Description
More Information for the Cisco WAP321-A-K9 Wireless Access Point
The Cisco WAP321-A-K9 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point is a cutting-edge networking device designed to provide seamless and reliable wireless connectivity in various environments. This review will delve into the features, performance, and overall capabilities of the WAP321, offering a detailed analysis for those considering this Cisco access point for their networking needs.
Overview of the Cisco WAP321-A-K9
The WAP321-A-K9 is part of Cisco’s Wireless-N series, a lineup known for delivering high-performance wireless solutions. This access point stands out with its Selectable-Band feature, allowing users to choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands based on their specific requirements. This flexibility ensures optimal performance and compatibility with diverse devices.
Key Features
- Wireless-N Technology: The WAP321 employs Wireless-N technology, providing faster data transfer rates and extended coverage compared to its predecessors. This is particularly beneficial in environments with high data traffic or where a large coverage area is essential.
- Selectable-Band Capability: One of the standout features of the WAP321 is its ability to operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This allows users to optimize network performance by choosing the band that best suits their needs, minimizing interference and congestion.
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports, the WAP321 ensures high-speed data transfer between the access point and connected devices. This is crucial for applications that demand low latency and high bandwidth, such as video streaming or online gaming.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): The inclusion of PoE support simplifies installation and eliminates the need for a separate power source. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where running power cables is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
- Multiple Operation Modes: The WAP321 offers various operation modes, including Access Point, Wireless Distribution System (WDS), and Workgroup Bridge. This versatility allows users to configure the device according to their specific network architecture and requirements.
Design and Build Quality
- Compact Form Factor: The WAP321 features a compact and sleek design, making it suitable for both office and home environments. Its unobtrusive appearance allows for easy integration into existing infrastructure without compromising aesthetics.
- Quality Build: Cisco is renowned for its commitment to quality, and the WAP321 is no exception. The device is built with durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability even in demanding conditions.
Performance
- Data Transfer Speeds: Leveraging Wireless-N technology and the flexibility of dual bands, the WAP321 delivers impressive data transfer speeds. This is crucial for bandwidth-intensive applications and ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Coverage Range: The WAP321’s coverage range is commendable, making it suitable for both small office spaces and larger commercial environments. The device’s ability to mitigate dead zones enhances overall connectivity and network accessibility.
- Stability and Reliability: Cisco is synonymous with reliability, and the WAP321 upholds this reputation. The access point maintains a stable connection even in crowded wireless environments, thanks to advanced features that minimize interference.
Security Features
- WPA/WPA2 Encryption: The WAP321 supports industry-standard WPA and WPA2 encryption protocols, ensuring a secure wireless network. This is crucial for protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and maintaining the integrity of the network.
- Guest Access Controls: To enhance security, the WAP321 includes features for managing guest access. Network administrators can implement guest policies, monitor usage, and restrict access to certain resources, maintaining a secure and segregated network environment.
- Secure Management Interface: The access point’s management interface is protected by secure protocols, adding an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access and potential security threats.
Compatibility and Interoperability
- Device Compatibility: The WAP321 is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled equipment. This makes it a versatile solution for diverse networking environments.
- Interoperability with Cisco Devices: As part of the Cisco ecosystem, the WAP321 seamlessly integrates with other Cisco networking devices. This interoperability simplifies network management and allows for a cohesive and streamlined networking infrastructure.
Detail Specifications for Access Point
The Cisco WAP321-A-K9 is a Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point. It is designed to provide wireless connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses. The following are some of the detailed specifications of the device:
- Wireless Standards: The device supports IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, and IEEE 802.11b wireless standards.
- Wireless Data Rates: The device supports data rates of up to 300 Mbps.
- Frequency Band: The device supports selectable 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
- Antenna: The device has two internal antennas for 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
- Number of SSIDs: The device supports up to 16 SSIDs (8 per band)
- Wireless Security: The device supports WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise.
- Management: The device can be managed through a web-based interface, or Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS).
- Power: The device is powered by an external AC power adapter.
Benefits and Features
The Cisco WAP321-A-K9 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point provides a variety of benefits and features for small to medium-sized businesses. Some of these include:
- High-speed wireless connectivity: The device supports wireless data rates of up to 300Mbps, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity for devices on the network.
- Selectable frequency band: The device supports selectable 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which allows the network administrator to choose the best frequency band for a given situation. The 2.4GHz band is generally better for coverage over a larger area, while the 5GHz band is better for high-bandwidth applications.
- Multiple SSIDs: The device supports up to 16 SSIDs (8 per band), which allows the network administrator to create multiple wireless networks on the same access point.
- Wireless security: The device supports WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, which can be used to secure the wireless network and prevent unauthorized access.
- Easy management: The device can be managed through a web-based interface, or through the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS), which makes it easy for network administrators to set up and manage the access point.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: The device supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) which allows the device to be powered through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power supply.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The device supports advanced QoS features, such as traffic shaping and prioritization, which can be used to ensure that critical network traffic is given priority over less important traffic.
- Guest Access: The device also supports the guest access feature which allows to set up of a separate SSID for guest users with limited access.
- Compliance: The device is certified with FCC Class B, IC, CE, and Wi-Fi Alliance, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
High-Reliability
The Cisco WAP321-A-K9 Small Business Wireless Access Point is designed to provide high reliability for small businesses. Some of the features that contribute to its high-reliability include:
- Redundant design: The device is designed to be redundant, which means that it can continue to operate even in the event of a failure. For example, if a port on the device fails, traffic can be redirected over the remaining ports to maintain connectivity.
- Hot-swappable design: The device is designed to be hot-swappable, which means that it can be replaced without having to power down the switch. This can help minimize downtime in the event of a failure.
- Rogue AP Detection: The device also supports rogue access point detection, which can detect and identify unauthorized access points on the network and alert the network administrator.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The device supports advanced QoS features, such as traffic shaping and prioritization, which can be used to ensure that critical network traffic is given priority over less important traffic.
- Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS): The device supports Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) which enables it to automatically switch channels to avoid interference from other devices that are operating on the same frequency.
- Advanced Encryption: The device also supports advanced encryption such as AES-CCMP and TKIP.
- Secure Management: The device also supports secure management via HTTPS and SSH.
- Advanced Configuration Options: The device also supports advanced configuration options like VLAN, QoS, and Security, thus providing a flexible solution to secure the network
General Information about this Cisco WAP321-A-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WAP321-A-K9
- Product Series: 3000
- Product Model: WAP321
- Product Name: WAP321 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point with Power over Ethernet
- Product Type: Wireless Access Point
Technical Specifications for WAP321 Wireless-N Access Point
- Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11n
- ISM Band: Yes
- UNII Band: No
- Antenna Gain: 2 dBi
- Antenna Type: Patch Antenna
- Wireless Transmission Speed: 300 Mbps
Interfaces/Ports: 300 Mbps Ethernet Access Point
- Ethernet Port: Yes
- Fast Ethernet Port: Yes
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Yes
- 10Gigabit Ethernet Port: No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 1
Management & Protocols
- Data Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
- Spread Spectrum Method: OFDM
- Network/Transport Protocol: DHCP, Bonjour
- Remote Management Protocol: Telnet, SNMP 3, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH
Expansion/Connectivity
- Interfaces: 1 x 1000Base-T – RJ-45
Power
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Supported: PoE
Features
- DHCP support, load balancing, VLAN support, Syslog support, E-mail alert, IPv6 support, Wireless Distribution System (WDS) support, firmware upgradable, wall mountable, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support, Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) support, Access Control List (ACL) support, Quality of Service (QoS), RADIUS support, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), Multiple SSID support, wireless bridge mode, IPv4 support
- Encryption Algorithm: WPA, WPA2
Authentication Method
- RADIUS, Radio Service Set ID (SSID)
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.11d, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.11i, IEEE 802.11e, IEEE 802.11n, Wi-Fi Protected Setup
Miscellaneous
Package Contents
- WAP321 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point with Power over Ethernet
- Ceiling/Wall Mounting Kit
- Ethernet Network Cable
- User Guide on CD-ROM
- Registration Card
Environmental Parameters
- Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 85% (non-condensing)
In short, the Cisco WAP321-A-K9 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point stands out as a robust and versatile solution for organizations seeking reliable wireless connectivity. With its advanced features, intuitive setup process, and commitment to security, the WAP321 is well-positioned to meet the demands of modern networking environments. Whether deployed in a small office or a larger commercial space, this Cisco access point offers a blend of performance, flexibility, and scalability that makes it a compelling choice for businesses aiming to enhance their wireless infrastructure.
