IP Phones, the result is a complete range of feature-rich, flexible, easy to use, and cost-effective communication devices. The Cisco Wireless IP Phone is managed in the same way by the Cisco CallManager and Cisco CallManager Express as other Cisco IP Phones. Refer to the Cisco Wireless IP Phone deployment guide for additional information.
Content 6.4 Configuring Cisco WLAN Clients 6.4.8 Cisco Compatible Extensions Program for WLAN Client Devices The Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) program for WLAN devices issues an evolving set of specifications for interoperability and also facilitates testing of vendor clients. The CCX program provides tested compatibility with licensed Cisco infrastructure innovations. Compatibility is assured through extensive, independent testing of third-party devices. The CCX program enables the widespread availability of wireless client devices that take advantage of the Cisco Aironet wireless network, accelerating the availability of innovative features and maintaining interoperability. Approved devices are listed at www.cisco.com/go/ciscocompatible/wireless and can also be found by looking for products displaying the Cisco Compatible logo. Figure shows an array of client devices that are Cisco Compatible certified. More than 300 wireless devices are certified, and more are being added. Over 90 percent of notebooks that are available today are Cisco Compatible certified. Cisco Compatible client devices are sold and supported by their manufacturers, not Cisco. In the Cisco Compatible program, Cisco licenses a specification with the latest WLAN standards and Cisco innovations. A program participant, such as a maker of a WLAN client adapter or client device, implements support for all features and then submits the product to an independent lab for rigorous testing. Only by passing all tests via third-party certification does the device earn the right to be called Cisco Compatible. When IT managers select Cisco Compatible client devices, they can confidently deploy their WLANs, even if they serve a variety of different client device types. With the CCX program, Cisco is able to deliver next-generation WLAN features today. Features of the CCX program include the following: Benefits of the CCX program include the following: Approved devices are listed at www.cisco.com/go/ciscocompatible/wireless and can also be found by looking for products displaying the Cisco Compatible logo. WLAN access points manufactured by Cisco Systems have features and capabilities beyond those in related standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 suite of standards, Wi-Fi recommendations, and the 802.1x security suite. It is possible to group these features into several categories. First and foremost, a number of security features substantially differentiate Cisco access points and clients in the marketplace. In addition, a number of features provide higher performance. For example, Cisco APs transmit a specific information element (IE) to which the clients adapt for enhanced performance. Similarly, a number of features are implemented by means of proprietary IEs, which Cisco clients use in specific ways to carry out tasks above and beyond the standard. Other examples of feature categories are roaming and power saving. Figure lists the features introduced in versions 1 through 4 of the CCX program. With new developments, the specifications will be extended. It is desirable that clients manufactured by qualified vendors and APs manufactured by Cisco Systems interoperate beyond Wi-Fi and similar industry requirements. There are two advantages gained by this interoperability. First, by recognizing and adapting these features, other clients can take advantage of the proprietary Cisco features. This provides additional functionality and performance improvement while working with Cisco APs. Second, by designing clients that are transparent to legacy proprietary features intended for Cisco-specific uses, compliant clients do not lose performance and do not become inoperable while interworking with Cisco access points. Web Links http://www.cisco.com/go/ciscocompatible/wireless
Content 6.5 Implementing Wireless LANs 6.5.1 Wireless Client Association Cisco offers two WLAN implementations: Figure shows the components of the autonomous WLAN solution: Figure shows the components of the lightweight WLAN solution: The lightweight architecture splits the processing of the 802.11 protocol between two devices: the access point and a centralized Cisco WLAN controller. The processing of the 802.11 data and management protocols and the access point functionality is also divided between the two devices. This approach is called split MAC. The access point handles the portions of the protocol that have real-time requirements: All remaining functionality is handled in the Cisco Aironet WLAN Controller, where time-sensitivity is not a concern and controller-wide visibility is required. MAC-layer functions provided in the WLAN controller include the following:
Content 6.5 Implementing Wireless LANs 6.5.2 Lightweight