Description
Product Details for the Cisco AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 54MB Wireless
The Cisco AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Aironet 1242AG 54MB Wireless Access Point is a robust networking device designed to provide high-performance wireless connectivity in various environments. This review will delve into the key features, specifications, and benefits of this wireless access point, shedding light on its capabilities and suitability for different applications.
Overview of Cisco Aironet 1242AG
The Cisco Aironet 1242AG is part of the Aironet series, known for its reliability and advanced wireless technologies. This particular model, the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9, is equipped with features that make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor deployments.
Wireless Standards and Speed
The Aironet 1242AG supports the 802.11a/b/g standards, providing compatibility with a wide range of devices. With a maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, this access point delivers reliable and high-speed wireless connectivity.
Dual-Band Operation
One notable feature of the Cisco AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 is its dual-band operation. By supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, the access point can optimize wireless performance and reduce interference, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless network.
Antenna Configuration
The antenna configuration plays a crucial role in the performance of any wireless access point. The Aironet 1242AG comes with a diverse antenna configuration, enhancing signal coverage and minimizing dead zones. This is particularly beneficial in environments with challenging layouts.
Security Features
Security is paramount in wireless networks, and the Aironet 1242AG prioritizes this aspect. It supports WPA and WPA2 encryption protocols, ensuring that data transmitted over the network is secure. Additionally, the access point implements MAC address filtering and robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support
The Cisco AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 is PoE-enabled, allowing it to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable. This feature simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power sources, making it an ideal choice for locations where power outlets are limited.
Versatile Deployment Options
Whether it’s a corporate office, educational institution, or outdoor venue, the Aironet 1242AG is designed for versatile deployment. Its rugged construction ensures durability in outdoor environments, and its sleek design makes it suitable for indoor installations without compromising aesthetics.
Management and Configuration
Cisco provides robust management tools for the Aironet 1242AG, allowing administrators to configure and monitor the access point easily. The device is compatible with Cisco’s network management solutions, providing a centralized and efficient way to manage multiple access points in a network.
Scalability and Roaming
Scalability is a key consideration for growing networks. The Aironet 1242AG supports seamless roaming, allowing devices to maintain a consistent connection as they move within the coverage area. This feature is crucial for environments with a high density of users or areas requiring continuous connectivity.
Quality of Service (QoS) Support
To prioritize critical applications and ensure optimal performance, the Aironet 1242AG incorporates Quality of Service (QoS) support. This feature allows administrators to assign priority to specific types of traffic, ensuring that essential services receive the necessary bandwidth.
Integration with Cisco Ecosystem
The Aironet 1242AG seamlessly integrates with other Cisco networking equipment, forming a cohesive and interoperable ecosystem. This integration simplifies network management, and troubleshooting, and ensures compatibility with other Cisco products.
Key Features of AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9
Let’s delve into the standout features of the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Wireless Access Point:
- High-Speed Wireless Connectivity: The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 boasts a data transfer rate of 54Mbps. This level of speed ensures that data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video streaming and online gaming.
- Dual-Band Operation: This access point supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Dual-band operation allows for greater flexibility and reduced interference, making it an excellent choice for crowded Wi-Fi environments.
- Multiple Antennas for Better Coverage: The access point is equipped with multiple antennas that improve coverage and signal strength. This is especially important in large spaces where signal dead zones can be a problem.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: PoE capability means that the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 can be powered through an Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power outlets near the access point.
- VLAN Support: The access point supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). This allows network administrators to segment the network for better organization, security, and traffic management.
- Advanced Security Features: Security is a top priority for Cisco. The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 comes equipped with advanced security features, including WPA2 encryption, MAC address filtering, and rogue access point detection.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Support: QoS ensures that critical applications receive the necessary network resources to function smoothly. This access point can prioritize data traffic for applications that require low latency, such as VoIP and video conferencing.
Benefits of AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Access Point
The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Access Point offers several benefits to users and network administrators:
- High Performance: The access point’s 54Mbps data transfer rate ensures that it can handle high-demand applications without a hitch. This is particularly beneficial in business settings where multiple users are concurrently accessing the network.
- Enhanced Coverage: With multiple antennas and dual-band operation, the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 can provide extensive coverage, reducing dead zones and ensuring a more consistent connection throughout the coverage area.
- Simplified Installation: The PoE support simplifies the installation process. Users don’t need to worry about placing the access point near a power source since it can be powered via the Ethernet cable.
- Improved Network Management: VLAN support allows network administrators to manage and segment their network more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with different departments or areas requiring different network configurations.
- Robust Security: Cisco’s focus on security is evident in the access point’s features. WPA2 encryption and MAC address filtering help protect the network from unauthorized access, while rogue access point detection helps identify potential security threats.
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS support ensures that critical applications get the priority they need, ensuring a smooth user experience for voice and video applications.
Applications and Use Cases
The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Wireless Access Point is versatile and finds applications in various settings:
- Business Environments: In a business setting, this access point can support a large number of users and high-demand applications. It’s suitable for office buildings, retail stores, and warehouses where a reliable and high-speed wireless network is essential for daily operations.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can benefit from the access point’s dual-band operation and high-speed capabilities. It can handle the demands of multiple classrooms and student devices simultaneously.
- Healthcare Facilities: In healthcare, reliable wireless connectivity is crucial for patient care, administrative tasks, and patient records management. This access point can provide the necessary reliability and performance.
- Hospitality Industry: Hotels, resorts, and restaurants often require strong and widespread Wi-Fi coverage for their guests. The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9’s multiple antennas and dual-band operation make it a suitable choice.
- Home Networking: For larger homes or homes with signal dead spots, this access point can extend coverage and improve the performance of Wi-Fi networks.
Performance and Reliability
The AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 is a high-performance wireless access point that offers a maximum data rate of 54Mbps. It is designed to operate in enterprise-class wireless networks, providing reliable wireless coverage for users.
The access point is equipped with advanced features to ensure high performance and reliability, including:
- Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize different types of network traffic for optimal performance.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for convenient installation and power management.
- Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) compatibility for centralized management and monitoring of multiple access points.
- Advanced wireless security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and protect sensitive data.
Additionally, the access point supports the 802.11a/b/g/n wireless standards, which allows it to support a large number of wireless devices with different wireless capabilities.
In terms of reliability, the access point is designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures and has a rugged design that can withstand harsh environments. It also has a built-in redundancy to ensure that the wireless network remains available even if one access point fails.
Compliant Standards
The Cisco model wireless access point is compliant with some industry standards. These standards ensure that the device is compatible with other networking equipment and that it operates securely and reliably.
Some of the compliant standards of AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 are:
- IEEE 802.11a: This standard defines the physical layer and media access control for wireless LANs operating in the 5 GHz frequency band.
- IEEE 802.11b: This standard defines the physical layer and media access control for wireless LANs operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
- IEEE 802.11g: This standard extends the 802.11b standard to provide higher data rates (up to 54Mbps) while still operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
- IEEE 802.11n: This standard increases the maximum data rate to 600Mbps and improves range and reliability.
- IEEE 802.3af: This standard defines Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the access point to be powered through the Ethernet cable.
- IEEE 802.1X: This standard defines a framework for authenticating and authorizing clients on a LAN or wireless network.
- IEEE 802.11i: This standard defines security mechanisms for wireless LANs, including Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP).
- Wi-Fi Alliance: The access point is also Wi-Fi certified, which means it has undergone testing and is compliant with Wi-Fi standards.
Additionally, the model is also compliant with a number of security standards such as WPA2 and WPA3, to ensure secure communication and protect against unauthorized access.
Main Information about this Cisco AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9
- Product Line: Aironet
- Product Series: 1240AG
- Product Name: Aironet 1242AG Access Point
- Product Type: Wireless Access Point
Technical Information of Wireless Access Point
- Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g
- ISM Band: Yes
- UNII Band: Yes
- Wireless Transmission Speed: 54 MBPS
- ISM Minimum Frequency: 2.40 GHz
- ISM Maximum Frequency: 2.41 GHz
- UNII Minimum Frequency: 5 GHz
- UNII Maximum Frequency: 5.15 GHz
- Total Number of Antennas: 2
Antenna Gain
- 2.2 dBi
- 3.5 dBi
Antenna Type
- Diversity Dipole Antenna
- Omnidirectional Antenna
Wireless Security
- UL 60950
- UL 2043
- CSA
- WPA
- WPA2
- 802.11i
- 802.1x
- SKIP
- AES
Interfaces / Ports of Aironet 1242AG Access Point
- Fast Ethernet Port: Yes
- Management Port: Yes
Management & Protocols of Cisco Wireless Access Point
- Management-Telnet
- Console port management
- Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)
- CiscoWorks Campus Manager
- CiscoWorks CiscoView
- CiscoWorks WLSE
- CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE)
- Simple Network Management Protocol (MIB I and MIB II)
- CiscoWorks Resource Manager Essentials (RME)
- CiscoWorks Software Image Manager (SWIM)
Power Description
- Input Voltage:
- 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
- 48 V DC
- Power Source: Power Supply
Miscellaneous:
- Package Contents:
- Aironet 1242AG 802.11a/b/g Wireless Access Point
- Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Power Module (universal power module)-optional
- Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Point
- Safety Warnings for Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Access Points
- Cisco product registration and Cisco documentation feedback cards
Mounting hardware kit
- One mounting plate with cable security bracket
- Two suspended ceiling T-rail clips, spacers (accommodates standard and recessed T-rails), and nuts
- One security hasp
- Two 6 x 32 x 1/2 in. pan head Phillips machine screws
- Four 8 x 18 x 3/4 in. pan head Phillips sheet metal screws
- Four #8 plastic wall anchors
- One 10 x 24 nut (for ground stud on the mounting bracket)
- Four rubber foot pads
- Two cable tie wraps
Additional Information
- Software: Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(7)JA or later
- Memory: 32 MB RAM, 16 MB flash
- Processor: IBM PowerPC405 (200 MHz)
- Two RP-TNC connectors 802.11g or 802.11a approved
- Provides Link Role Flexibility when running Cisco IOS Software
- Can be powered by 802.3af PoE, Cisco inline power switches, single port power injectors, or local power
Certifications & Standards
- Wi-Fi
- UL 60950
- UL 2043
- IEEE 802.11a
- IEEE 802.11b
- IEEE 802.11g
- IEEE 802.3
- IEEE 802.3af
- IEEE 802.11i
- IEEE 802.1x
Outline, the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Wireless Access Point is a versatile and high-performance networking solution that can cater to the needs of various environments, from businesses and educational institutions to healthcare facilities and homes. Its advanced features, including dual-band operation, multiple antennas, PoE support, VLAN capabilities, and robust security measures, make it a reliable choice for those seeking a dependable wireless network.
When deploying the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9, proper installation, configuration, and security measures are essential to maximize its potential and protect your network from potential threats. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can ensure that your network continues to perform optimally.
As technology continues to evolve, Cisco remains at the forefront of networking solutions, and the AIR-AP1242AG-A-K9 Cisco Wireless Access Point is a testament to its commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet the demands of modern wireless connectivity. Whether you’re a business owner looking to improve your network infrastructure or a homeowner seeking to enhance your Wi-Fi coverage, this access point is a powerful tool to consider for your networking needs.
