Cisco Systems has unveiled a wireless LAN access point that uses
802.11a and 802.11b standards.
Cisco's Aironet 1200 Series Access Point can operate simultaneously
in the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands.
The 802.11a wireless Ethernet standard uses frequencies in the 5GHz
range, while products for the 802.11b technology, also known as
Wi-Fi, use the 2.4GHz range.
The 802.11a specification supports data transfer speeds of up to
54Mbps, about five times the speed of 802.11b, but Wi-Fi's lower
frequency gives it greater range.
By supporting both frequency bands, the network equipment maker's
new access points will let customers move to the newer standard
without having to trash their old wireless gear all at once. The
modular design will allow users to upgrade the access point to the
upcoming 802.11g standard for wireless LANs when equipment for that
spec becomes available. The 802.11g specification uses the 2.4GHz
band, but is as fast as 802.11a.
A standard version of the Aironet 1200 access point is equipped
with one 802.11b radio module, with an additional slot for an
802.11a radio module. These radio modules can also be upgraded to
802.11g as equipment becomes available.
Customers can opt for modules to be installed at the factory. The
access point uses a 200MHz PowerPC processor and supports the
operation of two 54Mbps radio modules simultaneously, as well as
10/100 Ethernet interface.
The factory standard Aironet 1200 access point without an 802.11a
radio begins shipping this month and has a list price of $999
(£692), while the dual-band version will be available in August at
$1,499 (£1,038). An 802.11a card, also available in August, will
cost $229 (£159).