Cisco Systems aironet cb21ag User Manual

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 

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.

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.

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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