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Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide
OL-9141-03
Chapter 1 Overview
Controller Platforms
Controller Platforms
Controllers are enterprise-class high-performance wireless switching platforms that support 802.11a and
802.11b/802.11g protocols. They operate under control of the operating system, which includes the
Radio Resource Management (RRM), creating a Cisco UWN Solution that can automatically adjust to
real-time changes in the 802.11 RF environment. The controllers are built around high-performance
network and security hardware, resulting in highly-reliable 802.11 enterprise networks with unparalleled
security.
The following controllers are supported for use with software release 4.0:
•
Cisco 2000 series controllers
•
Cisco 2100 series controllers (4.0.206.0 and later)
•
Cisco 4400 series controllers
•
Catalyst 6500 Series Wireless Services Module (WiSM)
•
Cisco 28/37/38xx Series Integrated Services Router with Controller Network Module
•
Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller Switch
The first three controllers are stand-alone platforms. The remaining three controllers are integrated into
Cisco switch and router products.
Cisco 2000 and 2100 Series Controllers
The Cisco 2000 and 2100 series (2106) Wireless LAN Controllers work in conjunction with Cisco
lightweight access points and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to provide system-wide
wireless LAN functions.
Each 2000 and 2100 series controller controls up to six lightweight access points for multi-controller
architectures typical of enterprise branch deployments. It may also be used for single controller
deployments for small and medium-sized business environments.
Caution
Do not connect a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable to the controller’s console port. Doing so may damage
the controller.
Note
Wait at least 20 seconds before reconnecting an access point to the controller. Otherwise, the controller
may fail to detect the device.
Features Not Supported
These hardware features are not supported on 2000 and 2100 series controllers:
•
Power over Ethernet (PoE) [2000 series controllers only]
Note
Ports 7 and 8 on 2100 series controllers are PoE ports.
•
Service port (separate out-of-band management 10/100-Mbps Ethernet interface)
