Description
Product Overview of the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9
In the realm of networking technology, the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9 2500 Series is a prominent player, specifically designed to manage wireless local area networks (LANs). With four power-over-ethernet (PoE) supported ports, this LAN controller plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless wireless connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9, exploring its features, functions, and the benefits it brings to both small and large-scale networks.
Benefits of Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9
The advantages and benefits of using this specific Cisco controller. This could include improved network performance, scalability, and security.
- Scalability Explain how this controller can scale to meet the growing demands of your wireless network as your organization expands.
- Security Discuss the security features of the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9, such as encryption and authentication protocols, to keep your network safe from unauthorized access.
- Ease of Management Highlight how this controller simplifies network management tasks, making it easier for administrators to configure and maintain the wireless network.
- Compatibility Discuss the compatibility of this controller with various Cisco access points and other network equipment, ensuring seamless integration.
- Use Cases Provide real-world examples of where the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9 can be effectively utilized. This might include scenarios in office environments, educational institutions, or large enterprises.
- Installation and Setup Explain how to set up and install this controller in your network, including any specific requirements or considerations.
- Configuration and Management Discuss the configuration and management options available with this controller, including web-based interfaces and command-line interfaces.
- Troubleshooting and Support Provide information on how to troubleshoot common issues and where to find support resources, such as Cisco documentation and customer support.
Network Access Control and Security
The AIR-CT2504-15-K9 is a Cisco 2500 series wireless LAN controller that provides centralized management and control of wireless access points. Network Access Control (NAC) is an important aspect of securing wireless networks, and the AIR-CT2504-15-K9 supports a variety of NAC features to help ensure secure access.
Here are some key NAC features and security measures supported by the AIR-CT2504-15-K9:
- 802.1X Authentication: The controller supports 802.1X authentication, which requires users to provide valid credentials before they can connect to the wireless network. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized users can connect.
- Guest Access: The controller also supports guest access, which allows guests to connect to the network without requiring them to provide valid credentials. However, the controller can limit guest access to certain resources and provide a separate VLAN for guest traffic to help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
- MAC Address Filtering: The controller can also restrict access based on MAC addresses, which can help prevent unauthorized access from devices that are not approved to connect to the network.
- Rogue AP Detection: The controller can detect rogue access points that are not authorized on the network, which can help prevent unauthorized access and mitigate security threats.
- Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS): The controller also supports WIPS, which can detect and prevent a variety of wireless security threats, including rogue access points, denial-of-service attacks, and malware.
- Security Certificates: The controller supports the use of security certificates to help ensure secure communication between the controller and wireless access points, as well as between the controller and other network devices.
- In addition to these NAC features and security measures, the AIR-CT2504-15-K9 also supports other security measures, such as network segmentation, access control lists (ACLs), and encryption. These measures can help ensure that only authorized users and devices can access the network and that data transmitted over the network is secure.
Wireless LAN Management
The Cisco 2500 Series Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) provides centralized management and control for wireless access points (APs) in a wireless LAN (WLAN). Here are the steps to manage the wireless LAN using the AIR-CT2504-15-K9 Cisco 2500 Series Wireless LAN Controller:
- Configure the Wireless LAN Controller: The first step in managing the wireless LAN is to configure the WLC. This includes setting up the WLC’s IP address, hostname, and time zone, and configuring the WLC’s management interface.
- Configure WLANs: Next, you can configure WLANs on the WLC. This includes defining the SSID, configuring security settings (e.g., WPA2, 802.1X), and configuring access policies (e.g., guest access, employee access).
- Configure Access Points: Once the WLANs are configured, you can add APs to the WLC. This includes discovering the APs on the network, configuring the APs’ settings (e.g., power, channel, antenna), and associating the APs with the WLANs.
- Monitor and Troubleshoot the WLAN: The WLC provides several tools to monitor and troubleshoot the WLAN. This includes using the WLC’s dashboard to view WLAN statistics (e.g., number of clients, throughput), monitoring logs for WLAN-related events, and using diagnostic tools (e.g., ping, traceroute) to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
- Manage Software Upgrades: To ensure that your WLC software is up-to-date and secure, you can use the WLC’s software upgrade feature to upgrade the WLC firmware and AP firmware.
- Configure Advanced Features: The WLC provides several advanced features, such as a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS), quality of service (QoS), and mobility. You can configure these features to enhance the security, performance, and mobility of the WLAN.
General Information about this Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# AIR-CT2504-15-K9
- Product Line: Aironet
- Product Series: 2500
- Product Model: 2504
- Product Type: Wireless LAN Controller
Technical Information for Wireless LAN Controller
- Total Number of Ports: 4
- ISM Band No
- UNII Band No
- Wireless Security
- IEEE 802.1x
- AES
- EAP-TLS
- DES
- 3DES
- MD5
- SHA-1
- IPsec
- AAA
- Features Quality of Service (QoS)
Interfaces / Ports of WLAN Controller
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports 4
- Ethernet Port Yes
- Fast Ethernet Port Yes
- Gigabit Ethernet Port Yes
- 10Gigabit Ethernet Port No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports 4
- PoE (RJ-45) Port No
- VGA No
- Serial Port No
- USB No
- Powerline No
- Management Port Yes
Networking
- Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
- Switching Protocol: Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, ICMP/IP, IPSec, ARP, BOOTP, DHCP
- Remote Management Protocol: SNMP 1, RMON, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH
Power Description
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Supported: PoE
- Power Device: External power adapter
- Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
In Summary, the Cisco AIR-CT2504-15-K9 2500 Series LAN controller is a valuable addition to the world of wireless networking. With its support for Power Over Ethernet, centralized management, scalability, and advanced security features, it addresses the needs of various industries and network sizes. This device simplifies network management, enhances security, and ensures the smooth operation of wireless access points, making it a top choice for organizations seeking efficient and reliable wireless connectivity. Whether you’re a small business, a large enterprise, an educational institution, or a healthcare facility, this LAN controller has the potential to elevate your wireless network infrastructure to new heights.
