wireless

© 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. FWL 1.0—1-1

Module 1

Introduction to Wireless LANs


Learning Objectives

• Define and describe WLANs

• Describe the need and benefits of WLANs.

• Identify characteristics of Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g products.


Overview

This module provides an introduction to the rapidly evolving technology of wireless LANs (WLANs).

WLANs redefine the way the industry views LANs.

Connectivity no longer implies attachment.

Wireless networking provides all the features and benefits of traditional LAN technologies without the limitations of wires or cables.

The freedom to roam while still maintaining connectivity has helped launch wireless networking to new heights.


Major Factors

There are four major factors to consider before implementing a wireless network:

• High availability

• Scalability

• Manageability

• Open architecture


Benefits of WLANs


Unlicensed Frequency Bands


Wireless Technologies

PAN(Personal Area

Network)

PAN(Personal Area

Network)

LAN(Local Area Network)

LAN(Local Area Network)

WAN(Wide Area Network)

WAN(Wide Area Network)

MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

PANPAN LANLAN MANMAN WANWAN

BluetoothBluetooth

Peer-to-PeerDevice-to-Device

Peer-to-PeerDevice-to-Device

ShortShort

<1 Mbps<1 Mbps

802.11a, 11b, 11gHiperLAN2

802.11a, 11b, 11gHiperLAN2

Enterprise Networks

Enterprise Networks

MediumMedium

2–54+ Mbps2–54+ Mbps

802.11MMDS, LMDS

802.11MMDS, LMDS

Fixed, LastMile AccessFixed, LastMile Access

Medium–LongMedium–Long

22+ Mbps22+ Mbps

GSM, GPRS,CDMA, 2.5–3GGSM, GPRS,

CDMA, 2.5–3G

PDAs, MobilePhones, Cellular

Access

PDAs, MobilePhones, Cellular

Access

LongLong

10–384 Kbps10–384 Kbps

StandardsStandards

SpeedSpeed

RangeRange

ApplicationsApplications


Icons


Wireless Technologies


860 Kbps

900 MHz

1 and 2 Mbps

2.4 GHz

Proprietary

WLAN Evolution: 2000–Present

Warehousing

Retail

Healthcare

EducationBusinessesHome

802.11 Ratified

802.11a,b Ratified

802.11g

Drafted1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

1 and 2 Mbps

2.4 GHz

11 Mbps 54 Mbps

Standards-based

5 GHzRadio

Network

Speed

IEEE 802.11Begins Drafting


Wi-Fi™

Wi-Fi™ Alliance• Wireless Fidelity Alliance

• 170+ members

• Over 350 products certified

Wi-Fi’s™ Mission• Certify interoperability of WLAN products

(802.11)

• Wi-Fi™ is the “stamp of approval”

• Promote Wi-Fi™ as the global standard


Components and Topologies


WLAN Devices

In-building Infrastructure

• 1200 Series (802.11a and 802.11b)

• 1100 Series (802.11b)

• 350 Series (802.11b) not shown

Bridging

• 350 Series (802.11b)

•BR350

•WGB350

• 1400 Series (802.11a)


WLAN Devices

Antenna

•2.4GHz

•5 GHz Antennas

Clients

• 350 Series (802.11b)

• 5 GHz client adapter (802.11a)

• Workgroup bridge (802.11b)


Cable, Accessories, Wireless IP Phone

Cable and Accessories

• Low Loss Cable

• Antenna Mounts

• Lightening Arrestor

• Wireless IP Phone


Cisco Aironet 802.11b Client Adapters

2.4 GHz• 802.11b

• 11 Mbps

Include• PC Card

• PCI Card

• LMC Card

• Mini PCI


Cisco Aironet 802.11a Client Adapter

5 GHz/802.11a• 54 Mbps

Rate Shifting • 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54

Fixed data rates • User configurable option

5 dBi Patch Antenna

CardBus interface

Transmit power settings:• 20 mW, 10 mW, and 5 mW


1200 Series Access Point

Dual radio designField upgradable radio and software

– 802.11b radio• 100 mW radio• Built-in RP-TNC connectors for

diversity• Wide range of Cisco 2.4 GHz

antennas offered– 802.11a radio

• Delivers up to 54 Mbps, the next generation of performance

• Can run in dual mode capacity with the 802.11b radio

• Innovative antenna design to fit deployment needs

Enterprise-class management and security


Cisco Aironet 1100 Series Access Point

Single 802.11b radio• Time-tested technology• Supports installed client-base

Upgradable• Migration path to 802.11g for further investment

return

Scalable • Fully functional access point ideal for all enterprise

deployments without expensive controllers

Affordable• Lowest priced upgradable Cisco Aironet access

point

Enterprise-class features• End-to-end intelligent networking and security

extended to WLAN


Cisco Aironet 1400 Series

High Performance•Industry leading throughput and range

Easy-to-Use•Out of the box installation in outdoor environment

Flexible•Point to point and point to multi-point bridging

•Multiple mounting and antenna options

Secure•Enterprise-class security

Feature Rich•Intelligent Network Services via IOS


Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridging Solutions

Cisco Aironet 350 Series Cisco Aironet 1400 Series

Wireless Bridging at a Lower Total Cost

Wireless Bridging with high performance

Single 802.11b radio with data rates up to 11 Mbps

Single 802.11a radio with data rates up to 54 Mbps

3 miles typical point to point range with directional antennas at 11 Mbps

7.5 miles typical point to point range with directional antennas at 54 Mbps

Two 2.4 GHz antenna connectors for high gain diversity antennas

Single 5.8 GHz integrated patch array antenna or antenna connector for remote antennas

Indoor industrial environmental specifications, rugged metal case

Outdoor environmental specifications, tested to NEMA 4

Inline and Local Power Inline Power via Power Injector LR

VxWorks based operating system Cisco IOS operating system

QOS, VLANs, and Proxy Mobile IP QOS, VLANs, and Proxy Mobile IP

Statistics via telnet Antenna Alignment feedback via LEDs and RSSI port and statistics via telnet


Antennas

2.4 GHz 5 GHz

•Indoor and Outdoor

•WLAN and Bridging

• Outdoor

• Bridging


Cable and Accessories


802.11-Enabled Phones

A cordless phone for the workplace

•Cisco 7920 Wireless VoIP phone


Beyond Laptops:Other 802.11-Enabled Devices

PDA’s

Phones

Printers

Projectors

Tablet PC’s

Security Cameras

Barcode scanners

Custom devices for vertical markets:•Healthcare•Manufacturing•Retail•Restaurants

HP iPAQ 5450 PDA

Compaq Tablet PC

HHP Barcode Scanner

Epson Printer

Sharp M25X Projector

SpectraLink Phone


WLAN Market


In Building WLAN


Site to Site WLAN


WLAN Markets


Challenges and Issues


Radio Signal Interference


Power Consumption


Interoperability


Wireless LAN Security:Lessons

“War Driving”

Hacking into WEP

Lessons:

• Security must be turned on (part of the installation process)

• Employees will install WLAN equipment on their own (compromises security of your entire network)

• WEP keys can be easily broken (businesses need better security)


Reliability and Connectivity


Installation and Site Design Issues—Bridging


Installation and Site Design Issues—WLAN


Health Issues

wireless

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