Well its finally here after a few months of rumour and speculation the CCIE Wireless version 2 has been announced today. The changes will impact the written and lab exams and brings the CCIE Wireless bang upto date, well as of today anyway, we may have different code versions available when it lands.
The CCIE Wireless v2 will be available from 18th November 2011 which is Cisco standard 6 months advanced notice.
There will be a beta written in July at $50 which is great news however the results of betas usually come out a few weeks after you take it rather than getting the good news on the computer at the end of the exam.
So whats new?
The exam will be written around code version 7.0 MR1 which is bang upto date. SOme things from current code 4.2 will be easier but there are a lot of new features incorporated.
Here is a brief overview at first glance of new things.
VSS - Would be cool to have that in a home lab but I think I might cause a domestic?
Office Extend - not too much of a biggy
CleanAir - Awesome again relatively straight forward
VideoStream - Will be interesting
Context Aware Service
MSE - Hopefully you will be able to get access to this somehow!
Client link
Band select
NAC - Will have to get my head around this as its a big subject in itself depending on how far you need to go.
All in all a great refresh and will be a real challenge, anyone sitting the lab is going to be challenged and busy and it will hopefully stop people thinking wireless is easy. There looks like a lot more but I think the subject matter has been broken down more.
No comment on which version of ACS we will be using and no comment as to wether the OEQs have been dropped which I know for many is quite scary as to fail on just 4 questions is a killer, some people just freeze up a bit on the day or may not articulate exactly enough information on the day.
For more details here are the blueprints written and lab
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Cisco Flex 7500 Series Cloud Controller
Well its landed and for flex connect read H-REAP on steroids, at least thats my take.
The 5508 controller can manage, with the latest code, upto 100 H-REAP groups with 25 access points per group. This new platform can deal with 500 sites and 50 upto 50 access points per group, 2000 access points and 20000 clients.
Licensing should be software upgradeable starting at 300 access points.
There is more information here
The 5508 controller can manage, with the latest code, upto 100 H-REAP groups with 25 access points per group. This new platform can deal with 500 sites and 50 upto 50 access points per group, 2000 access points and 20000 clients.
Licensing should be software upgradeable starting at 300 access points.
There is more information here
Cisco Prime Network Control System (NCS)
Well this appears to be a simply amazing product on many many fronts.
While there is still little detail available it simply pulls all your network management into a single platform.
With Cisco Prime NCS you can manage upto 15000 Aironet access points but also upto 5000 autonomous access points.
Most importantly it integrates the management of upto 5000 switches for monitoring and trouble shooting.
Additionally it also integrates with Ciscos MSE and ISE.
Simply phenomenal, I am obviously familiar with the WCS and as always with each new release of WCS there is improved usability and functionality and the NCS looks to pull a whole lot of things into a trully unified management platform.
I really can't wait to get my hands on this and see how much it can actually do in the switched infrastructure.
The hardest part of this will be simply understanding the scale of this behemoth, seeing what new features it includes for the WLAN over and above the WCS and the enhanced WLAN capabilities will be exciting and if it can do some good stuff in the LAN infrastructure too it will simply sell itself and also strengthen the sales arguement for Cisco Unified Networks.
You can get more info here
While there is still little detail available it simply pulls all your network management into a single platform.
With Cisco Prime NCS you can manage upto 15000 Aironet access points but also upto 5000 autonomous access points.
Most importantly it integrates the management of upto 5000 switches for monitoring and trouble shooting.
Additionally it also integrates with Ciscos MSE and ISE.
Simply phenomenal, I am obviously familiar with the WCS and as always with each new release of WCS there is improved usability and functionality and the NCS looks to pull a whole lot of things into a trully unified management platform.
I really can't wait to get my hands on this and see how much it can actually do in the switched infrastructure.
The hardest part of this will be simply understanding the scale of this behemoth, seeing what new features it includes for the WLAN over and above the WCS and the enhanced WLAN capabilities will be exciting and if it can do some good stuff in the LAN infrastructure too it will simply sell itself and also strengthen the sales arguement for Cisco Unified Networks.
You can get more info here
Friday, 1 April 2011
WOW 450Mbps from HP
HP have launched their new E-MSM460 and 466 along with their E-MSM430. They are probably the first key vendor to market with a 3x3:3 access point giving 450Mbps potential.
The E-MSM430 is only 2 spatial streams meaning 300Mbps but the E-MSM460 and 466 support 3 spatial streams. The E-MSM460 has integrated antennas while on the E-MSM466 you will need to buy the antennas seperatly.
This I am sure will be the first of many cmpeting products and with Intel providing the Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 wireless adapter with 3x3 support its only a matter of time before we start seeing major deployments at 450Mbps.
The E-MSM430 is only 2 spatial streams meaning 300Mbps but the E-MSM460 and 466 support 3 spatial streams. The E-MSM460 has integrated antennas while on the E-MSM466 you will need to buy the antennas seperatly.
This I am sure will be the first of many cmpeting products and with Intel providing the Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 wireless adapter with 3x3 support its only a matter of time before we start seeing major deployments at 450Mbps.
New Wireless Products From Cisco
Well its been a long wait but there are a few new products available now from Cisco within their wireless portfolio which will only make wireless networking more exciting in the future as its always a race to give the best performance and innovation in this fast paced arena.
OK there may be other similar products out there and some may argue that company A is better than company B but I do perceive Cisco as having the greatest breadth and depth in their offering.
Here is s snapshot of whats new
Cisco 2500 Series Wireless LAN Controller
Basically 4 flavours 5, 15, 25 and 50 accesspoint models
Software license upgrade for more access points in 5 and 25 access point increments
Support for Office Extend
Four 1Gbps Ethernet (RJ-45)
Cisco Wireless Services Module 2 Controller for Catalyst 6500 Series Switches
Supports 100, 300, and 500 access points with software licensing flexibility and all the usual features such as Office Extend etc
Cisco Wireless Controller on Cisco Services-Ready Engine
Very similar in features to the 2500 integrates int the ISR G2 routers, obviously without the Gig ports.
Cisco Aironet 600 Series OfficeExtend Access Points
This dual-band, 802.11n access point extends the corporate network to the home teleworker and mobile contractors. The access point connects to the home's broadband Internet access and establishes a secure tunnel to the corporate network so that remote employees can access data, voice, video, and cloud services for a mobility experience consistent with that at the corporate office.
Cisco Aironet 1550 Series Outdoor Access Point
The Cisco Aironet 1550 Series with Cisco CleanAir technology provides the highest-performance 802.11n connectivity for mission-critical outdoor networks by detecting interference from unauthorized devices, as well as common outdoor interference sources such as WiMAX networks and wireless bridging products.
I'm sure there will be other products around the corner as they continually develope their portfolio but its just as interesting to see where these fit against competitors and how the market all gels together.
OK there may be other similar products out there and some may argue that company A is better than company B but I do perceive Cisco as having the greatest breadth and depth in their offering.
Here is s snapshot of whats new
Cisco 2500 Series Wireless LAN Controller
Basically 4 flavours 5, 15, 25 and 50 accesspoint models
Software license upgrade for more access points in 5 and 25 access point increments
Support for Office Extend
Four 1Gbps Ethernet (RJ-45)
Cisco Wireless Services Module 2 Controller for Catalyst 6500 Series Switches
Supports 100, 300, and 500 access points with software licensing flexibility and all the usual features such as Office Extend etc
Cisco Wireless Controller on Cisco Services-Ready Engine
Very similar in features to the 2500 integrates int the ISR G2 routers, obviously without the Gig ports.
Cisco Aironet 600 Series OfficeExtend Access Points
This dual-band, 802.11n access point extends the corporate network to the home teleworker and mobile contractors. The access point connects to the home's broadband Internet access and establishes a secure tunnel to the corporate network so that remote employees can access data, voice, video, and cloud services for a mobility experience consistent with that at the corporate office.
Cisco Aironet 1550 Series Outdoor Access Point
The Cisco Aironet 1550 Series with Cisco CleanAir technology provides the highest-performance 802.11n connectivity for mission-critical outdoor networks by detecting interference from unauthorized devices, as well as common outdoor interference sources such as WiMAX networks and wireless bridging products.
I'm sure there will be other products around the corner as they continually develope their portfolio but its just as interesting to see where these fit against competitors and how the market all gels together.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Linksys E4200
Cisco or rather Linksys have launched a new wireless router for the home. Its a great looking piece of kit with awesome performance. I certainly won't complain if one arrives in the post for review!
Its not on the Linksys UK website yet but I am sure it will be soon enough.
Click here for more information
In the 5.0GHz spectrum it gives you 3 spatial streams an what that means is 450Mbps, you can also channel get 300Mbps in the 2.4GHz spectrum.
Here are the highlights
•Simultaneous dual-band for high performance wireless entertainment
•Maximum speed (300 + 450 Mbps) for ultra-fast wireless transfer rates
•Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for 10x faster wired speeds
•USB Storage Port for centralized file sharing with built-in UPnP AV media server
•Full 3x3 MIMO antenna array for maximum range and reliability
Wireless-N Technology
Built with leading 802.11n wireless technology. The Linksys E4200 offers maximum speed and range to create an ultra-powerful network designed for home theater performance. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, and other Wi-Fi devices at transfer rates up to 300 + 450 Mbps for an unrivaled experience.
The Power of Dual-Band
Double your network bandwidth with simultaneous dual-band N (2.4 and 5 GHz) designed to avoid interference and optimize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.
SpeedBoost
High-power amplifiers increase signal strength across greater distances for maximum wireless coverage and in-home mobility.
State-of-the-Art Security
Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.
Benefits of Gigabit
Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing, 10x faster than standard Ethernet, between other Gigabit-enabled devices like computers, hard drives, and servers.
Built-in USBPort and UPnP Media Server
The USB Storage Port lets you add an external USB drive to your network and share files at home or over the Internet. Plus, a built-in UPnP AV Media Server for seamless streaming of your video and media files to an Xbox 360, PS3, or other UPnP compatible device.
Home Theater Ready
Bring the ultimate entertainment experience to your home by connecting computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, media players and more to your wireless network and the Internet. Simultaneous dual-band N and QoS traffic prioritization technology delivers maximum speed and performance so you can enjoy fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, and lag free gaming and VoIP.
Quick to Install
Cisco Connect software helps you set up in three easy steps and your secure wireless network is ready to go.
Easy to Manage
Cisco Connect software helps you customize your settings, and quickly add multiple devices to your network:
Create a separate, secure, password protected network for guests
Limit access time and websites with Parental Controls
Easily access advanced network settings
Its not on the Linksys UK website yet but I am sure it will be soon enough.
Click here for more information
In the 5.0GHz spectrum it gives you 3 spatial streams an what that means is 450Mbps, you can also channel get 300Mbps in the 2.4GHz spectrum.
Here are the highlights
•Simultaneous dual-band for high performance wireless entertainment
•Maximum speed (300 + 450 Mbps) for ultra-fast wireless transfer rates
•Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for 10x faster wired speeds
•USB Storage Port for centralized file sharing with built-in UPnP AV media server
•Full 3x3 MIMO antenna array for maximum range and reliability
Wireless-N Technology
Built with leading 802.11n wireless technology. The Linksys E4200 offers maximum speed and range to create an ultra-powerful network designed for home theater performance. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, and other Wi-Fi devices at transfer rates up to 300 + 450 Mbps for an unrivaled experience.
The Power of Dual-Band
Double your network bandwidth with simultaneous dual-band N (2.4 and 5 GHz) designed to avoid interference and optimize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.
SpeedBoost
High-power amplifiers increase signal strength across greater distances for maximum wireless coverage and in-home mobility.
State-of-the-Art Security
Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.
Benefits of Gigabit
Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing, 10x faster than standard Ethernet, between other Gigabit-enabled devices like computers, hard drives, and servers.
Built-in USBPort and UPnP Media Server
The USB Storage Port lets you add an external USB drive to your network and share files at home or over the Internet. Plus, a built-in UPnP AV Media Server for seamless streaming of your video and media files to an Xbox 360, PS3, or other UPnP compatible device.
Home Theater Ready
Bring the ultimate entertainment experience to your home by connecting computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, media players and more to your wireless network and the Internet. Simultaneous dual-band N and QoS traffic prioritization technology delivers maximum speed and performance so you can enjoy fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, and lag free gaming and VoIP.
Quick to Install
Cisco Connect software helps you set up in three easy steps and your secure wireless network is ready to go.
Easy to Manage
Cisco Connect software helps you customize your settings, and quickly add multiple devices to your network:
Create a separate, secure, password protected network for guests
Limit access time and websites with Parental Controls
Easily access advanced network settings
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Having deployed the Cisco NCS a few times now I thought I would add a post outlining the steps to get it up and running. Its a little more d...