Table Of Contents
Support for a Variety of Applications
Centralized Security Architecture
The Preferred Solution for Mobile Devices
Data Sheet
Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridge
Designed to meet the needs of remote workgroups, satellite offices, and mobile users, the Cisco Aironet® 350 Series Workgroup Bridge brings the freedom and flexibility of wireless connectivity to any Ethernet-enabled device. The workgroup bridge quickly connects up to eight Ethernet-enabled laptops or other portable computers to a wireless LAN (WLAN), providing the link from these devices to any Cisco Aironet Access Point (AP) or Wireless Bridge. The Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridge offers:
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Driverless installation of up to eight Ethernet-enabled devices
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Optimum wireless performance and range
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Standards-based centralized security
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Two versions for a range of application requirements
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Full-featured utilities and robust management
Support for a Variety of Applications
Any Ethernet-ready device, including printers, copiers, PCs, point-of-sale devices, or monitoring equipment, can be placed directly at the point of work using the workgroup bridge—without the expense or delay of cabling. For temporary classrooms or temporary office space, the workgroup bridge provides flexible, easy network access for up to eight devices through the use of a standard eight-port Ethernet hub (see Figure 1). Equipment can be easily moved as workgroups change in number or location, lowering facilities costs.
Leading Throughput and Range
With a full 100-milliwatt (mW) of transmit power and the best receive sensitivity in the industry, the Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridges provide the longest range and best reliability available for wireless clients. Advanced signal processing in the Cisco Aironet 350 Series helps manage the multipath propagation often found in office environments. Intelligent filtering addresses ambient noise and interference that can decrease network performance. Building upon Cisco leadership in WLAN performance, Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridges provide the greatest throughput available so users can enjoy virtually the same connectivity they gain from wire-line connections. Based on direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology, the Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridge operates in the 2.4 GHz band and supports data rates up to 11 Mbps.
Figure 1 A remote workgroup
Centralized Security Architecture
The Cisco Aironet security architecture is based upon an IEEE 802.1x standard utilizing the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), the open standard that enables wireless manufacturers and RADIUS server vendors to independently develop interoperable hardware and software. For authentication of devices attached to the workgroup, a username and password may be stored in the workgroup bridge in either static or dynamic memory. When authenticated, the workgroup bridge receives a single-session, single-user encryption key from the Remote Access Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server via the associated AP. With this centralized and standards-based architecture, wireless security scales to meet the requirements of any enterprise.
The Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridge supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security architecture and provides up to 128-bit encryption.
Flexible and Manageable
The workgroup bridge is available in two versions: one with a single, omnidirectional dipole antenna and another with two RP-TNC connectors for applications that require antenna diversity or higher-gain antennas for long-range applications. Other features include advanced diagnostic tools to simplify troubleshooting, remote system configuration, and management via browser, Telnet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
The Preferred Solution for Mobile Devices
The Cisco Aironet 350 Series Workgroup Bridge delivers superior range, reliability, and performance for business users who need information access anytime, anywhere (see Figure 2). The workgroup bridge quickly connects any Ethernet-enabled laptop or other portable computer to a WLAN, providing a "plug-and-play" solution for e-mail and Internet access. Combined with unique Cisco security services, this product ensures that business-critical information is secure. Most importantly, Cisco workgroup bridges are easy to use, making the benefits of wireless mobility completely transparent.
Figure 2 Mobile Ethernet enabled user connecting to a workgroup bridge