Description
Overview of the AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Cisco 54MBPS Wireless PCI Adapter
The “AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Aironet 802.11a/b/g Low Profile 54 Megabits Per Second (MBPS) Internal Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Wireless Adapter FCC Configurable” is a mouthful, but it essentially refers to a 54 MBPS wireless adapter designed for computer systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down each component of this complex product name, helping you understand its features, specifications, and how it can enhance your wireless connectivity.
Understanding the Basics of Wireless PCI AdapterAironet 802.11a/b/g
- Aironet: This is a brand name commonly associated with Cisco’s wireless products.
- 802.11a/b/g: Indicates the device’s compatibility with various Wi-Fi standards, ensuring it can operate on different networks.
Low Profile
- The term “Low Profile” suggests that the adapter is designed to fit into systems with limited space, such as small form-factor computers.
54 Megabits Per Second (MBPS)
- This denotes the maximum data transfer rate the adapter can achieve, providing a measure of its performance capability.
Internal Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
- Internal: Indicates that the adapter is meant to be installed inside the computer, as opposed to external adapters that connect via USB or other ports.
- Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI): Refers to the type of interface the adapter uses to connect to the computer’s motherboard.
Wireless Adapter FCC Configurable
- Wireless Adapter: This clarifies the device’s primary function as an adapter for wireless communication.
- FCC Configurable: This implies that the adapter complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and can be configured to meet specific requirements.
Features and Specifications of Cisco 54MBPS Wi-Fi Adapter
Now that we’ve broken down the name, let’s delve into the features and specifications that make the AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless Adapter a compelling choice.
Wireless Standards
The adapter supports the 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of wireless networks. This versatility allows users to connect to both older and newer Wi-Fi setups.
Data Transfer Speed
With a maximum data transfer rate of 54 Megabits Per Second (MBPS), this wireless adapter provides a reliable and speedy connection for various online activities, including streaming, gaming, and file downloads.
Low Profile Design
The low-profile design makes it ideal for systems with limited internal space. This is particularly beneficial for small form-factor computers, where space is a premium. The compact form factor ensures easy integration without sacrificing performance.
Security Features
The inclusion of ‘K9’ in the product name suggests a focus on security. The adapter likely supports advanced encryption standards, providing a secure connection and safeguarding data transmitted over the wireless network.
FCC Compliance
The FCC Configurable aspect ensures that the adapter complies with the regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission. This compliance is crucial for legal operation within the United States and guarantees that the device meets the necessary standards for wireless communication.
Use Cases of Aironet 802.11a/b/g Adapter
Understanding the features is essential, but knowing how the AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless Adapter can be utilized in real-world scenarios is equally important.
Business Environments
In business settings, where a stable and secure wireless connection is paramount, this adapter can be employed to provide reliable connectivity for workstations. The low-profile design is advantageous in corporate environments where space-saving solutions are often required.
Home Networking
For home users, the adapter’s compatibility with different Wi-Fi standards ensures seamless integration into various network setups. Whether streaming content, gaming, or simply browsing the web, the high data transfer rate caters to the diverse needs of home networking.
Small Form-Factor Systems
The low-profile design makes this adapter an excellent choice for small form-factor systems, including compact desktops and home theater PCs. Users can enjoy the benefits of a high-speed wireless connection without compromising valuable internal space.
Security-Sensitive Applications
In scenarios where data security is of utmost importance, such as in financial institutions or healthcare settings, the ‘K9’ designation indicates a focus on advanced security features. This makes the adapter suitable for applications where protecting sensitive information is a priority.
Explained Internal Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Wireless Adapter
- PCI Interface Explained: Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is a standard interface used for connecting various hardware devices to a computer’s motherboard. In the context of the AIR-PI21AG-A-K9, the PCI interface ensures a direct and efficient connection between the wireless adapter and the host system.
- Benefits of PCI Interface: The PCI interface offers several advantages, including high data transfer rates, low latency, and the ability to support multiple devices simultaneously. These features make it an ideal choice for networking components like wireless adapters where reliable and fast communication with the motherboard is crucial.
802.11a/b/g Standards and Their Significance
- 802.11a: The 802.11a standard operates in the 5GHz frequency band, providing faster data transfer rates and reduced interference compared to the 2.4GHz band. This standard is suitable for applications that demand high bandwidth, making it an excellent choice for multimedia streaming and gaming.
- 802.11b: Operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band, the 802.11b standard is known for its widespread compatibility and relatively long-range coverage. While it offers lower data transfer rates compared to 802.11a/g, it remains a reliable choice for general-purpose wireless connectivity.
- 802.11g: The 802.11g standard combines the best of both worlds, operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band like 802.11b but offering higher data transfer rates comparable to 802.11a. This makes it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, striking a balance between speed and coverage.
Reliability of Wireless PCI Adapter
The AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter is a highly reliable device that is designed to provide a stable wireless connection for desktop computers.
Cisco, being a well-established brand in the networking industry, is known for producing high-quality and reliable products. This adapter is built on a well-proven and tested platform, ensuring its stability and reliability.
The part is also equipped with Cisco Client Link technology which improves the signal quality and robustness of the wireless link, it also supports advanced security features such as WPA and WPA2, which protect against wireless attacks, thus increasing the security and reliability of the wireless connection.
Additionally, the adapter is equipped with advanced wireless features such as Cisco Compatible Extensions, which enhance the functionality of the adapter with Cisco Aironet access points, and Cisco LEAP, which provides enhanced security for wireless networks by using a combination of user name and password for authentication, these features increase the overall reliability of the wireless connection.
General Information for the Cisco 54MBPS Wi-Fi Adapter
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# AIR-PI21AG-A-K9
- Product Line: Aironet
- Product Name: Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter
- Product Type: Wi-Fi Adapter
Technical Information of Wireless PCI Adapter
- Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g
- ISM Band: Yes
- UNII Band: Yes
- ISM Minimum Frequency: 2.40 GHz
- ISM Maximum Frequency: 2.49 GHz
- UNII Minimum Frequency: 5.15 GHz
- UNII Maximum Frequency: 5.85 GHz
- Number of Antennas: 1
- Antenna Gain: 1 dBi
- Wireless Transmission Speed: 54 Mbit/s
Wireless Security
- WPA
- WPA2
- WEP 40/128-bit
- LEAP
- EAP-FAST
- PEAP-GTC
- PEAP-MSCHAPv2
- EAP-TLS
- AES
- TKIP
- RADIUS
Interfaces of Wireless Adapter
- FCC Configurable
- Host Interface: PCI
Compatibility
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
Certifications & Standards
- Cisco Compatible Wireless (based on Cisco Compatible Extensions v1.0 and v2.0)
- Wi-Fi
- WHQL
- FCC Bulletin OET-65C
- RSS-102
Finally, the AIR-PI21AG-A-K9 Aironet 802.11a/b/g Low Profile 54 Megabits Per Second (MBPS) Internal Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Wireless Adapter FCC Configurable is a versatile and powerful solution for enhancing wireless connectivity in a variety of settings. Its compatibility with multiple Wi-Fi standards, high data transfer rate, and focus on security make it a valuable addition to both business and home networks. Proper installation, configuration, and troubleshooting ensure users can fully harness the capabilities of this wireless adapter for an optimized and secure wireless experience.
