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Updated:January 28, 2010
Document ID:1474004367970789
Bias-Free Language
The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.
The Cisco® Aironet® 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter provides high-performance 54-Mbps connectivity in the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands.
Whether configured to support single 802.11b coverage, single 802.11g coverage, single 802.11a coverage, dual-mode 802.11a/g coverage, or trimode 802.11a/b/g coverage, the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter is Wi-Fi compliant and combines the freedom of wireless connectivity with 802.11i/ Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption for the performance, security, and manageability that businesses require (Figure 1).
The low-profile form factor and two-meter cable length provide significant flexibility for installation in low-profile devices, such as slim desktops and point-of-sale (POS) devices. For versatility, both a low profile and a standard profile bracket frame are included with the adapter. The attached dual-band, 2.4/5-GHz, 1-dBi effective gain antenna has a two-meter cable that enables optimal placement for maximum performance.
Figure 1. The Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter
Enterprise-Class Security Solution
Designed with enterprise-class security requirements in mind, the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter uses the 802.1X standard for port-based network access. A full array of Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types for user-based authentication, together with enterprise caliber Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, provide full 802.11i support. The adapter supports WPA2, the Wi-Fi Alliance certification for interoperable, standards-based wireless LAN security.
Support for Management Frame Protection (MFP) is now available on the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter. MFP adds security to the MAC management layer of 802.11 connectivity by cryptographically hashing the management frames and generating a Message Integrity Check (MIC) during network connection.
The Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter supports the most common 802.1X authentication types, including EAP-Flexible Authentication via Secure Tunneling (EAP-FAST), Cisco LEAP, EAP-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS), Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol-Generic Token Card (PEAP-GTC), and PEAP-Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol version 2 (PEAP-MSCHAPv2). A wide selection of RADIUS servers, such as the Cisco Secure Access Control Server (ACS) and Cisco Access Registrar server, can be used for enterprise-class centralized user management that includes:
• Strong, mutual authentication to help ensure that only legitimate clients associate with legitimate and authorized network RADIUS servers via authorized access points
• Dynamic per-user, per-session encryption keys that automatically change on a configurable basis to protect the privacy of transmitted data
• Stronger encryption keys provided by Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) enhancements such as message integrity check (MIC), per-packet keys via initialization vector hashing, and broadcast key rotation
• RADIUS accounting records for all authentication attempts
A new and improved set of client utilities includes the Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility, System Tray Utility, and Client Administration Utility. Together, these utilities provide an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for easy configuration, monitoring, and management of the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter. Enhanced client network management features include:
• Profile manager: Allows users to create specific profile settings for various environments, making it simple for telecommuters and business travelers to move from one environment to another.
• Customized profile settings: Lets users individually select the channel, service set identifier (SSID), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) key, and authentication method for different locations.
• Cisco LEAP authentication status screen: Provides status updates regarding the Cisco LEAP authentication process.
• Auto-selection of profiles: Provides automatic selection of established profiles, including those configured for EAP authentication, without requiring storage of the EAP username and password in the profile.
• System tray icon: Provides easy access to wireless LAN connection information and one-click access to common actions, such the manual selection a profile or turning the radio on or off.
• Cisco Aironet Client Monitor: Provides a subset of Cisco Aironet Desktop Utility features, such as status information about the client adapter and access to basic tasks (selecting a profile, for example). This application runs from the system tray icon.
• Troubleshooting utility: Provides step-by-step details on the process of connecting to an access point, as well as highlights on why a connection failed.
• Support for the most popular enterprise operating systems: Windows XP and Windows 2000.
• Cisco Aironet Client Adapter installation wizard for Windows: The wizard is provided for easy installation of the client firmware, drivers, and utilities and offers several installation options: install client utilities and driver; install driver only; or make driver installation diskette(s). For ease of use, the installation wizard image file is a self-extracting (.exe) file.
Features and Benefits
Table 1 lists the features and benefits of the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter.
Table 1. Product Features and Benefits
Feature
Benefit
Cisco Secure Wireless Solution
IEEE 802.1X support, including EAP-FAST, Cisco LEAP, PEAP-GTC, PEAP-MSCHAPv2, and EAP-TLS for mutual authentication with dynamic per-user, per-session encryption keys via TKIP enhancements. Full support for WPA and WPA2. Full support for Management Frame Protection (MFP).
Enhanced Client Network Management Features
Bundled with comprehensive, easy-to-use client network management utilities to provide a secure, intuitive, and convenient way to manage and configure the adapter.
Cisco LEAP Single Sign-on
Convenient option to use login credentials for LEAP sign-on on the user's network, eliminating the need to enter a second set of credentials.
Cisco Wireless Domain Services (WDS)
Cisco WDS is a collection of Cisco IOS® Software features that enhance wireless LAN client mobility and simplify wireless LAN deployment and management. Cisco WDS includes radio management aggregation, fast secure roaming, client tracking, and WAN link remote site survivability.
Product Specifications
Table 2 lists product specifications for the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter.
Table 2. Product Specifications
Feature
Description
Form Factor
• Standard and low-profile Type II PCI
Interface
• Standard PCI interface
• PCI Rev. 2.3 compliant
Data Rates Supported
1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
Network Standard
IEEE 802.11a/b/g
Operating Voltage
3.3V (±0.3V)
LED
Status (green) and Activity (amber)
Media Access Protocol
Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
Wireless Medium
802.11g:
• Direct Sequence-Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Orthogonal Frequency Divisional Multiplexing (OFDM)
(Typical with Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter at maximum transmit power communicating with a Cisco Aironet 1231 Access Point configured with a 2.2-dBi dipole antenna for 802.11b/g, and a 6-dBi gain patch for 802.11a.)
Indoor (typical)
• 54 Mbps
• 18 Mbps
• 11 Mbps
• 6 Mbps
• 1 Mbps
Transmit:
• 554 mA maximum
• 539 mA maximum
• 530 mA maximum
Receive:
• 318 mA maximum
• 327 mA maximum
• 282 mA maximum
Standby:
• 203 mA average
• 203 mA average
• 203 mA average
Range
(Typical with Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter at maximum transmit power communicating with a Cisco Aironet 1231 Access Point configured with a 2.2-dBi dipole antenna for 802.11b/g, and a 6 dBi gain patch for 802.11a.)
Outdoor (typical)
• 54 Mbps
• 18 Mbps
• 11 Mbps
• 6 Mbps
• 1 Mbps
Transmit:
• 554 mA maximum
• 539 mA maximum
• 530 mA maximum
Receive:
• 318 mA maximum
• 327 mA maximum
• 282 mA maximum
Standby:
• 203 mA average
• 203 mA average
• 203 mA average
Range
(Typical with Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter at maximum transmit power communicating with a Cisco Aironet 1231 Access Point configured with a 2.2-dBi dipole antenna for 802.11b/g, and a 6 dBi gain patch for 802.11a.)
Indoor (typical)
• 54 Mbps
• 18 Mbps
• 11 Mbps
• 6 Mbps
• 1 Mbps
802.11b/g
• 45 ft (13 m)
• 110 ft (33 m)
• 165 ft (50 m)
802.11b/g
• 90 ft (27 m)
• 180 ft (54m)
• 160 ft (48 m)
• 300 ft (91 m)
• 410 ft (124 m)
802.11a
• 100 ft (30 m)
• 600 ft (183 m)
• 1000 ft (304 m)
802.11b/g
• 250 ft (76 m)
• 600 ft (183 m)
• 1000 ft (304 m)
• 1300 ft (396 m)
• 2000 ft (610 m)
Compliance
Safety
• UL 60950
• CSA 22.2 No. 60950
• IEC 60950
• EN 60950
Radio Approvals
• FCC Part 15.401-15.407
• RSS-210 (Canada)
• EN 301.893 (Europe)
• ARIB STD-T71 (Japan)
• AS 4268.2 (Australia)
• FCC Part 15.247
• RSS-210 (Canada)
• EN 300.328 (Europe)
• TELEC 33 and 66 (Japan)
• AS/NZS 3548 (Australia and New Zealand)
EMI and Susceptibility (Class B)
• FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109
• ICES-003 (Canada)
• VCCI (Japan)
• EN 301.489-1 and -17 (Europe)UL 60950
Other
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g
• Cisco Compatible Wireless (based on Cisco Compatible Extensions v1.0, v2.0, v3.0 and v4.0)
• Wi-Fi
• WHQL
• FCC Bulletin OET-65C
Power Management
Power management levels available:
• CAM (Constantly Awake Mode)
• Fast PSP (Power Save Mode)
• Max PSP (Maximum Power Savings)FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109
Antenna
Integrated dual-band 2.4/5-GHz, 1-dBi, effective-gain antenna on a two-meter cable
Security Architecture Client Authentication
Cisco Secure Wireless Solution supporting WPA and WPA2, including:
Authentication
• 802.1X support, including Cisco LEAP, EAP-FAST, PEAP-GTC, PEAP-MSCHAPv2), and EAP-TLS to yield mutual authentication and dynamic per-user, per-session encryption keys (WPA and WPA2)
• MAC address and standard 802.11 authentication mechanisms
• TKIP encryption enhancements: key hashing (per-packet keying), message integrity check (MIC), and broadcast key rotation via Cisco TKIP or WPA TKIP
• Support for static and dynamic IEEE 802.11 WEP keys of 40 and 128 bits
Advanced Security
• Support for Management Frame Protection (MFP)
Drivers
Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000
Dimensions
4.72 in. (119.9 mm) x 3.12205 in. (79.3 mm)
Weight
• Standard (frame) PCI with antenna: 3.64 oz. (103.2 g)
• Standard (frame) PCI without antenna: 1.92 oz. (54.7 g)
• Low-profile PCI with antenna: 3.43 oz. (97.5 g)
• Low-profile PCI without antenna: 1.72 oz. (49.0 g)
Environmental
Nonoperating (storage) temperature:
• 0 to 85°C
Operating temperature:
• 0 to 70°C
Humidity (noncondensing):
• 10 to 90 percent
Warranty
One year
Wi-Fi Certification
System Requirements
Table 3 lists system requirements for the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter.
Table 3. System Requirements
Feature
Description
Compatible Interface
Standard and low-profile Type II PCI with standard PCI interface
Supported Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000w
Ordering Information
Table 4 lists ordering information for the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter.
Customers are responsible for verifying approval for use in their individual countries. Please see
http://www.cisco.com/go/aironet/compliance to verify approval and to identify the regulatory domain that corresponds to a particular country.
Cisco offers a wide range of services programs to accelerate customer success. These innovative services programs are delivered through a unique combination of people, processes, tools, and partners, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Cisco services help you protect your network investment, optimize network operations, and prepare your network for new applications to extend network intelligence and the power of your business. For more information about Cisco services, visit
Cisco Technical Support Services or
Cisco Advanced Services.
For More Information
For more information about the Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter, visit
http://www.cisco.com/go/wireless or contact your local account representative.
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