Table Of Contents
FCC Safety Compliance Statements
Converting an Autonomous AP521 Using the CCA
Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines
Release Notes for Cisco 521 Wireless Express Standalone Access Point for Cisco IOS Releases 12.4(10b)JX, 12.4(10b)JX1, and 12.4(10b)JX2
January 2008
These release notes provide an overview, important notes, and caveats for Cisco IOS release 12.4(10b)JX, 12.4(10b)JX1, and 12.4(10b)JX2 for the Cisco 521 Wireless Express Standalone Access Point, which is part of the Cisco Smart Business Communications System. The access point is a component of Cisco Wireless Mobility Express Release 1.5.
Contents
These release notes contain the following sections.
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Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines
Overview
The Cisco 521 Wireless Express Standalone Access Point (hereafter called the AAP521) is a single-band 802.11g access point that offers high-performance wireless connectivity in carpeted offices and similar environments. The AAP521 is a component of the Cisco Mobility Express Solution.
The Cisco Mobility Express Solution brings together the AAP521 and the Cisco 500 Series Wireless Express Mobility Controller to provide a cost effective wireless solution specifically designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. The Mobility Express Solution aligns with the Cisco Smart Business Communication System-a unified communications solution that provides voice, data, video, security and wireless capabilities while integrating with existing desktop applications like calendar, e-mail and CRM to provide a complete solution.
As part of this solution, the AAP521 addresses the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses that require a traditional access point solution by operating in standalone mode. In standalone mode access points are directly connected to the wired infrastructure and provide reliable high-speed wireless connectivity to users in the area they cover. Built-in antennas provide omni-directional coverage specifically designed for open workspaces. A multipurpose mounting bracket secures the access point to ceilings and walls. For maximum concealment, the access point may be placed above ceilings or suspended ceilings. The AAP521's UL 2043 rating allows it to be placed above ceilings in plenum areas regulated by municipal fire codes.
Software Release Information
The AAP521s are factory installed with Cisco IOS Release 12.4(10b)jx. The software is also available from cisco.com at the following URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/support/downloads/pub/Redirect.x?mdfid=278875243
New Features
The following new features are included in Cisco IOS Release 12.4(10b)jx:
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Full descriptions and procedures are contained in the Cisco 500 Series Mobility Express Software Configuration Guide, which is available on Cisco.com at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7320/tsd_products_support_series_home.html
Installation Notes
This section contains important information for installing the AAP521.
Warnings
This section contains safety warnings for the AAP521. For translated warnings, refer to the Translated Safety Warnings for Cisco Aironet Access Points document at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/access_point/warnings/reference/guide/ap_warn1.html
Warning
Warning
Warning
Statement 1004
Warning
Statement 1004
WarningSafety Information
Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of AAP521.
FCC Safety Compliance Statements
The FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. Cisco 521 standalone access points meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this document and the installation and configuration guides will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
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Installation Instructions
In the standalone architecture, you can deploy up to three AAP521's and configure them using the CCA. This procedure assumes that you are using a Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series, a Cisco Catalyst Express 520 switch, and the CCA.
When you create or modify an SSID for an AAP521 using the CCA, follow these guidelines:
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Refer to the Quick Start Guide Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point for additional instructions on installing access points.
Note
Personnel installing the access points must understand wireless techniques and grounding methods. Access points with internal antennas can be installed by an experienced IT professional.
Important Notes
This section describes important information about the AAP521.
Software Release Information
Mobility Express Release 1.5 is comprised of several software components. These ship factory installed on your controller and access points.
Make sure you have all the latest software components:
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If you are a registered user, you can download the latest versions from cisco.com at the following URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/support/downloads/pub/Redirect.x?mdfid=278875243
Note
Registering at Cisco.com
If you are not a registered user, follow these steps to register:
Step 1
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Additional information about registering is available on cisco.com at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/applicat/cdcrgstr/applications_overview.html
GUI Changes
GUI support for the following features have been removed:
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GUI changes include the following:
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Converting an Autonomous AP521 Using the CCA
When an autonomous AP521 access point is converted to controller-mode operation using the CCA, the access point properties screen continues to indicate that the access point is an AIR-AP521G-A-K9 after the conversion. This is in agreement with the product label on the access point. However, the CCA displays a small triangle icon next to the converted access point to indicate that the access point is now operating as a controller-mode access point.
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Caveats
This section lists the open caveats for the AAP521.
Open Caveats
The following caveat is open in this release:
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For more information, see the "Converting an Autonomous AP521 Using the CCA" section.
Resolved Caveats
The following caveats are resolved in 12.4(10b)JX1:
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Workarounds are available to help mitigate this vulnerability.
This issue is triggered by a logic error when processing extended communities on the PE device.
This issue cannot be deterministically exploited by an attacker.
Cisco has released free software updates that address these vulnerabilities. Workarounds that mitigate these vulnerabilities are available.
This advisory is posted at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/csa/cisco-sa-20080924-vpn.html.
If You Need More Information
If you need information about a specific caveat that does not appear in these release notes, you can use the Cisco Bug Toolkit to find caveats of any severity. Click this URL to browse to the Bug Toolkit:
http://tools.cisco.com/Support/BugToolKit/
(If you request a defect that cannot be displayed, the defect number might not exist, the defect might not yet have a customer-visible description, or the defect might be marked Cisco Confidential.)
Troubleshooting
For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Cisco TAC website at
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html
Click Product Support > Wireless. Then choose your product and Troubleshooting to find information on the problem you are experiencing.
Related Documentation
For additional information on the AAP521, refer to these documents:
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You can access these documents from this link:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7319/tsd_products_support_eol_series_home.html
Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines
For information on obtaining documentation, obtaining support, providing documentation feedback, security guidelines, and also recommended aliases and general Cisco documents, see the monthly What's New in Cisco Product Documentation, which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html
