Description
Product overview for the Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9
Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 is a wireless access point, commonly known as the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point. It is designed to provide wireless connectivity for a variety of environments, supporting both 802.11a and 802.11g standards. In this detailed explanation, we will delve into the key features, technical specifications, and applications of this access point.
Understanding Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Points
An access point (AP) is a networking device that allows Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to connect to a wired network. It acts as a bridge between wireless clients and the wired network, enabling wireless communication within a specific area. Cisco’s Aironet series is a well-known line of wireless access points designed to provide secure and reliable wireless connectivity.
Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point
The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series 54MBPS Access Point, with the specific model AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9, is a member of Cisco’s Aironet family. This series is known for its versatility and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including enterprise, healthcare, education, and manufacturing environments.
Technical Specifications Wireless Standards: 802.11a and 802.11g
The Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 supports two wireless standards, 802.11a and 802.11g, which are important to understand to gauge the capabilities of this access point.
802.11a
802.11a is a wireless networking standard that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band. It provides high data rates of up to 54 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications. This standard is known for its relatively shorter range but higher throughput. It’s ideal for environments where a fast and reliable connection is required.
802.11g
802.11g, on the other hand, operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is more crowded and subject to interference from various household devices. It also offers a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. 802.11g is known for its better range compared to 802.11a but with slightly lower throughput. It is widely used in both home and business environments.
Lightweight Access Point
The “Lightweight” designation in the product name, AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9, refers to a specific type of access point. Lightweight access points are designed to work with a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). This configuration provides centralized control and management of multiple access points within a network. Lightweight access points are easier to deploy and manage in large-scale wireless networks.
Data Rates
The Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 access point supports various data rates for both 802.11a and 802.11g standards, including:
- 802.11a: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps
- 802.11g: 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps
These data rates enable the access point to adapt to the specific needs of connected devices and the surrounding environment.
Antennas
The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point is equipped with two integral 2.4 GHz antennas and two integral 5 GHz antennas, which provide better coverage and signal strength. These antennas are designed to offer optimal performance while minimizing interference.
Security Features
Wireless security is a critical aspect of any access point. The Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 includes various security features, such as:
- WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2: These are advanced encryption and authentication protocols designed to enhance the security of wireless networks.
- IEEE 802.1X: A network access control protocol that provides an extra layer of security by requiring user authentication.
- MAC Filtering: Allows or denies access based on the MAC address of the device.
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): A strong encryption standard used to secure data transmission.
- TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol): Provides encryption for data over the wireless network.
- VLAN Support: Supports Virtual LANs for network segmentation and improved security.
Key Features
The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point is highly scalable, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. Whether you need wireless connectivity for a small office or a large enterprise, you can deploy multiple access points and manage them centrally using a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC).
Dual-Band Operation
The access point’s support for both 802.11a and 802.11g standards means that it can operate in two different frequency bands: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. This dual-band operation allows for flexibility in deploying the access point in various environments. It can help balance network traffic and avoid interference in crowded areas.
High Data Rates
With support for data rates of up to 54 Mbps for both 802.11a and 802.11g, the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point can deliver high-speed wireless connectivity. This is particularly beneficial for applications that require a lot of bandwidth, such as video streaming, VoIP, and large file transfers.
Centralized Management
As a lightweight access point, the AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 can be centrally managed through a Wireless LAN Controller. This provides administrators with a single point of control, making it easier to configure and monitor multiple access points. It also allows for seamless updates and configuration changes across the network.
Robust Security
The access point includes a range of security features to protect your wireless network from unauthorized access and threats. These features are essential for safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the privacy and integrity of network communications.
Antenna Diversity
The integral antennas on the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point are designed to provide better coverage and signal strength. The use of multiple antennas helps in mitigating signal loss and interference, ensuring a more stable and reliable wireless connection.
Applications
Large enterprises with multiple departments, offices, and a significant number of employees can benefit from the Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9. Its scalability and high data rates make it suitable for handling the heavy network traffic generated by various devices and applications in a corporate setting.
Healthcare
Hospitals and medical facilities often rely on wireless connectivity for various tasks, including patient monitoring, communication among staff, and managing patient records. The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point provides a reliable and secure wireless network, which is crucial in healthcare environments where data accuracy and speed can affect patient care.
Education
In educational institutions, wireless connectivity is a fundamental requirement. Students and teachers use Wi-Fi for research, online learning, and collaboration. The Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 is well-suited for educational institutions as it can handle the demands of a large number of users and devices.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing environments, reliable wireless connectivity is essential for tasks such as inventory management, quality control, and communication between machines. The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point can provide the necessary connectivity to keep manufacturing operations running smoothly.
Deployment Considerations
When deploying the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point, several factors need to be taken into account to ensure optimal performance:
Site Survey
Conducting a site survey is essential to determine the best locations for access point placement. Factors like building layout, walls, and potential sources of interference should be considered during the survey.
Antenna Placement
Proper antenna placement is crucial for maximizing coverage and signal strength. Experimenting with antenna angles and orientations can help fine-tune the wireless network’s performance.
Security Configuration
Configuring the security features of the access point is critical to prevent unauthorized access. This includes setting up encryption, authentication, and access controls.
Network Load
Estimating the expected network load is important, as it helps determine the number of access points needed and their placement. This ensures that the network can handle the expected user and device density.
Centralized Management
For larger deployments, centralizing the management of access points through a Wireless LAN Controller simplifies configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.
General Information about Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9
- Product Type: Wireless
Specifications for the 54 MBPS Wireless
- Product Description: CISCO Aironet 1242ag Wireless Access Point
- Device Type: Wireless Access Point
- Enclosure Type: External
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 6.6 inches x 8.5 inches x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- RAM Installed (Max): 32MB
- Flash Memory Installed (Max): 16MB
- Data Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g
- Remote Management Protocol: SNMP, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS
- Features: Uplink, Auto-sensing per device, Power over Ethernet (PoE), BOOTP Support, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
- Power: AC 120/230V (50/60Hz)
In summary, the Cisco AIR-LAP1242AG-A-K9 Wireless Access Point, part of the Aironet 1240AG Series, is a versatile and high-performance solution for providing wireless connectivity in various environments. With support for 802.11a and 802.11g standards, dual-band operation, high data rates, centralized management, robust security features, and antenna diversity, it is well-equipped to meet the connectivity needs of businesses, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and manufacturing plants.
By understanding its technical specifications and key features, as well as considering deployment considerations, organizations can make an informed decision about deploying this access point to enhance their wireless network infrastructure. Whether it’s for expanding network coverage, increasing network speed, or ensuring network security, the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point is a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.
