Wireless

Radio

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-No—The WAP device transmits data using an 800-nanosecond guard interval.

Protection—The protection feature contains rules to guarantee that 802.11 transmissions do not cause interference with legacy stations or applications. By default, protection is enabled (Auto). With protection enabled, protection is invoked if legacy devices are within range of the WAP device.

You can disable protection (Off); however, legacy clients or WAP devices within range can be affected by 802.11n transmissions. Protection is also available when the mode is 802.11b/g. When protection is enabled in this mode, it protects 802.11b clients and WAP devices from 802.11g transmissions.

NOTE This setting does not affect the ability of the client to associate with the WAP device.

Beacon Interval—The interval between the transmission of beacon frames. The WAP device transmits these at regular intervals to announce the existence of the wireless network. The default behavior is to send a beacon frame once every 100 milliseconds (or 10 per second).

Enter an integer from 20 to 2000 milliseconds. The default is 100 milliseconds.

DTIM Period—The Delivery Traffic Information Map (DTIM) period. Enter an integer from 1 to 255 beacons. The default is 2 beacons.

The DTIM message is an element included in some Beacon frames. It indicates which client stations, currently sleeping in low-power mode, have data buffered on the WAP device awaiting pickup.

The DTIM period that you specify indicates how often the clients served by this WAP device should check for buffered data still on the WAP device awaiting pickup.

The measurement is in beacons. For example, if you set this field to 1, clients check for buffered data on the WAP device at every beacon. If you set this field to 10, clients check on every 10th beacon.

Fragmentation Threshold—The frame size threshold in bytes. The valid integer must be even and in the range of 256 to 2346. The default is 2346.

The fragmentation threshold is a way of limiting the size of packets (frames) transmitted over the network. If a packet exceeds the fragmentation threshold you set, the fragmentation function is activated and the packet is sent as multiple 802.11 frames.

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Cisco Systems WAP321, WAP121 manual Wireless

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.