Description
Product Overview for the Cisco AIR-WLC2106-K9 Wireless
In the world of networking, the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller is a powerful device that plays a vital role in managing wireless local area networks (WLANs). This controller is designed to enhance network efficiency and security, making it an essential component for businesses and organizations. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller, discussing its features, benefits, setup process, and importance in the world of wireless networking.
Understanding Wireless LAN Controllers
Before we dive into the specifics of the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller, let’s start by understanding the concept of Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs). In the world of networking, WLCs are devices that centralize the management of wireless access points (APs) and the WLANs they serve. They are responsible for streamlining and optimizing the operation of wireless networks.
WLCs provide several advantages, including:
Centralized Management: With a WLC, network administrators can manage multiple APs from a single location. This simplifies network maintenance and ensures consistent configurations across all APs.
- Enhanced Security: WLCs allow for the implementation of robust security measures, such as encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection, to safeguard wireless networks against threats.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: WLCs help in optimizing the allocation of network resources, ensuring that all connected devices receive adequate bandwidth and reducing interference.
Now that we have a basic understanding of WLCs, let’s focus on the Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller, which is a prime example of these devices.
Introduction to Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller
The Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller, often referred to as AIR-WLC2106-K9 is a part of Cisco’s portfolio of wireless LAN controllers. This particular model is designed to cater to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices, making it a versatile and cost-effective choice for those who require reliable wireless network management.
Key specifications of AIR-WLC2106-K9 include:
- Form Factor: The Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller comes in a compact 1-RU (rack unit) form factor, making it suitable for environments with limited space.
- Scalability: It can support up to six lightweight access points (LWAPs) out of the box. With a software upgrade, it can handle up to 25 LWAPs, providing room for expansion.
- Powerful Performance: The AIR-WLC2106-K9 is capable of handling high data traffic and can efficiently manage the connected access points.
- Reliability: Cisco is known for its robust networking solutions, and the Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller is no exception. It offers high reliability and uptime.
- Security: Security is a top priority in wireless networking, and this controller offers advanced security features to protect your network from potential threats.
Key Features of AIR-WLC2106-K9
To fully appreciate the capabilities of the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller, let’s explore its key features:
- Centralized Management: As a wireless LAN controller, the AIR-WLC2106-K9 excels in centralized network management. It allows network administrators to configure and monitor multiple access points from a single interface. This not only simplifies network administration but also ensures consistent settings and security policies across all APs.
- Scalability: Small and medium-sized businesses often need the flexibility to expand their networks as their requirements grow. The Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller offers scalability by supporting a base number of access points and the option to expand by upgrading the software license. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses that anticipate growth.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Ensuring that critical applications receive priority in a network is crucial. The AIR-WLC2106-K9 supports Quality of Service (QoS) features that enable network administrators to prioritize certain types of traffic, ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience.
- Rogue AP Detection: One of the security concerns in wireless networks is the presence of rogue access points that can potentially compromise network integrity. This controller is equipped with rogue access point detection mechanisms, which help identify and mitigate unauthorized APs.
- High Availability: Network downtime can be costly for businesses. The Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller offers high availability features to minimize downtime. Redundant controllers can be deployed for failover, ensuring uninterrupted network operation.
- Advanced Security: Security is paramount in wireless networks. AIR-WLC2106-K9 offers advanced security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption, 802.1X authentication, and intrusion detection to safeguard your network from unauthorized access and attacks.
- Guest Access: For businesses that need to provide guest access to their network, the controller supports guest access features. Administrators can set up separate guest networks with limited access and bandwidth.
Benefits of Using AIR-WLC2106-K9
The AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller offers numerous benefits to businesses and organizations looking to manage their wireless networks effectively:
- Simplified Network Management: By centralizing the management of access points and WLANs, the controller simplifies network administration. This not only saves time but also reduces the potential for configuration errors.
- Cost-Effective Scalability: The controller’s scalability features, which allow for expansion through software licensing, make it a cost-effective choice for growing businesses. You can start with a smaller number of access points and upgrade as needed.
- Enhanced Security: With advanced security features, the AIR-WLC2106-K9 ensures that your wireless network is protected against unauthorized access and potential threats. This is vital in today’s world of cyber threats.
- Improved Network Performance: Efficient resource allocation and Quality of Service (QoS) support result in improved network performance. Critical applications get the necessary bandwidth, and interference is minimized.
- High Availability: The high availability features of the controller reduce network downtime, ensuring that your business operations continue without interruption.
- Guest Access: For businesses that need to offer guest access, the controller’s guest access features provide a secure and segregated network for visitors, without compromising the core network’s security.
Importance of AIR-WLC2106-K9 in Wireless Networking
The AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller holds significant importance in the world of wireless networking, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses and branch offices. Here are some key reasons why this controller is essential:
- Centralized Management: Centralized management is a fundamental benefit of WLCs, and the AIR-WLC2106-K9 excels in this regard. It simplifies the management of wireless networks, reducing the complexity of configuring and monitoring multiple access points.
- Enhanced Security: In an era where cybersecurity threats are ever-present, the advanced security features of this controller provide peace of mind. It helps protect your wireless network from unauthorized access and potential attacks.
- Scalability: The ability to scale your network as your business grows is a critical consideration. The AIR-WLC2106-K9’s scalability features ensure that you can start with a small number of access points and expand as needed.
- High Availability: Business continuity is essential, and the high availability features of the controller reduce the risk of network downtime. Redundancy and failover capabilities are crucial for uninterrupted network operation.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Efficient resource allocation, aided by Quality of Service (QoS) features, ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth, resulting in improved network performance.
- Guest Access: For businesses that need to provide guest access, the controller’s guest access features enable the creation of secure and segregated guest networks, preserving the integrity of the core network.
In summary, the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller is a vital tool for businesses seeking efficient, secure, and scalable wireless networking solutions. It simplifies network management, enhances security, and ensures high availability while supporting growth and adaptability.
General Information about this AIR-WLC2106-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# AIR-WLC2106-K9
- Product Line: Aironet
- Product Model: 2100
- Product Name: 2100 Wireless LAN Controller
- Product Type: Wireless LAN Controller
Wireless Standards
- IEEE 802.11a
- IEEE 802.11b
- IEEE 802.11g
- IEEE 802.11d
- IEEE 802.11h
- IEEE 802.11n
Wired/Switching/Routing
- IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T
- IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX specification
- IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging
Data RFCs
- RFC 768 UDP
- RFC 791 IP
- RFC 792 ICMP
- RFC 793 TCP
- RFC 826 ARP
- RFC 1122 Requirements for Internet Hosts
- RFC 1519 CIDR
- RFC 1542 BOOTS
- RFC 2131 DHCP
Security Standards
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
- IEEE 802.11i (WPA2, RSN)
- RFC 1321 MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm
- RFC 2104 HMAC: Keyed-Hashing for Message Authentication
- RFC 2246 TLS Protocol Version 1.0
- RFC 3280 X.509 PKI Certificate and CRL Profile
Encryption
- WEP and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol-Message Integrity Check (TKIP-MIC): RC4 40, 104, and 128 bits (both static and shared keys)
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): RC4 128-bit and RSA 1024- and 2048-bit
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): CCM, Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP)
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)
- IEEE 802.1X
- RFC 2548 Microsoft Vendor-Specific RADIUS Attributes
- RFC 2716 PPP EAP-TLS
- RFC 2865 RADIUS Authentication
- RFC 2866 RADIUS Accounting
- RFC 2867 RADIUS Tunnel Accounting
- RFC 2869 RADIUS Extensions
- RFC 3576 Dynamic Authorization Extensions to RADIUS
- RFC 3579 RADIUS Support for EAP
- RFC 3580 IEEE 802.1X RADIUS Guidelines
- RFC 3748 Extensible Authentication Protocol
- Web-based authentication
Management
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- RFC 854 Telnet
- RFC 1155 Management Information for TCP/IP-Based Internets
- RFC 1156 MIB
- RFC 1157 SNMP
- RFC 1213 SNMP MIB II
- RFC 1350 TFTP
- RFC 1643 Ethernet MIB
- RFC 2030 SNTP
- RFC 2616 HTTP
- RFC 2665 Ethernet-Like Interface types MIB
- RFC 2674 Definitions of Managed Objects for Bridges with Traffic Classes, Multicast Filtering, and Virtual LAN Extensions
- RFC 2819 RMON MIB
- RFC 2863 Interfaces Group MIB
- RFC 3164 Syslog
- RFC 3414 User-Based Security Model (USM) for SNMPv3
- RFC 3418 MIB for SNMP
- RFC 3636 Definitions of Managed Objects for IEEE 802.3 MAUs
- Cisco private MIBs
Management Interfaces
- Designed for use with Cisco Wireless Control System
- Web-based: HTTP/HTTPS individual device manager
- Command-line interface: Telnet, SSH, serial port
Interfaces and Indicators
- Console port: RS-232 (DB-9 male/RJ-45 connector included)
- Network: Eight 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45) including two 802.3af or Cisco PoE ports rated for use with Cisco Aironet lightweight access points
- LED indicators: Link Activity (each 10/100 port), Power, Status, Alarm, Access Point Joined
Physical and Environmental
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 7.89 x 6.87 in. (4.45 x 20.04 x 17.45 cm)
- Weight: 4.0 lbs (with power supply)
- Temperature: Operating: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C). Storage: -13 to 158°F (-25 to 70°C)
- Humidity: Operating humidity: 10 to 95 percent, non-condensing. Storage humidity: Up to 95 percent
- Power adapter: Input power: 100 to 240 VAC; 50/60 Hz
- Heat Dissipation: 72 BTU/hour
Regulatory Compliance
- CE Mark
- Safety: UL 60950-1:2003. EN 60950:2000
- EMI and susceptibility (Class B): U.S.: FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109. Canada: ICES-003. Japan: VCCI. Europe: EN 55022, EN 55024
In summary, the AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller is a robust solution for businesses and organizations looking to manage their wireless networks efficiently. With its centralized management, advanced security features, scalability, and high availability, it addresses the key requirements of a modern wireless network. As businesses continue to rely on wireless connectivity for their operations, having a reliable and secure controller like the AIR-WLC2106-K9 is crucial for success.
By understanding the key features, benefits, and the setup process of this controller, businesses can make informed decisions about their wireless network management needs. Regular maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting ensure that the network remains reliable and secure, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
The AIR-WLC2106-K9 Cisco 2100 Wireless LAN Controller is a valuable asset in the world of wireless networking, offering the tools needed to build and maintain a dependable and secure wireless network infrastructure.
