Features & Benefits

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 offices 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 Mobility Express Solution is part of the Cisco Smart Business Communications 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 customer relationship management (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 are performed locally at the individual access point level.
• Controller-based mode: Access points are directly connected to the wired infrastructure through an Ethernet switch and associated with a Cisco 500 Series Wireless Express Mobility Controller. The controller streamlines and manages the configuration 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 omni-directional 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. See Figure 1.

Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point: Business-class access with integrated antennas for easy deployment in offices and similar RF environments	Cisco Configuration Assistant: A simplified management tool used to configure the SBCS portfolio including Cisco Wireless Express Access Points and Mobility Controllers

Figure 1. Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point and Cisco Configuration Assistant

Applications
In offices and similarly open environments, Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Points may be installed on the ceiling to provide users with continuous coverage as they roam throughout a facility. In school buildings and similar facilities, the access points may be installed on the ceiling of each room and hallway to provide users with full coverage and high network availability. In areas where a ceiling installation may not be practical, such as retail hotspots or similar small facilities, the access points can be mounted simply and securely on walls for complete coverage with minimal installation cost.

• The 802.11g radio provides 54 Mbps of capacity and compatibility with older 802.11b clients.
• Integrated antennas - Complete system is deployable "out of the box" without external antennas.
•  Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af and Cisco Inline Power ) - Provides an interoperable alternative to AC power. Simplifies deployment by allowing power to be supplied over an Ethernet cable. Compatible with 802.3af-compliant power sources. 
• Field-upgradeable from standalone to controller mode. Cisco Configuration Assistant provides a simple upgrade tool to migrate standalone Cisco 521 access points to controller-based mode to support mobility services and centralized management.
• Includes Cisco Configuration Assistant management software. The Cisco Configuration Assistant simplifies the task of configuring and managing the Mobility Express solution as well as the entire Cisco Smart Business Communication System. Cisco Configuration Assistant supports up to 3 standalone access points and up to 12 controller-based access points with an integrated Web GUI.

Warranty Information

Terms:

• Hardware repair/replacement for 1 year

System Requirements

• Using the Web browser management GUI requires a computer running Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or newer, or Netscape Navigator Version 7.0 or newer.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Power-sourcing equipment (PSE) compliant with Cisco Inline Power or IEEE 802.3af, and providing at least 10W at 48 VDC.

Package Contents

•  An AP521 access point (standalone or controller-based)
• Mounting hardware kit
•  Cisco 521 Wireless Express Access Point Quick Start Guide