Cisco Unified Wireless Network
The Cisco Unified Wireless Network concept has five components that work
together to create a complete network, from client devices to network infrastructure,
to network applications. Cisco has equipment appropriate to each component.
Table 6-1 lists components and equipment.
Table 6-1 Cisco Unified Wireless Network Components
Component Description and Devices
Client Devices Cisco Aironet client, and Cisco compatible
third-party vendor clients.
Mobility Platform Aironet APs and bridges, using LWAPP.
Network Unification Leverages existing wired network. 2000- and
4400-series WLAN controllers and switch and
router modules.
World-Class Network Visualize and secure the WLAN. WCS for
Management location tracking, RF management, wireless
IPS, and WLC management.
Unified Advanced Applications such as wireless IP phones,
Services location appliances, and RF firewalls.
You should review the following link for more information on Cisco wireless
controllers and access points before you take the exam:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/products_category_
buyers_guide.htmlWireless Clients.
Cisco has a wireless NIC that can be installed on Windows 2000 and
Windows XP systems. It comes with some utilities: Aironet Desktop Utility
(ADU), Aironet Client Monitor (ACM), and Aironet Client Administration
Utility (ACAU). Cisco recommends using the ADU and ACM utilities to
control your wireless card, rather than the built-in Windows controls to get the
increased functionality Cisco provides. The Cisco ACAU allows loading and
configuration of the Cisco client software over the network, using encrypted
files. There is also an Aironet Site Survey Utility to scan for APs and get
information about them.
Cisco wireless IP phones have the same features as Cisco wired IP phones
and can use LEAP for authentication.
The Cisco Compatible Extensions Program tests other vendors’ devices for
compatibility with Cisco wireless products. Using products certified by this
program ensures full functionality of Cisco enhancements and proprietary
extensions. A list of these products can be found at www.cisco.com/go/ciscocompatible/
wireless.