Cisco SWAN Components

There are four components to the Cisco SWAN framework—access points; management and security servers; WLAN
client devices; and infrastructure devices.
• Cisco Aironet® Series WLAN access points running Cisco IOS® Software—Cisco Aironet access points are
required. These access points offer secure, manageable, and reliable wireless connectivity with exceptional range
and performance, as well as integrated radio frequency (RF) management.
• Management and security servers—The CiscoWorksWireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) and an IEEE 802.1X
authentication server, such as Cisco Secure Access Control Server (ACS), are required to manage and secure
the wireless network. These products simplify the deployment and management of the WLAN infrastructure
and implement an enterprise-class security solution.
• WLAN client devices—Wi-Fi Certified or IEEE 802.11 clients are required. Using Cisco Aironet or Cisco
Compatible client devices provides additional benefits, including advanced enterprise-class security, extended
air RF radio management, and enhanced interoperability.
• Infrastructure devices—As Cisco incorporates wireless capabilities into its switches and routers, customers
receive a unified network system that extends to wireless traffic all of the enterprise-class scalability, security,
reliability, and simplified manageability of the wired infrastructure. The result of this wired and wireless
integration is a lower overall total cost of ownership since existing routers and switches are used for WLAN
support, obviating the need for unfamiliar and unproven WLAN point products.