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Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) Installation and Configuration Guide
OL-4211-03
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Introduction to the Client Adapters
Introduction to the Client Adapters
The Cisco Aironet IEEE 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Client Adapters (CB21AG and PI21AG) are radio
modules that provide wireless data communications among fixed, portable, and mobile devices within
both wireless and wired network infrastructures. The client adapters are fully compatible when used in
devices supporting “plug-and-play” (PnP) technology.
The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets through the wireless infrastructure
by communicating with other clients or with access points that are connected to a wired LAN. The
adapters operate similarly to a standard network product except that radios rather than Ethernet cables
make the connection to the wire. No special wireless networking functions are required, and all existing
applications that operate over a network can operate using the adapters.
This document covers the two client adapters described in Table 1-1.
Terminology
The following terms are used throughout this document:
• client adapter—Refers to both types of adapters.
• PC-Cardbus card or PCI card—Refers to a specific adapter.
• workstation (or station)—Refers to a computing device with an installed client adapter.
• infrastructure device—Refers to a device that connects client adapters to a wired LAN, such as an
access point, bridge, or base station. Throughout this document, access point is used to represent
infrastructure devices in general.
Table 1-1 Client Adapter Types
Client Adapter Model Number Description Illustration
PC-Cardbus
card
AIR-CB21AG An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client
adapter card radio module with a Cardbus interface that can be
inserted into any device equipped with a 32-bit Cardbus slot. Host
devices can include laptops and notebook computers.
PCI card AIR-PI21AG An IEEE 802.11a/b/g-compliant 2.4- and 5-GHz 54-Mbps client
adapter card radio module that can be inserted into any device
equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop
personal computer.
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