Can one use varying protocols for Aironet Access Points?

[tseirer]

My organization is currently using approximately 9 Aironet 1100 series Wireless b access points. We are also running IOS version 12.3 ... If we wanted to add some wireless n access points, such as the Aironet 1040 n, would we have compatibility issues doing so? Can a wireless n Aironet run side-by-side with a wireless b with IOS 12.3?

[andrew.prince]

No - the differnece in radios is the frequency and available frequency slots.  Nothing to do with protocol - the issue

will be most clients wireless cards will only be B capable and not be able to take advantage of N.

HTH>

[tseirer]

Thanks for responding. My intention with using Wireless N is to provide access to Computers On Wheels (COWs) that will be equiped with Wireless N bridges. Therefore, I'm not concerned about capatibility of the end devices using the wireless. I'm trying to find out if adding wireless N access points will operate smoothly from IOS and allow me to administer all access points from one interface.

[andrew.prince]

You have lost me - I have no clue what you mean and what your new question is.

[tseirer]

IOS is the software used on the majority of Cisco routers, switches, etc... I'm simply asking if I can add a wireless n access point to my wireless network, even though my other APs are all wireless b, and administer ALL of the APs from IOS.

[andrew.prince]

Oh OK - then yes that would be no problem, sorry for confusing the issue.

HTH>

[Leo Laohoo]

My intention with using Wireless N is to provide access to Computers On Wheels (COWs) that will be equiped with Wireless N bridges.

Nuts.  This is a minefield.  Are you working in a medical environment?

Some poorly written wireless NIC cards don't really "enjoy" roaming.  In my email with George Stefanick he mentioned that un-scrupelous equipment suppliers connect their COWs to a SOHO wireless router via an ethernet cable.  Ta-da!

I don't know what the function of the COWs can/will do but you'll need to look at your network and backend from end-to-end.  How is your network?  Is it GigabitEthernet from end-to-end?