Administration

3

 

Discovery—Bonjour

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery—Bonjour

Bonjour enables the WAP device and its services to be discovered by using multicast DNS (mDNS). Bonjour advertises services to the network and answers queries for the service types that it supports, simplifying network configuration in small business environments.

The WAP device advertises these service types:

Cisco-specific device description (csco-sb)—This service enables clients to discover Cisco WAP devices and other products deployed in small business networks.

Management user interfaces—This service identifies the management interfaces available on the WAP device (HTTP and SNMP).

When a Bonjour-enabled WAP device is attached to a network, any Bonjour client can discover and get access to the configuration utility without prior configuration.

A system administrator can use an installed Internet Explorer plug-in to discover the WAP device. The web-based configuration utility shows up as a tab in the browser.

Bonjour works in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

To enable the WAP device to be discovered through Bonjour:

STEP 1 Select Administration > Discovery - Bonjour in the navigation pane.

STEP 2 Select Enable.

STEP 3 Click Save. The changes are saved to the Startup Configuration.

Packet Capture

The wireless packet capture feature enables capturing and storing packets received and transmitted by the WAP device. The captured packets can then be analyzed by a network protocol analyzer, for troubleshooting or performance optimization. There are two methods of packet capture:

Local capture method— Captured packets are stored in a file on the WAP device. The WAP device can transfer the file to a TFTP server. The file is

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

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Cisco Systems WAP321, WAP121 manual Discovery-Bonjour, Packet Capture

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.