Components and Topologies
Components overview

The Cisco Aironet product family, shown in Figures and , is available in a variety of form factors to fit almost any application. It provides a complete solution to customers who require the mobility and flexibility of a WLAN to complement or replace a wired LAN. The products seamlessly integrate into wired Ethernet networks, fully comply with the IEEE 802.11 standards and deliver up to 54-Mbps performance, depending on the underlying technology.

The Cisco Aironet series includes client adapters and a set of wireless access points (APs). It also includes antennas to connect wireless clients to both wireless and wired networks. There are also wireless, line-of-sight bridge products and antennas, which are designed for building-to-building use at ranges of up to 40 km (25 miles).

The 802.11b products utilize direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology at 2.4 GHz to deliver up to 11-Mbps throughput. 802.11a products use orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) at 5 GHz and offer up to 54 Mbps.


Interactive Media Activity

Interactive Activity: OSI Layer Devices

This animation classifies networking devices by the OSI layer upon which they operate.