WAP371-A-K9 Cisco 1.27 GBPS Wireless Access Point Factory New

In the world of networking, a wireless access point (WAP) plays a crucial role in providing reliable and fast Wi-Fi connectivity. Among the many options available, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 stands out as a high-performance wireless access point, offering a blazing 1.27 Gbps of wireless throughput. This review will delve into the key features and benefits of the Cisco WAP371-A-K9, explaining what makes it a compelling choice for both small businesses and home users. We will cover its design, performance, security features, and more.

The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Its sleek and compact design ensures it can be easily integrated into various environments without being an eyesore. The access point measures approximately 9.05 x 9.05 x 1.73 inches and is lightweight, making it easy to mount on walls or ceilings. The white casing gives it a clean and professional look that blends seamlessly with modern interiors.

• Mounting Options: One of the standout features of the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is its versatility in mounting options. It can be mounted on the ceiling or wall, allowing users to choose the placement that best suits their needs. The included mounting kit simplifies the installation process, ensuring the access point can be securely fixed in place.
• LED Indicators: The access point features LED indicators on its front panel, providing a quick visual representation of its status. These LEDs indicate power, network activity, and signal strength. This simplifies troubleshooting and monitoring of the access point.

The primary function of any wireless access point is to deliver high-quality and consistent Wi-Fi connectivity. The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 excels in this aspect with its remarkable performance capabilities.

• High Throughput: One of the most striking features of the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is its impressive throughput of 1.27 Gbps. This level of performance ensures that multiple users can connect to the access point simultaneously without experiencing a significant drop in network speed. This is ideal for small businesses, coffee shops, or home environments with multiple devices connected at once.
• Dual Band Support: The access point supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This dual-band capability allows for greater flexibility in network management. The 2.4 GHz band is suitable for devices that require longer-range connectivity, while the 5 GHz band is perfect for high-bandwidth applications, such as streaming and online gaming.
• Beamforming Technology: The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is equipped with beamforming technology. This feature allows the access point to focus its signal directly on connected devices, enhancing its signal strength and reducing interference. Beamforming is a crucial feature for maintaining a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection.
• MU-MIMO Support: The access point supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology. This technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency. With MU-MIMO, each device gets its own dedicated connection, reducing latency and improving the user experience.

Security is a paramount concern in today's digital age, and the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 offers a range of features to ensure that your network remains safe and protected.

• WPA3 Encryption: The access point supports the latest wireless security standard, WPA3. This encryption protocol provides robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. It uses stronger encryption methods to safeguard your network from potential threats.
• VLAN Support: VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support is another important security feature of the Cisco WAP371-A-K9. It allows you to segment your network into different virtual networks, improving network security by isolating devices and traffic. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to keep sensitive data separate from general network traffic.
• Guest Access: The access point provides an easy and secure way to set up guest networks. This is an essential feature for businesses or home users who want to provide internet access to visitors without compromising the security of their primary network. Guest networks have limited access and can be isolated from the main network, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Rogue Access Point Detection: To protect against potential threats, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 includes rogue access point detection. This feature helps identify unauthorized access points within your network, preventing potential security breaches. It alerts administrators to the presence of unauthorized devices, allowing for timely action.

The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 provides intuitive management and configuration options, making it accessible to both IT professionals and home users.

• Web-Based Interface: The access point's web-based interface is user-friendly and can be accessed from any web browser. It offers a wide range of configuration options, allowing users to fine-tune their network settings, set up security protocols, and manage connected devices.
• Cisco FindIT Network Discovery Utility: For those who prefer an even simpler approach to network management, Cisco offers the FindIT Network Discovery Utility. This tool helps users discover and configure Cisco devices on their network, streamlining the setup process.
• SNMP Support: The access point supports a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which is crucial for network monitoring and management. SNMP allows IT professionals to monitor the status and performance of the access point, making it easier to identify and address any issues that may arise.

Cisco WAP371-A-K9 includes Quality of Service (QoS) features that help prioritize network traffic to ensure the best possible user experience.

• Bandwidth Allocation: QoS allows users to allocate bandwidth to specific devices or applications. This ensures that critical applications, such as video conferencing or online gaming, receive the necessary bandwidth to perform optimally, even in environments with heavy network usage.
• Traffic Prioritization: With QoS, network administrators can prioritize certain types of traffic over others. For instance, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls can be given higher priority to ensure clear and uninterrupted communication, even when other devices are using the network for other tasks.

Scalability

The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is designed to scale with your network's needs, making it suitable for both small and growing businesses.

• Clustering Support: Clustering support is a standout feature of this access point. It allows multiple access points to be managed as a single entity. This simplifies the management of larger networks and ensures consistent settings and configurations across all access points.
• Seamless Roaming: For businesses or organizations that require seamless wireless coverage across a larger area, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 supports seamless roaming. This means that devices can move from one access point to another without losing their connection, making it ideal for environments where mobility is essential.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is compatible with various network setups and devices, providing versatile connectivity options.

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): This access point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. PoE allows the device to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing the need for additional power outlets near the access point.
• Multiple Operating Modes: The Cisco WAP371-A-K9 can be configured in various operating modes, including access point, wireless client, and wireless repeater modes. This flexibility ensures that the access point can be integrated into different network setups with ease.
• Compatibility with Cisco Controllers: For larger deployments and centralized management, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is compatible with Cisco wireless controllers. This allows for seamless integration into existing Cisco networks and provides advanced management and monitoring capabilities.

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number or SKU# WAP371-A-K9
• Product Series: 500
• Product Name: Dual Radio 802.11ac Access Point with PoE (FCC)
• Product Type: Wireless Access Point

• Wireless Transmission Speed 1.27 Gbit/s
• Wireless LAN Standard IEEE 802.11ac
• ISM Band Yes
• UNII Band Yes
• ISM Minimum Frequency 2.41 GHz
• ISM Maximum Frequency 2.46 GHz
• UNII Minimum Frequency 5.15 GHz
• UNII Maximum Frequency 5.83 GHz
• Antenna Gain 2 dBi
• Antenna Type PIFA Antenna
• Wireless Security-
• WPA
• WPA2
• RADIUS
• IEEE 802.1x

• Ethernet Port Yes
• Fast Ethernet Port Yes
• Gigabit Ethernet Port Yes
• 10Gigabit Ethernet Port No
• Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports 1
• Network (RJ-11) No
• PoE (RJ-45) Port No
• VGA No
• HDMI No
• Audio Line Out No
• Serial Port No
• USB No
• Powerline No
• Management Port No

• Management- Web-Based Management
• SNMP v3
• Bonjour
• Syslog
• DHCP
• VLAN
• Remote Management

• Concurrent dual-band radio supports up to 900Mbps per radio to maximize capacity and coverage.
• 3 x 3 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with three spatial streams allows maximum performance.
• Single Point Setup, a controller-less technology, simplifies the deployment and management of multiple access points - without requiring additional hardware.
• The Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface enables a high-speed uplink to the wired network.
• Robust security, including WPA2, 802.1X with RADIUS secure authentication, and rogue access point detection, helps protect sensitive business information.
• Captive portal support facilitates highly secure, customized guest access with multiple rights and roles.
• Simple installation and intuitive web-based configuration and wizard facilitate fast, simple deployment and setup in minutes.
• Support for PoE allows for easy installation without expensive additional wiring.
• A sleek design with multiple internal antennas and a versatile mounting kit allows for installation on a ceiling, wall, or desktop.
• Intelligent QoS prioritizes network traffic to help keep critical network applications running at top performance.
• Power-saving sleep mode and port control features help maximize energy efficiency.
• Workgroup Bridge mode lets you expand your network by wirelessly connecting to a second Ethernet network.
• Support for IPv6 lets you deploy future networking applications and operating systems without costly upgrades.
• A limited lifetime hardware warranty provides peace of mind.

• Input Voltage 12 V DC
• Power Source AC Adapter
• Power Source PoE

In summary, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 1.27 Gbps Wireless Access Point is a powerful and versatile solution for users looking to upgrade their wireless network. Its sleek design, impressive performance, robust security features, and scalability make it a compelling choice for both small businesses and home users. With the ability to deliver high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of advanced features, this access point is a valuable addition to any network setup.

Whether you're running a small business, setting up a home office, or simply looking to enhance your Wi-Fi experience, the Cisco WAP371-A-K9 is an excellent option that combines ease of use with professional-grade features. Its versatility, security, and performance capabilities make it a standout choice in the world of wireless access points. Cisco's commitment to customer satisfaction and support further adds to its appeal, ensuring that users have a reliable and trusted partner in their networking needs.