Cisco 5508 Data Sheet - Page 1

Data Sheet Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controllers Maximum Performance and Scalability ● Support for up to 500 access points and 7000 clients ● 802.11n optimized for up to nine times the performance of 802.11a/g networks ● Enhanced uptime with the ability to simultaneously configure and manage 500 access points per controller Improved Mobility and Services ● Larger mobility domain for more simultaneous client associations ● Faster radio resource management (RRM) updates for uninterrupted network access when roaming ● Intelligent RF control plane for self-configuration, selfhealing, and self-optimization ● Efficient roaming improves application performance such as toll quality, voice, and consistent streaming of video and data backup Licensing Flexibility and Investment Protection ● Additional access point capacity licenses may be added over time The Cisco® 5500 Series Wireless Controller, shown in Figure 1, is a highly scalable and flexible platform that enables systemwide services for mission-critical wireless networking in medium-sized to large enterprises and campus environments. Designed for 802.11n performance and maximum scalability, the 5500 Series offers enhanced uptime with: ● RF visibility and protection ● The ability to simultaneously manage up to 500 access points ● Superior performance for reliable streaming video and toll quality voice ● Improved fault recovery for a consistent mobility experience in the most demanding environments Cisco OfficeExtend Solution ● Secure, simple, cost-effective mobile teleworker solution ● Up to 500 remote access points per controller ● Supports Cisco® Unified IP Phones for reduced cell phone charges Figure 1. Cisco 5500 Series Wireless LAN Controller Comprehensive Wired/Wireless Security ● Full Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) access-point-to-controller encryption ● Supports rogue access point detection and denial-ofservice attacks ● Management frame protection detects malicious users and alerts network administrators Enterprise Wireless Mesh ● Dynamic wireless mesh networks support indoor and outdoor connectivity for areas that are difficult to wire Features Optimized for high-performance wireless networking, the 5500 Series offers improved mobility and prepares the business for the next wave of mobile devices and applications. The 5500 Series supports a higher density of clients and delivers more efficient roaming, with at least nine times the throughput of Environmentally Responsible ● Support for adaptive power management to turn off access point radios during off-peak hours to reduce power consumption ● OfficeExtend solution reduces costs and supports green best practices by reducing commuting time and saving on gas, vehicle mileage, and insurance costs existing 802.11a/g networks. The 5500 Series automates wireless configuration and management functions and allows network managers to have the visibility and control needed to cost-effectively manage, secure, and optimize the performance of their wireless networks. With integrated Cisco CleanAir™ technology, the 5500 Series protects 802.11n performance by providing cross-network access to real-time and historic RF interference information for quick, troubleshooting and resolution. As a component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, this controller provides real-time communications between Cisco Aironet® access points, the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS), and the Cisco Mobility Services Engine to deliver centralized security policies, wireless intrusion prevention system (IPS) capabilities, award-winning RF management, and quality of service (QoS). © 2012 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. Page 1 of 8