Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point 54 Mbit/s

The Cisco® 521 Wireless Express Access Point is a single-band, 802.11g access point that features business-class management, security, and scalability. This access point offers high-performance wireless connectivity in office buildings, classrooms, small warehouses and similar environments.

The Cisco Mobility Express solution brings together the Cisco 521 access point and the Cisco 500 Series Wireless Express Mobility Controller to provide a flexible, cost-effective wireless solution specifically designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The Cisco Mobility Express solution is part of the Cisco Smart Business Communication System (SBCS), a unified communications solution for SMBs 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 Cisco 521 Access Point uniquely addresses the diverse requirements of SMBs by offering the versatility of operating either in standalone mode or in controller-based mode with the Cisco 500 Series Wireless Express Controller.

Standalone mode: Access points are directly connected to the wired infrastructure through an Ethernet switch and provide reliable high-speed wireless connectivity to users in the area they cover. Configuration and management is performed separately for each individual access point.

Controller-based mode: Access points are directly connected to the wired infrastructure through an Ethernet switch and associate with a Cisco 500 Series Wireless Express Mobility Controller. The controller streamlines and manages the configuration and radio resources of all connected access points through a single interface, and provides a platform for mobility services such as secure guest access and voice over Wi-Fi.
The Cisco 521 Access Point delivers optimal value for offices, classrooms, small warehouses, and similar environments.

Built-in antennas provide omnidirectional coverage specifically designed for today's open workspaces. A multipurpose mounting bracket easily secures Cisco 521 Access Points to ceilings and walls. With an unobtrusive design, the access points are aesthetically appealing and blend into their surrounding environment. For maximum concealment, the access point's UL 2043 rating allows it to be placed above ceilings in plenum areas regulated by municipal fire codes.

Managed by the Cisco Configuration Assistant, and optimized for easy installation and operation, the Cisco 521 Access Point helps organizations attain a lower total cost of ownership. Figure 1 shows the Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point and Cisco Configuration Assistant.