Client Adapters
Introduction

The Cisco Aironet Wireless WLAN Adapters are also referred to as client adapters. They are radio modules that provide wireless data communications between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other wireless devices or a wired network infrastructure. The client adapters are fully compatible when used in devices supporting Plug-and-Play (PnP) technology.

The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets through the wireless infrastructure. The adapters operate similarly to a standard network product except that the cable is replaced with a radio connection. No special wireless networking functions are required, and all existing applications that operate over a network will operate using the adapters.

The five Cisco client adapters are illustrated in Figures to and are described below:

  • The 350 Series PC card client adapter shown in Figure is also referred to as a PC card. PC cards have an integrated antenna. A PCMCIA card radio module can be inserted into any device equipped with an external Type II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices can include laptops, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, and hand-held or portable devices.
  • The 350 Series LM card client adapter, also referred to as an LM card, is also a PCMCIA card radio module, which can be inserted into any device equipped with an internal Type II or Type III PC card slot. The primary difference between this and the PC card adapter is that the LM card does not include a built-in antenna. Host devices include hand-held or portable devices. The LM card is shown in Figure .
  • The 350 Series PCI client adapter is a client adapter card radio module, which can be inserted into any device equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop computer. These cards are typically shipped with an antenna that attaches to an external connector. Figure illustrates a PCI client adapter.
  • The 350 Series Mini-PCI (MPI350) client adapter is an embedded solution that complements the industry-leading 11-Mbps Cisco Aironet 350 Series . The Mini-PCI is available to laptop manufacturers to provide integrated 802.11b support. The Mini-PCI is also used in the Cisco 1100 AP and 1200 AP to provide 802.11b.
  • The Cisco Aironet® 5 GHz 54 Mbps WLAN client adapter is an IEEE 802.11a-compliant CardBus Type II adapter . The client adapter complements the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series 802.11a Access Point, providing a solution that combines performance and mobility with the security and manageability that enterprises require.

Interactive Media Activity

PhotoZoom: Cisco Aironet Client Adapters

In this activity, students will view Cisco Aironet client adapters.