Description
Product Overview for the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 54MBPS Wireless Access Point
The Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 is a wireless access point designed to provide reliable and high-performance wireless connectivity in various environments. With a focus on delivering a seamless and secure wireless experience, this access point is equipped with advanced features that cater to the needs of both small and large-scale networks. In this detailed overview, we will explore the key aspects of the AIR-AP1242G-A-K9, including its specifications, features, deployment scenarios, and the benefits it brings to users seeking robust wireless networking solutions.
Specifications
- Wireless Standards and Speed: The AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 supports the 802.11g wireless standard, providing a maximum data rate of 54Mbps. This standard ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, making it suitable for diverse deployment scenarios. The 54Mbps speed ensures fast and reliable data transmission, making it ideal for applications that demand high bandwidth.
- Radio Bands: This Cisco wireless access point operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The 2.4 GHz band offers good coverage and is commonly used for wireless communication. However, it’s essential to note that this band may experience more interference from other devices operating in the same frequency range.
- Antenna Configuration: The AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 features external antenna connectors, allowing users to customize and optimize their wireless coverage. The ability to connect external antennas enables organizations to tailor the antenna configuration to their specific environment, enhancing signal strength and coverage where needed.
- Security Features: Security is a paramount concern in wireless networks, and the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 addresses this with robust security features. It supports WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2, which are advanced encryption protocols designed to safeguard wireless communications. Additionally, it includes features like MAC address filtering and SSID broadcast control to enhance access control and prevent unauthorized access.
Features
- Autonomous Mode: The AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 can operate in autonomous mode, functioning as a standalone access point without the need for a centralized controller. This mode is suitable for smaller deployments or scenarios where a full-fledged wireless LAN controller is not required. It offers simplicity in setup and management, making it an attractive option for businesses with less complex networking needs.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: Simplified installation and flexibility are achieved through Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. This feature allows the access point to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable, reducing cable clutter and easing installation. PoE support is particularly beneficial in situations where power outlets may be limited or challenging to access.
- Quality of Service (QoS): To prioritize network traffic and ensure a smooth user experience, the AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 incorporates Quality of Service (QoS) features. QoS enables the access point to prioritize certain types of data, such as voice or video traffic, over others, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.
- Multiple Operating Modes: In addition to autonomous mode, the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 supports various operating modes, including lightweight mode. In lightweight mode, the access point can be integrated into a Cisco Unified Wireless Network, allowing for centralized management and configuration. This flexibility makes the access point adaptable to different network architectures and management preferences.
Deployment Scenarios
- Enterprise Networks: Large enterprise networks with diverse connectivity requirements can benefit from the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9. Its support for advanced security protocols, customizable antenna configurations, and QoS features make it suitable for environments where reliability and performance are critical.
- Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs looking for a cost-effective yet robust wireless solution will find the AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 appealing. Its autonomous mode allows for straightforward deployment without the need for additional infrastructure, while still providing essential security and management features.
- Education Institutions: Schools and universities can leverage the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 to establish a secure and efficient wireless network for students and faculty. The ability to customize antenna configurations is advantageous in educational settings with varying building structures and sizes.
- Healthcare Facilities: In healthcare environments, where the reliability of wireless communication is crucial for patient care and administrative tasks, the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9’s robust features and security protocols ensure a dependable wireless network.
Benefits
- Robust and Reliable Connectivity: The 54Mbps data rate, coupled with the support for 802.11g, ensures a robust and reliable wireless connection. This is essential for applications such as video conferencing, online collaboration, and data transfer, where a stable and high-speed connection is paramount.
- Customizable Antenna Configuration: The external antenna connectors provide flexibility in tailoring the wireless coverage to specific needs. Organizations can optimize signal strength and coverage in different areas, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the wireless network.
- Enhanced Security: The AIR-AP1242G-A-K9’s comprehensive security features, including WPA/WPA2 and MAC address filtering, contribute to a secure wireless environment. This is particularly important in preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data from potential threats.
- Deployment Flexibility: Whether operating in autonomous mode for simplicity or lightweight mode for centralized management, the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 offers deployment flexibility. This adaptability ensures that the access point can meet the requirements of various networking scenarios and organizational preferences.
Resiliency and High Availability
The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Wireless Access Point (model AIR-AP1242G-A-K9) is designed to be a resilient and highly available wireless access point for enterprise environments.
Resiliency is a measure of the ability of a system to recover from failures or disruptions and continue to function. Some features of this access point that contribute to its resiliency include:
- Redundant power supplies: The access point supports both internal and external power supplies, allowing for a redundant power source in case of failure.
- Multiple SSIDs: The access point supports multiple SSIDs which allows network administrators to segment their network into different logical networks, each with its security settings.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The access point supports Quality of Service (QoS) which allows network administrators to prioritize certain types of network traffic, such as voice or video, to ensure that they are delivered with the appropriate level of service.
High availability refers to the ability of a system to continue to operate even when one or more of its components fail. Some features of this access point that contribute to its high availability include:
- Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS): The access point is also compatible with Cisco’s Wireless Control System (WCS), which allows for centralized management of wireless networks and enables network administrators to quickly identify and troubleshoot wireless network issues.
- Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Wireless Access Point supports Cisco Wireless Domain Services (WDS) which allows for easier wireless deployment and eliminates the need for manual configuration of wireless access points.
- The access point also supports Cisco’s Wireless Control System (WCS) which allows for centralized management of wireless networks and enables network administrators to quickly identify and troubleshoot wireless network issues.
All these features work together to provide a reliable wireless network for enterprise environments and to keep the wireless network running even when one or more of its components fail.
Benefits and Features
The Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Wireless Access Point (model AIR-AP1242G-A-K9) is a wireless access point that provides a variety of benefits and features for enterprise environments. Some of the key benefits and features of this access point include:
- Multi-standard support: The access point supports the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards, allowing it to connect to a wide range of wireless devices.
- Advanced security: The access point supports advanced security features such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Cisco’s own Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, ensuring that the wireless network is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The access point supports Quality of Service (QoS) which allows network administrators to prioritize certain types of network traffic, such as voice or video, to ensure that they are delivered with the appropriate level of service.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) support: This standard allows the access point to receive power over the same Ethernet cable that is used for data transmission. This eliminates the need for a separate power source, making it more convenient to deploy in certain environments.
- Redundant Power Supplies: The access point supports both internal and external power supplies, allowing for a redundant power source in case of failure.
- Multiple SSIDs: The access point supports multiple SSIDs which allows network administrators to segment their network into different logical networks, each with its security settings.
- Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS): The access point is also compatible with Cisco’s Wireless Control System (WCS), which allows for centralized management of wireless networks and enables network administrators to quickly identify and troubleshoot wireless network issues.
- Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series Wireless Access Point supports Cisco Wireless Domain Services (WDS) which allows for easier wireless deployment and eliminates the need for manual configuration of wireless access points.
All these features work together to provide reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless connectivity for enterprise environments.
General Information about this Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# AIR-AP1242G-A-K9
- Product Line: Aironet
- Product Series: 1240AG
- Product Name: Aironet 1242 802.11g Non-modular Access Point
- Product Type: Wireless Access Point
Technical Specifications: Cisco Wireless Access Point – AIR-AP1242G-A-K9
- Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11b/g
- ISM Band: Yes
- ISM Minimum Frequency: 2.41 GHz
- ISM Maximum Frequency: 2.46 GHz
- Antenna Connector: Dual RP-TNC Connector
- Indoor Antenna Range: 460 ft
- Outdoor Antenna Range: 950 ft
- Wireless Transmission Speed: 54 Mbit/s
Wireless Security
- WEP encryption length: 40/128-bits
- IEEE 802.1x
- IEEE 802.11i
- WPA
- WPA2
- TKIP
- AES
- Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)
- EAP Flexible Authentication via Secure Tunneling (EAP FAST)
- Protected EAP Generic Token Card (PEAP GTC)
- PEAP Microsoft Challenge Authentication Protocol Version 2 (PEAP MSCHAP)
- EAP Transport Layer Security (EAP TLS)
- EAP Tunneled TLS (EAP TTLS)
- EAP Subscriber Identity Module (EAP SIM)
- LEAP
Interfaces / Ports of WAP 1240AG Series
- Fast Ethernet Port: Yes
- Management Port: Yes
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC, 48 V DC
- Power Source: Power Supply
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information:
- IEEE 802.1af PoE support
- Range measured with 2.2-dBi dipole antenna for 2.4 GHz
- System Memory:
- 32 MB RAM
- 16 MB flash memory
- Certifications & Standards:
- IEEE 802.11g
- IEEE 802.11b
- IEEE 802.1x
- IEEE 802.11i
- IEEE 802.3af
- IEEE 802.3
- IEEE 802.3u
- RSS-102
- Wi-Fi
- Safety:
- UL 60950-1
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1
- UL 2043
- IEC 60950-1
- EN 60950-1
Outline, the Cisco AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 wireless access point stands as a versatile and reliable solution for organizations seeking high-performance wireless connectivity. With its robust specifications, advanced features, and deployment flexibility, this access point addresses the diverse needs of different sectors, including enterprises, SMBs, education institutions, and healthcare facilities. As wireless networking continues to play a pivotal role in modern connectivity, the AIR-AP1242G-A-K9 remains a relevant and valuable choice for those prioritizing seamless wireless communication with a focus on security and performance.
