDCA parameters) and the upstream traffic flowing from the station to the AP (station EDCA parameters).

Disabling WMM deactivates QoS control of station EDCA parameters on upstream traffic flowing from the station to the WAP device. With WMM disabled, you can still set some parameters on the downstream traffic flowing from the WAP device to the client station (AP EDCA parameters).

•TXOP Limit (Station only)—The TXOP Limit is a station EDCA parameter and only applies to traffic flowing from the client station to the WAP device. The Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) is an interval of time, in milliseconds, when a WME client station has the right to initiate transmissions onto the wireless medium (WM) towards the WAP device. The TXOP Limit maximum value is 65535.

Cisco Small Business WAP121 and WAP321 Wireless-N Access Point with PoE

WAP121, WAP321 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been recognized for its innovation in networking technologies, and the Cisco WAP321 and WAP121 access points are prime examples of its commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance wireless networking solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. These devices offer a robust set of features designed to meet the requirements of modern wireless networking while ensuring ease of use and deployment.

The Cisco WAP321 is a dual-band access point that operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, providing flexibility and improved performance in crowded environments. With support for the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard, it boasts a combined data rate of up to 450 Mbps, enabling high-speed connections for multiple users simultaneously. The WAP321 also includes advanced features such as multiple SSIDs and VLAN support, allowing businesses to segment their networks for enhanced security and management control.

One of the standout characteristics of the WAP321 is its ability to act as a lightweight access point, meaning it can be managed through a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) for larger deployments. This capability allows for centralized management of multiple access points, making it easier for IT administrators to deploy, configure, and monitor their network infrastructure.

On the other hand, the Cisco WAP121 is designed for those requiring a simpler, more cost-effective solution. This single-band access point also operates on the 2.4 GHz band but still provides robust performance with wireless speeds reaching up to 300 Mbps. It is ideal for small businesses looking to develop or expand their wireless networks without the complexities associated with more advanced systems.

Both models feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, enabling them to receive power through the Ethernet cable, which simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power outlets. Additionally, they support advanced security protocols, including WPA/WPA2 encryption, ensuring that sensitive data transmitted over the network remains protected from unauthorized access.

The ease of setup and user-friendly management interfaces of both the WAP321 and WAP121 make them appealing options for businesses lacking extensive IT resources. With features aimed at enhancing both performance and security, these access points represent powerful tools for achieving reliable wireless connectivity in a business environment. Whether organizations opt for the WAP321 for its extensive capabilities or the WAP121 for its simplicity, both access points reflect Cisco's dedication to meeting diverse networking needs.