Cisco Advances Integration of Wired and Wireless LANs with Introduction of Structured Wireless-Aware Network

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 2, 2003 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today introduced the Structured Wireless-Aware Network, a framework for an integrated highly secure wired and wireless network. This framework extends Cisco's leadership in local area networking (LAN) infrastructure capabilities to the wireless LAN and provides the security, scalability, and reliability that customers depend on to enable core business applications. The advantages of a "wireless-aware" Cisco switch and router infrastructure combined with a Cisco wireless network include a common management and robust security scheme, simplified deployment and operation, centralized control and configuration of thousands of networking devices, the ability to detect rogue access points, fast secure roaming for mobile applications and self-healing networks for improved wireless up-time.

Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network infrastructure enhancements will be integrated in Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 Series Access Points (AP), Cisco Catalyst 3750, 4500 and 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 2600XM and 3700 Series Routers. Other components of the solution include CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) for management and monitoring, Cisco Secure Access Control Server for centralized authentication and Cisco and Cisco Compatible client adapters for Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring and measurement.

"As customers expand their wireless LAN networks and deploy advanced applications such as wireless voice, the complexity of managing a growing number of wired and wireless devices increases the effort required in defining a solid network design that is highly secure, reliable and centrally managed," said Joel Conover, Principal Analyst for Current Analysis. "Cisco is well positioned to automate and simplify this effort. Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network simplifies the integration of wired and wireless, delivering peace of mind to IT professionals as their wireless networks evolve."

Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network

Combined with CiscoWorks WLSE 2.0, a platform that supports up to 2,500 APs in a single, centralized appliance, the following Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network capabilities are available as a Cisco IOS® Software upgrade for the Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs:

• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) support for certified and interoperable security
• Fast secure roaming provides seamless mobility within and between subnet boundaries for latency sensitive applications such as wireless voice over IP, using standards based IEEE 802.1x authentication
• IEEE 802.1x local authentication service for remote site, Wide Area Network survivability

With the subsequent release of CiscoWorks WLSE v2.5 and a corresponding Cisco IOS® Software upgrade for Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs, additional security and RF management capabilities will be supported. These include:

• Security enhancements for active detection, blocking and graphical depiction of the location of rogue APs; alerts on security policy deviations
• Dynamic RF management permitting innovative assisted site survey and automatic accommodation of changes in the wireless LAN infrastructures

"With our strong wired networking heritage and wireless technology leadership, Cisco is in the unique position to deliver on a compelling vision for true wired and wireless network integration" said Larry Birenbaum, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Ethernet Access Group. "The Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network is our commitment to customers to bring the same enterprise class manageability and control to wireless networks that they expect today from Cisco's wired networks."

High-Performance, Outdoor IEEE 802.11a Wireless Bridge

Continuing its legacy and innovation in IEEE 802.11 solutions for outdoor distance applications, Cisco introduced the Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge, a high-performance, outdoor wireless bridge that provides cost-effective wireless connectivity among multiple network locations within a metro area. Based on Cisco IOS® Software for enterprise feature and interface consistency, the Aironet 1400 Series provides industry leading range and throughput with data rates of 54 Mbps supported at point-to-point ranges up to 7.5 miles and at point-to-multipoint ranges up to 2 miles. Through the use of higher gain antennas or lower data rates, extended ranges in excess of 20 miles point-to-point can be achieved.

"Over the past two years, the IEEE 802.11b wireless bridges have provided high-speed, cost-effective connections between several towns and government agencies including those responsible for public safety and emergency services in Dorchester County," said Israel Engle, IT Director for Dorchester County, Maryland. "With the easy upgrade to the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series, now based on Cisco IOS® Software, we are future-proofing our County-wide network backbone to meet our growing needs for persistent, reliable data and preparing for the expansion into voice and video service applications -- all at a cost we can afford."

Pricing and Availability

The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge and all necessary accessories and components has a U.S. list price of $4,999 and is scheduled to ship in June 2003.

Cisco also introduced Cisco Secure Access Control Server Solution Engine 3.2, a new "hardened" appliance for customers demanding a dedicated, locked down security system for centralized authentication. It has a U.S. list price of $11,995 and is scheduled to ship in June 2003.

Cisco Structured Wireless-Aware Network enhancements will initially be available on Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs according to the schedule below and will be migrated to other Cisco IOS® Software-based platforms, including the Cisco Catalyst 3750, 4500 and 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 2600XM and 3700 Series Routers, starting in CY2004.