An access point (AP) acts as a central communication point for wireless
network users. An AP can link wired and wireless networks together. In large
installations, multiple APs can be configured to let wireless users roam
between APs without interruption. Cisco APs also provide enterprise level
security, monitoring, and manageability. Finally, an AP can act as a wireless
repeater, or extension point for the wireless network.
There are three
basic models of Cisco APs. They are 1200
1100
, and 350
. A comparison of
the models are shown in Figure
. For a more
detailed study of the APs, the Photozooms can be accessed below. IOS and
VxWorks are the two different operating systems available on Cisco Aironet APs
and bridges. These will be discussed in detail later in this module.
An
access point can be controlled and configured though command line and Web
interfaces. Management can also be done through traditional protocols like
SNMP. A variety of antenna options can provide additional reach or speed,
depending on the installation. An access point can be single band, like an 1100
AP. It may also be dual-band, like a 1200 AP
.
Figure
lists the
important features of an AP.