Table Of Contents

Overview

Key Features

Dual-Band Radio Support

2.4-GHz Mini-PCI Radio Card

5-GHz Radio Module

Power

Antenna Connectors

2.4-GHz Radio

Ethernet and Console Ports

Ethernet Port

Console Port

Metal Enclosure

Indicators

Security Lock Feature

Network Configuration Examples

Root Unit on a Wired LAN

Repeater Unit That Extends Wireless Range

Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network

Access Point Specifications

Overview

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The Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point (hereafter called the access point) delivers a cost-effective, reliable, secure, and easily managed wireless LAN solution for enterprise customers and for small and medium sized businesses. The access point is designed to incorporate new technology enhancements as they become available.

The access point can contain one or two wireless LAN transceivers (radios). Each transceiver serves as the center point of a stand-alone wireless network or as the connection point between wireless and wired networks. In large installations, wireless users within radio range of an access point can roam throughout a facility while maintaining uninterrupted access to the network.

The access point can support simultaneous dual-band (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz) radio operation or single-band (2.4-GHz only or 5-GHz only) radio operation. Single-band radio units can be field-upgraded for dual-band radio operation through the addition of a 5-GHz radio module or a 2.4-GHz radio card.

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Note The access point is IEEE 802.11b compliant when configured with the 2.4-GHz radio and is
IEEE 802.11a compliant when configured with the 5-GHz radio module.

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This chapter provides information on the following topics:

•Key Features

•Network Configuration Examples

•Access Point Specifications

Key Features

Key features of the access point:

•Single- or dual-band radio operation

–Single band—2.4-GHz radio or 5-GHz radio operation

–Dual band—simultaneous 2.4-GHz radio and 5-GHz radio operation

–Field-upgrade to support dual-band radio operation

•Power sources

–Inline power over Ethernet

–External power module

•Metal enclosure supports installation within environmental air spaces (enclosure complies with
UL 2043 test requirements)

•Industrial temperature rating

•Dual antennas connectors for single or diversity antenna operation

•Backbone LAN

–10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port

•Access point control using the console port or an Internet browser

•Three status indicators

•Security lock feature

–Security cable keyhole to secure the access point using a security cable

–Security hasp to secure the access point to the mounting bracket using a lock

Dual-Band Radio Support

The access point can be initially configured from the factory for single- or dual-band radio operation. However, an access point configured for single-band radio operation can be field-upgraded to support dual-band radio operation using the 5-GHz radio module or the 2.4-GHz mini-PCI radio card.

2.4-GHz Mini-PCI Radio Card

The 2.4-GHz mini-PCI radio card connects to an internal access point mini-PCI slot. The radio card contains a wireless LAN transceiver that operates in the 2.4-GHz frequency range to provide the access point with single- or dual-band radio capability.

5-GHz Radio Module

The 5-GHz radio module connects to the access point's card bus connector. The module incorporates an Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) radio transceiver operating in two of the UNII 5-GHz frequency bands and supporting up to 8 channels:

•UNII 1—Frequency range is 5.15 to 5.25 GHz

•UNII 2—Frequency range is 5.25 to 5.35 GHz

The module contains dual integrated omnidirectional antennas and directional patch antennas for diversity operation.

Power

The access point can receive power through an external power module or through inline power using the Ethernet cable. Using inline power, you do not need to run a separate power cord to the access point. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the access point and plug the other end into one of the inline power sources. The access point supports the following power sources:

•Inline power

–A 1200 series power injector

–A switch with inline power, such as the Cisco Catalyst 3524-PWR-XL switch

–An inline power patch panel, such as the Cisco Catalyst Inline Power Patch Panel

•A 1200 series power module (Universal power supply)

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Caution The 1200 series power injectors are designed for use with Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Points only. Using the power injector with other Ethernet-ready devices can damage the equipment.

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Caution The 1200 series power injectors are not tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a building's environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings.

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Note Only the 1200 series power injector and the 1200 series power module can support operation of the 5.0-GHz radio in the access point.

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Note If you need to use a power module or power injector to power the access point, you must use the 1200 series power module or power injector. The 350 series power module and power injector are not compatible with the 1200 series access point.

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Note When using in-line power from a switch or patch panel do not connect the 1200 series power module to the access point. Using two power sources on the access point might cause the switch or patch panel to shut down the port to which the access point is connected.

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Note Both the Ethernet and console ports use RJ-45 connectors. Be careful not to accidently connect the Ethernet cable to the console port connector.

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Antenna Connectors

The access point supports two antenna connectors on the back of the unit for the 2.4-GHz radio. The 5-GHz radio supports only integrated antennas.

2.4-GHz Radio

The access point provides two reverse-polarity TNC (R-TNC) connectors that you can use to connect a single antenna or dual diversity antennas to provide coverage for your wireless LAN area. Diversity coverage helps maintain a clear radio signal between the access point and wireless client devices. Just as you can improve signal clarity on your car radio at a stoplight by creeping ahead a few inches, the access point can improve signal quality by choosing the antenna that is receiving the best signal from a client device.

Ethernet and Console Ports

Ethernet Port

The Ethernet port accepts an RJ-45 connector, linking the access point to your 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet LAN. The access point can receive power through the Ethernet cable from a switch with inline power, from a power patch panel, or from the access point's 1200 series power injector.

Console Port

The console port provides access to the access point's management system using a terminal emulator program. Use an RJ-45 to DB-9 serial cable (refer to "Console Cable Pinouts") to connect your computer's COM port to the access point's serial console port. Assign the following port settings to a terminal emulator to open the management system pages: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control.

Metal Enclosure

The access point uses a metal enclosure having adequate fire resistance and low smoke-producing characteristics suitable for operation in a building's environmental air space in accordance with Section 300-22(c) of the NEC, such as above suspended ceilings. The access point also supports an industrial temperature operating range (refer to Access Point Specifications).

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Note If you plan to mount the access point in environmental air space using a 5-GHz radio, Cisco recommends that you mount the access point horizontally with its antennas pointing down. Doing so results in the access point complying with regulatory requirements for environmental air space with the 5-GHz radio installed.

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Indicators

The three indicators on top of the access point report Ethernet activity, association status, and radio activity as shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1 Indicators on the 1200 Series Access Point

•The Ethernet indicator signals Ethernet traffic on the wired LAN. This indicator blinks green when a packet is received or transmitted over the Ethernet infrastructure. The indicator is off when the Ethernet cable is not connected.

•The association status indicator signals operational status. Blinking green indicates that the access point is operating normally but is not associated with any wireless client devices. Steady green indicates that the access point is associated with at least one wireless client device.

•The radio indicator blinks green to indicate radio traffic activity. The light is normally off, but it blinks green whenever a packet is received or transmitted over the access point radio.

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Note The Radio and Status indicators are used for both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radio operation.

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Security Lock Feature

The access point provides two methods of securing the access point to help prevent theft (see Figure 1-2):

•Security hasp

•Security cable keyhole

The security hasp on the mounting bracket enables you to lock the access point to the bracket to make it more secure. When the access point is properly installed on the mounting bracket, the holes in the security hasps line up so you can install a padlock. Compatible padlocks are Master Lock models 120T or 121T.

When using the security hasp with a lock, the access point is secured to the mounting bracket and the mounting bracket screws along with the 2.4-GHz radio access cover are not accessible.

The security cable keyhole allows you to secure the access point using a standard security cable, such as the security cables used on laptop computers.

Figure 1-2 Access Point Security Points

1	Security cable keyhole	3	Security hasp for padlock
2	5-GHz module slot access cover

Network Configuration Examples

This section describes the access point's role in three common wireless network configurations. The access point's default configuration is as a root unit on a wired LAN. The other two possible roles, repeater unit and central unit in an all-wireless network, require specific changes to the default configuration.

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Note The following network configuration examples apply to both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz wireless LANs.

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Root Unit on a Wired LAN

An access point connected directly to a wired LAN provides a connection point for wireless users. If more than one access point is connected to the LAN, users can roam from one area of a facility to another without losing their connection to the network. As users move out of range of one access point, they automatically connect to the network (associate) through another access point. The roaming process is seamless and transparent to the user. Figure 1-3 shows access points acting as root units on a wired LAN.

Figure 1-3 Access Points as Root Units on a Wired LAN

Repeater Unit That Extends Wireless Range

An access point can be configured as a stand alone repeater to extend the range of your infrastructure or to overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication. The repeater forwards traffic between wireless users and the wired LAN by sending packets to either another repeater or to an access point connected to the wired LAN. The data is sent through the route that provides the greatest performance for the client. Figure 1-4 shows an access point acting as a repeater.

Figure 1-4 Access Point as Repeater

Central Unit in an All-Wireless Network

In an all-wireless network, an access point acts as a stand-alone root unit. The access point is not attached to a wired LAN; it functions as a hub linking all stations together. The access point serves as the focal point for communications, increasing the communication range of wireless users. Figure 1-5 shows an access point in an all-wireless network.

Figure 1-5 Access Point as Central Unit in All-Wireless Network

Access Point Specifications

The access point specifications are listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 Access Point Specifications 

Category	Access Point with 2.4-GHz Radio	Access Point with 5-GHz Radio Module
Size	6.56 in. W x 7.23 in. D x 1.66 in. H 16.67 cm W x 18.36 cm D x 4.22 cm H	With the 5-GHz antenna in the patch position: 6.56 in. W x 8.04 in. D x 2.21 in. H 16.67 cm W x 20.42 cm D x 5.61
Status Indicators	Three indicators on the top panel: Ethernet traffic, status, and radio traffic
Connectors	Back panel (left to right): reverse-TNC antenna connector; power connector (for plug-in AC power module); RJ-45 connector for 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet connections; upside down RJ-45 connector for serial connections; reverse-TNC antenna connector. Front Panel: Card Bus connector used for the 5-GHz radio module.
Input Voltage	48 VDC nominal. Operational up to 60 VDC. Voltage higher than 60 VDC can damage the unit.
Input Current	With 2.4 GHz radio: 125 mA (typical)	With 5-GHz radio: 165 mA (typical) With 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radios 225 mA (typical)
	The access point is capable of drawing 380 mA depending upon the current radios and future radios installed in the unit.
Operating Temperature	Access point: -4 to 131oF (-20 to 55oC) 1200 series power injector: 32 to 104oF (0 to 40oC)	Access point (with 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radio): -4 to 122oF (-20 to 50oC) 1200 series power injector: 32 to 104oF (0 to 40oC)
Storage Temperature	-40 to 185oF (-40 to 85oC)	-40 to 185oF (-40 to 85oC)
Weight	Without mounting bracket: 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg) with 2.4-GHz radio module	Without mounting bracket: 1.87 lbs (0.85 kg) with 5-Ghz radio module 1.97 lbs (0.89 kg) with 5-GHz radio module and 2.4-GHz radio
Power Output	100, 50, 30, 20, 5, or 1 mW (Depending on the regulatory domain in which the access point is installed)	40 mW (16 dBm) 20 mW (13 dBm) 10 mW (10 dBm) 5 mW (7 dBm) Note These values are based on the FCC peak measurement method as defined in FCC 15.407 (A)(4)
Frequency	2.400 to 2.497 GHz (Depending on the regulatory domain in which the access point is installed)	UNII 1—5.15 to 5.25 GH UNII 2—5.25 to 5.35 GHz (Depending on the regulatory domain in which the access point is installed)
Range	Indoor: 150 ft at 11 Mbps 350 ft at 1 Mbps Outdoor: 800 ft at 11 Mbps 2000 ft at 1 Mbps	Indoor: 170 ft at 6 Mbps 130 ft at 18 Mbps 60 ft at 54 Mbps Outdoor: 1000 ft at 6 Mbps 100 ft at 54 Mbps
Modulation	Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)	Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM)
Data rates	1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps	6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps
Antenna	A diversity system with two reverse-TNC connectors (Cisco antennas are sold separately).	A diversity system consisting of two integrated omnidirectional and two integrated directional antennas.
Compliance	The 1200 series access point complies with UL 2043 for products installed in a building's environmental air handling spaces, such as above suspended ceilings. Caution The 1200 series power injectors are not tested to UL 2043 and should not be placed in a building's environmental air space, such as above suspended ceilings. Note If you plan to mount the access point in environmental air space using a 5-GHz radio, Cisco recommends that you mount the access point horizontally with its antennas pointing down. Doing so results in the access point complying with regulatory requirements for environmental air space with the 5-GHz radio installed.
Safety	Designed to meet: •UL 1950 Third Edition •CSA 22.2 No. 950-95 •IEC 60950 Second Edition, including Amendments 1-4 with all deviations •EN 60950 Second Edition, including Amendments 1-4	Designed to meet: •UL 1950 Third Edition •CSA 22.2 No. 950-95 •IEC 60950 Second Edition, including Amendments 1-4 with all deviations •EN 60950 Second Edition, including Amendments 1-4
Radio Approvals	FCC Part 15.247 Canada RSS-139-1, RSS-210 Japan Telec 33B EN 300.328	FCC Part 15.407 Canada RSS-210 Japan ARIB STD-T71 EN 301.893
EMI and Susceptibility	FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109 Class B ICES-003 Class B (Canada) EN 55022 B AS/NZS 3548 Class B VCCI Class B EN 55024 EN 301.489-1 EN 301.489-17
RF Exposure	OET-65C RSS-102 ANSI C95.1