Product Features and Background

Transparently integrated into the enterprise-class feature set available on the Cisco 880 Series, 3G wireless connectivity allows rapid installation, deployment flexibility, and resilient WAN backup.

Product Overview

Cisco 888 Series Integrated Services Routers are the next generation of fixed-configuration routers that provide collaborative business solutions for secure data communication to small businesses and enterprise teleworkers. The 3G wireless option available on these routers offers a costeffective, rapidly deployable, reliable, and secure backup solution. With data rates approaching T1 speeds, 3G wireless can be used for primary WAN connectivity in locations where wireline services such as DSL and ISDN are not available or are too expensive to deploy.

The Cisco 880G Series Integrated Services Routers support the latest 3G standards (High-Speed Packet Access [HSPA] and EVDO Rev A) and are backward-compatible with Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and EVDO Rev0/1xRTT. The Cisco 880G Series has two variants.

1: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and UMTS models are based on Third-
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and they support HSPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS.

2: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) models are based on 3GPP2, and they support EVDO RevA/Rev0 and 1xRTT.

In addition to 3G wireless WAN, the Cisco 880G Series offers additional WAN options such as xDSL and Fast Ethernet WAN interface, a 4-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet managed switch with VLAN support and the latest 802.11n WLAN capability. The Cisco 880 Series provides the performance required for concurrent services, including firewall, intrusion prevention, content filtering, and encryption for VPNs; and quality-of-service (QoS) features for optimizing voice and video applications. In addition, Cisco Configuration Professional is a web-based configuration tool that simplifies setup and deployment. Centralized management capabilities give network managers visibility and control of the network configurations at the remote site.

Businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs, increase revenue, and improve business continuity. Third-generation wireless connectivity allows a small enterprise branch office or remote office to set up in a matter of hours, without worrying about availability of broadband services and the need for laying down the lines. Wireless carriers offer flexible, usage-based data plans that can be catered to meet the needs and price points of the business customer. As a WAN backup alternative, 3G wireless offers greater WAN diversity and resiliency because it is independent of the local terrestrial infrastructure. It enables businesses to stay productive during service provider
downtime or a network failure.

Cisco 888 G.SHDSL Wireless Router with ISDN backup and 3G – wireless router

How’ve I used it?

I’ve seen the Cisco 888 in place at a customer environment in downtown Cleveland.

The router was providing wireless access to the server room in which it was installed, in addition to powering a single Cisco IP phone. AutoQos runs on the appliance so that voice traffic on the phone is toll quality. VPN services run connecting the 888 to another location over IPSec tunnels through the internet so each site can share files. The 3des, SSL, and AES encryption methods secure the IPSec tunnels and VPN connections on the 888.

802.1x authentication, authing back to a Microsoft Windows 2003 Enterprise Server running Internet Authentication Services as a Radius server and Root Certificate Authority services to secure all connections to the wireless network.

This particular 888 did run the 3G services and got connectivity of over 1.5Mbps so when the primary link (a metro ethernet connection through Fidelity Access) went down, the back up 3G network supported the internet access including the VPN tunnel.

The Cisco 888 supports the basic management services so we were able to configure SNMP on it to get the high level statistics necessary to identify potential issues. Being able to accurately identify traffic utilization at the internet link, and the wireless access point of a remote site can be critical to keeping that Utah office up and running.

The USB port makes adding quick storage to dump that config, or copy that image right to your router instead of a tftp server. You can also boot from the USB if you leave a memory stick in it, so it’s a nice back up in case for some crazy reason your flash memory dies, the router will boot from an image on the USB stick that you should keep connected to the USB port at all times. That’s a hint.

The only catch with the 888 series is that there’s no model that includes both the 3g capability and the wireless draft N capability. Sad but true.

I personally think the 888 is a great device and find it to have been as reliable as anything you’d expect from Cisco.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series supports a single 802.11g radio. Users can enjoy up to 54 Mbps data rates while maintaining full backward compatibility with legacy 802.11b devices. Administrators can configure the access point to support both 802.11g and legacy 802.11b clients for investment protection, or for higher performance, the access point can be configured to support only 802.11g clients. The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series also features an innovative mounting system for easy installation and reliable coverage in a variety of locations and orientations.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, a comprehensive solution that delivers an integrated, end-to-end wired and wireless network. Using the radio and network management features of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network for simplified deployment, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series extends the security, scalability, reliability, ease of deployment, and manageability available in wired networks to the wireless LAN.

The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series is available in two versions: unified or autonomous. Unified access points operate with the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) and work in conjunction with Cisco wireless LAN controllers and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS). When configured with LWAPP, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series can automatically detect the best-available Cisco wireless LAN controller and download appropriate policies and configuration information with no manual intervention. Autonomous access points are based on Cisco IOS® Software and may optionally operate with the CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE). Autonomous access points, along with the CiscoWorks WLSE, deliver a core set of features and may be field-upgraded to take advantage of the full benefits of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network as requirements evolve.

How Have I Used the Cisco Aironet 1100?

I’ve set up the 1100 and used it in retail store facilities to support wireless kiosks, wireless tablets used by staff to walk around and conduct surveys, show products, and push credit card applications. The 1100s are also used to provide dynamic guest wireless access via the Cisco wireless LAN controller.

The system supports the hardware accelerated encryption methods such as the enterprise class 802.1x encryption providing the highest level of wireless security for within reach of the SMB’s budget.

In my retail organization, the 1100s are deployed at each store. The stores are all connected via an MPLS network which allows active directory authentication for users at any location. Our 802.1x configuration is all managed via Microsoft Active Directory Group Policies which allows traveling management, and executive staff to visit different locations and never have to interact with getting connected to the wireless network.

The 1100s are all powered via POE ports on integrated service routers allowing the 1100 to be hidden out of reach of an electrical outlet.

The 1100 also has 3 different mounting brackets so it can be stood up on it’s bottom, or hung by 2 different types of brackets, 1 for a cubicle wall, 1 for a ceiling to secure the equipment in place.

The 1100 also uses auto qos to make QOS configurations a breeze.

The 1100 supports up to 8 SSIDS so you can provide numerous network connection options to guests, or granulate staff access.

The Cisco 1100 is a great device, especially if you don’t need the A or N wireless spectrum.

The Cisco 1800 Series fixed-configuration routers are designed for secured broadband access, Metro Ethernet, and wireless connectivity.

They also help businesses reduce costs by enabling deployment of a single device to provide multiple services typically performed by separate devices.