;)
See inside Cisco's latest wireless gear!
EXAMPLE 1 
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3 
Shawn Jackman (Jack) CWNE#54 is a personal friend and has been a mentor to me for many years. I've had the pleasure and opportunity to work with Jack for 4 years. Jack is a great teacher who takes complex 802.11 standards and breaks them down so almost anyone can understand the concept at hand. I'm excited for you brother. Great job and job well done! Put another notch in the belt!
BLUETOOTH
Microwave Oven
Cordless Phone
JAMMER!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 10:51PM Link to release notes: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn7_0_220_0.html#wp784169
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 7:37PM 
Omnipeek Remote Assistant (ORA)
Cisco TAC can provide the Omnipeek Remote Assistant application to assist in performing wireless packet captures. The tool will capture wireless packets and encrypt them for processing by the TAC. A full version of Omnipeek Enterprise is required to decrypt and analyze the capture files.
Installation
You should receive a ZIP file from TAC – such as “ora131Cisco.zip” (the filename may change with different release versions). Open this file and Navigate to the “OmniPeek Remote Assistant” folder – run the installer “ora131.exe” and follow the installation instructions.
Supported Wireless Adapters and Drivers
Capturing Wireless Packets with ORA requires the use of supported Wireless Network Adapters along with the appropriate driver version. To view a complete list of supported adapters and drivers, please see:
http://www.wildpackets.com/support/downloads/drivers
In most cases, the Ralink USB adapters will be the easiest to install - and, because you can install multiple USB adapters on a single laptop - they are the best way to get a multichannel capture. The following Ralink adapters have been tested by Cisco TAC:
Linksys WUSB600N (V1 and V2), Linksys AE1000,ALFA AWUS051NH
Driver Installation for Linksys USB600N with Windows XP
2. Insert the Linksys USB600N adapter.
a. If this is the first time using the adapter on the workstation, Windows will start the New Hardware Wizard. Do not search for a driver automatically and click Next. Skip to step 3.
b. If you have previously installed the Linksys USB600N on your workstation, you will need to change the driver to the Omnipeek version. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections and Right Click on the Linksys adapter and click Properties. In this example, the interface is “Wireless Network Connection 3”.
Under the General Tab, Click the “Configure…” button, and then click on the Driver Tab > Update Driver. This will prompt the Hardware Update Wizard.
3. Select “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and click Next. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations.”, include the location of your extracted driver files and click Next:
Running Omnipeek Remote Assistant
If the correct driver isn’t loaded, ORA may appear to work, but not provide the option to select the desired channel to monitor. The Channel cell will read ‘Ethernet’ or ‘Wireless’ and not offer the option to select a channel:
Capture Settings
Select the desired adapter(s) to perform the capture and indicate the desired channel. If you have multiple supported adapters installed you can capture on multiple channels simultaneously (but you cannot mix wired and wireless interfaces at the same time). You can select either an 802.11b/g channel or 802.11a channel in the dropdown. You can select 40 MHz 802.11n channels using the (n40l) or (n40h) options. The n40l will be the selected channel and adjacent lower channel, while n40h will be the selected channel and adjacent higher channel.
File Properties
Select the folder you would like to store the capture files in. You can then also specify the file rollover size. Each new filename will include a timestamp so data will not be overwritten.
Capture Control
If you have selected correct adapter/channel settings, you will now be able to click the Start/Stop buttons at the bottom. You will not be able to see the packets, but you will see the counters incrementing. Click Stop when finished.
Uploading the files to TAC
If the capture file(s) are too large for email, you can upload them to your TAC Service Request:
https://tools.cisco.com/ServiceRequestTool/query/
Enter your SR Number, and then click on File Upload.
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 5:30PM Client data encryption is normally not done. LDPE feature is Licensed Data Payload Encryption (LDPE). Data Payload Encryption allows for the data that travels between the Access Point and the WLC to be Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) encrypted.
Note: Non Russian customers using Cisco 5508 Series Controller do not need data DTLS license. If your controller does not have a data DTLS license and if the access point associated with the controller has DTLS enabled, the data path will be unencrypted
AIR-CT5500-K9-7-0-116-0.aes (Regular image)
· AIR-CT5500-LDPE-K9-7-0-116-0.aes (LDPE image)
It would appear that Russia has some requirements to encrypt their AP to WLC traffic internally.
NOTE: I came across a post by blogger/friend Sam C. @ sc-wifi.com that covers this subject in more detail. Thanks SAM! I should have called and opened a ticket with you instead! LOL
Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 12:20PM You are receiving this message because you have downloaded software through Cisco.com. Please read this email in its entirety.
Working in cooperation with our customers and partners around the globe, Cisco continues taking proactive steps toward our vision of transforming the service experience. To protect the value of our services while enhancing your experience, Cisco will continue building on the successful roll-out of software download controls.
Why do you care?
On October 10, 2011, Cisco began the roll-out of software download controls in the US and Canada. All products will be validated against products registered on a Cisco service contract.
Why are we making this change?
System controls and processes are being implemented to ensure users are entitled to Cisco’s intellectual property. By aligning service access and delivery within the terms and conditions of user contracts, Cisco will now provide a consistent, compliant, single source service experience through the Service Access Management Tool (SAMT).
Call to Action!
To ensure continued Services Assurance, contact your Cisco Partner today! Need to locate a Partner near you? Cisco’s Partner Locator can help. Have a question regarding this transition? Contact technical support. To expedite your request, please include the following information:
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 11:50AM
The beta version of the CCIE Wireless Written Exam v2.0 (351-050) is available for scheduling and testing at all worldwide Cisco-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers beginning September 16, 2011 and continuing through October 14, 2011. Candidates may schedule and take the exam on the same day. The beta exam will be offered at a discounted price of $50 USD, with full recertification or lab qualification credit granted to all passing candidates. Candidates preparing for this exam should refer to CCIE Wireless Written Exam Topics v2.0 on the Cisco Learning Network for a detailed outline of the topics covered.
Reminder: Candidates will receive their beta exam results six to eight weeks after the close of the beta period. Therefore, CCIEs in suspended status with an expiration date before December 31, 2011 should recertify using another exam. Candidates may only attempt a beta exam once during the beta period.
To register for the beta CCIE Wireless Written Exam v2.0, visit Pearson VUE.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:22AM From: Vocera
Vocera Communications, Inc., today announced the commercial introduction of the new Vocera B3000 Communication Badge featuring enhanced durability, audio quality, and speech recognition. The B3000 is 
the fourth generation of the Vocera Communication Badge, which currently is used in more than 750 hospitals and other healthcare facilities worldwide to improve patient safety and satisfaction, and increase hospital efficiency and productivity.
With a highly durable design, including a magnesium alloy spine, the B3000 Badge is designed to withstand the rigors of the workplace without sacrificing size, weight and wearability. The B3000 features four microphones and integrated acoustic noise reduction to deliver instant high-quality communication with optimal audio. This technology reduces background noise found in many emergency rooms and trauma centers, resulting in clearer conversations and improved speech recognition in high noise environments.
You can get specs and additional reading below:
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 11:16AM Title: End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
Url: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps8368/end_of_life_notice_c51-688859.html
Description: Cisco announces the end-of-sale and end-of-life dates for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series. The last day to order the affected product(s) is March 30, 2012. Customers with active service contracts will continue to receive support from the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) as shown in Table 1 of the EoL bulletin. Table 1 describes the end-of-life milestones, definitions, and dates for the affected product(s). Table 2 lists the product part numbers affected by this announcement. For customers with active and paid service and support contracts, support will be available until the termination date of the contract, even if this date exceeds the Last Date of Support shown in Table 1.
Date: 2011-09-30 15:05:00.0
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 11:15AM Title: End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series
Url: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps5279/end_of_life_notice_c51-689032.html
Description: Cisco announces the end-of-sale and end-of-life dates for the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series. The last day to order the affected product(s) is December 30, 2011. Customers with active service contracts will continue to receive support from the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) as shown in Table 1 of the EoL bulletin. Table 1 describes the end-of-life milestones, definitions, and dates for the affected product(s). Table 2 lists the product part numbers affected by this announcement. For customers with active and paid service and support contracts, support will be available until the termination date of the contract, even if this date exceeds the Last Date of Support shown in Table 1.
Date: 2011-09-30 15:13:00.0
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 10:26AM Vocera has identified two critical issues in release 4.2 that may require your immediate attention:
If either issue applies to your environment, please contact Vocera Technical Support as soon as possible to discuss how to reduce the impact to your users.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 11:26AM
I started getting interested in the Wireless track around January 2010
I had to recert my R&S and took the Written. After I had been
implementing and troubleshooting Unified wireless for a couple of
years I started to look a the Wireless blueprint. It looked really easy.
How hard could it be. I had done most of it time and time before at
customers. So when going to the Cisco Live in Las Vegas in 2010 I took
the 4 hour CCIE Wireless Techtorial. I expected 4 hours of tips and
tricks for the lab exam but got a sample lab exam. I was NOT prepared
at all. I was pure murder. When coming home from Las Vegas I talked
with my boss and my wife about going for the Wireless and got a go.
I got Fastlane WB1 for technology focused labs and started working
that. In August 2010 I ordered WB1 and WB2 and a bootcamp. My plan was
to complete Fastlanes workbook 1 by October 2010, IPExpert workbook 1
by december 2010 and then IPExpert workbook 2 by March 2011.
But the plan didn't go at all. When labbing I needed to lookup everything I
didn't know or understand, and that turned out to be alot. So the
Fastlane workbook took me to untill christmas. But as IPExpert's
workbooks was delayed it didn't matter that I finished late.
IPExperts workbook started to arrive chapter by chapter late december. I got the
complete workbook 1 just weeks before leaving to the bootcamp in March
2011. My idea was to hit the bootcamp prepared learn the last 5-10%
and take the exam just after the bootcamp. Well I was not near the
level I needed to be when I took the bootcamp. I was at 50% and the
bootcamp to me 20-30%.
Did the first exam late March 2011 and failed. I guess I got around 50
points. I booked a new date at once and took my second attempt in late
May 2011.
In the 2 months between the exams I read the Mobility 4.1
Guide, the WLC, WCS and autonomous configration guides (some of them
for the second time). This time I was prepared. Took the exam and
believed it was perfect when I left building C. Got the score report
and I'm guessing I got around 70-72 points.
Before going for the 3rd attempt I wanted to do a reseat with the
bootcamp to ensure everything was repeated. Unfortunately I didn't
feel the bootcamp did that much for me, but I did get to do questions
and answers on topics I still wanted to verify. Took the exam the week
after the bootcamp and the rest is history!
Monday, September 19, 2011 at 10:06PM From:Cisco
The beta version of the CCIE Wireless Written Exam v2.0 (350-050) is available for scheduling and testing at all worldwide Cisco-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers beginning September 16, 2011 and continuing through October 14, 2011. Candidates may schedule and take the exam on the same day. The beta exam will be offered at a discounted price of $50 USD, with full recertification or lab qualification credit granted to all passing candidates. Candidates preparing for this exam should refer to CCIE Wireless Written Exam Topics v2.0 on the Cisco Learning Network for a detailed outline of the topics covered.
Reminder: Candidates will receive their beta exam results six to eight weeks after the close of the beta period. Therefore, CCIEs in suspended status with an expiration date before December 31, 2011 should recertify using another exam. Candidates may only attempt a beta exam once during the beta period.
To register for the beta CCIE Wireless Written Exam v2.0, visit Pearson VUE.
Friday, September 2, 2011 at 1:07PM With Microsoft Network Monitor (Netmon) 3.4, you can now perform some decent 802.11a/b/g (and maybe 11n) wireless sniffing in Windows 7, using your standard wireless adapter. The file saved from Netmon can be read by latest bleeding edge (1.5.0) Wireshark, though not in OmniPeek. Note that, even though Netmon 3.4 is supported with XP SP3, it supports wireless sniffing only if running Win7 (and presumably Vista.)
I've tested with the following adapters/drivers:
Download Netmon 3.4 from Microsoft. If running Win7 64bit, get and install NM34_x64.exe. You'll have to log off and back on again after installing.
Sniff wireless packets from a channel
Note: if using PROSet for Win7, set it to "Use Windows to Manage WiFi". Otherwise, PROSet is apt to take control of the adapter out from under Netmon.
Launch Netmon. Check the wireless adapter of interest, and uncheck the others.
Click the New Capture button, then the Capture Settings button. This pops up the Capture Settings window. Highlight the adapter of interest and click Properties which pops up the Network Interface Configuration window.
In the Network Interface Configuration window, click [Scanning Options]. This pops up the WiFi Scanning Options window. Check Switch to Monitor Mode. Select the Select a layer and channel button. Select the band and channel of interest. Click [Apply]. Important: do not click [Close and Return to Local Mode], but keep the WiFi Scanning Options window up all the time you're capturing the sniff.
Now (keeping the WiFi Scanning Options window open), go back to the Network Interface Configuration window and click [OK] to get rid of it. [Close] the Capture Settings window. Back in the main Network Monitor window, click Start.
This should now cause NetMon to capture all wireless frames. Sometimes though it will just sit there and not capture any frames. When this happens, try restarting NetMon, disabling/reenabling the adapter, etc.
When done, click [Stop] and use File -> Save as to save the .CAP file.
Wireshark up through 1.4.x cannot grok a Netmon 2 format file. However, latest development Wireshark (1.5.0 and above) can. I'm using Wireshark 1.5.1.
Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 7:13PM
With Saurabh Bhasin
Welcome to the Cisco Support Community Ask the Expert conversation. This is an opportunity to learn about iPads on Your Network and how you can securely on-board employee-owned devices while protecting your network with Cisco expert Saurabh Bhasin. Saurabh has been involved with various wireless technologies over the years, since the first days of 802.11 becoming a standard and, more recently, with the evolution of the wireless industry to 802.11n. Saurabh has been with the Cisco Wireless Networking Business Unit for about five years, and in this role, he has worked closely with Cisco technology partners (enabling advanced services over wireless networks), leading key architectural features and training various members of the Cisco and partner community in person or through the numerous papers he has authored. Most recently, Saurabh has been leading the product strategy for Cisco's network management efforts. In his past, Saurabh has also authored numerous articles for reputable industry publications, and contributed to open source projects.
Remember to use the rating system to let Saurabh know if you have received an adequate response.
Saurabh might not be able to answer each question due to the volume expected during this event. Remember that you can continue the conversation on the Wireless,Other Mobility Subjects discussion forum shortly after the event. This event lasts through August 26 , 2011. Visit this forum often to view responses to your questions and the questions of other community members.
Monday, August 1, 2011 at 4:05PM If you purchase Cisco Access Points model 3500 in ECO packs you will receive a WCS PLUS+ 100 access point license for FREE!
I understand when ordering the ECO pack, there is a special order number so you will need to ask your reseller.
The PAK license for your 100 access point PLUS+ is actually in EACH ECO pack. So if you have someone install your access points, make sure you pull the PAK from each box.
If you are like me and did not know the PAK was in each box. Talk to your Cisco Sales Rep. He can have all your PAKs converted to a single PAK, if you ask him/her nicely … LOL
LINKS: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps10981/qa_c67-604158.html
Q. Are 10-packs available?
A. Yes, the Cisco Aironet 3500 is delivered in 10-access point eco-packs that reduce packaging waste by more than 50% and can reduce shipping and installation costs. Additionally, the eco-pack includes a WCS PLUS Upgrade license for 100 access points at no cost.
Enjoy !
George
UPDATE -- Cisco ended this promo July 2011... LOL day late dollar short !
3502e, 3502i, cisco 3500, cisco ap Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 10:13AM An optional beta version of the new CCIE Wireless v2.0 written exam will be available in mid-September 2011 at a discounted price of $50 USD.
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:06AM Smartphones have become almost ubiquitous lately. The TS Newsletter team asked the Cisco TAC what Smartphone apps they recommend to make life easier for hard working network engineers. Some apps are from Cisco, some are incredibly useful when working with Cisco gear, and others are just plain fun.
1. Cisco Webex - Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android, this client lets you attend meetings while on the go. Currently, the app does not work with Webex Training Center sessions due to the extra features, it is for meetings only. It’s especially nice on a large screen like the iPad.
2. Cisco Anyconnect VPN client - Available for iPhone, and works on the iPad. It does not work on Android plans yet but stay tuned, as Cisco has announced an Android tablet for enterprises.
3. Cisco Technical Support - This app helps Cisco customers, partners, and employees stay plugged into the Cisco Support Community (http://supportforums.cisco.com) when on the go. Stuck in a boring meeting? Waiting for a train? Use this handy app to surf the discussions within the communities, answer technical questions, and increase your online community reputation score by helping Cisco customers and partners, and adding to the community knowledge base.
In addition to forum discussions, you can also access RSS feeds, videos, and the community's leaderboards. Collaborate with other community members anytime, anywhere, by downloading this app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cisco-technical-support/id398104252?mt=8. Available for iPhone today, for iPad very soon, and for Android next.
4. An SSH client - For you CLI diehards, an indispensable tool for remote administration on the go. Paid app iSSH is a top seller and well worth the money. It includes a fully featured VNC client and X11 display server, and both of these can work over SSH. There are also free SSH apps available
5. datacase - Use your phone as a ftp/tftp/http server - handy for transferring files. Connect the iPhone to a wireless network you can access from your Mac and launch DataCase. You should see your iPhone appear in the list of shared computers in the finder toolbar. Once connected, click on the volume you wish to browse, accept the connection, and use as a normal hard drive.
6. missingcalc - The Calculator of Mac OS X has 3 modes: Basic, Scientific and Programmer. But the Calculator of iPhone/iPod touch does not have Programmer mode. The Missing Calculator app provides the Programmer's calculator. It operates on and displays 64 bits of data. Do you want to know what it exactly does? Launch the Calculator of Mac OS X in programmer's calculator mode and check it out.
http://aingoppa.egloos.com/1788948
7. Cisco App - A portal to mobile-optimized Cisco.com content, including news, new product introductions, support, videos, security alerts, partner locator, podcasts, events, and a tool to set up text messaging (SMS) alerts.
8. Cisco SIO to go- Security blog messages and customizable real time security alerts around threat outbreaks and mitigation strategies,
9. Cisco GIS Global Internet Speed test - Test Mobile Network or Wifi speed and report your results. See what kinds of speeds people geographically nearby are reporting.
10. Cisco Mobile 8.1 - Turn your iPhone into a Skinny Client talking to your Cisco Mobile-enabled Cisco Unified Communications Manager.
11. Wolfram Alpha - Instead of presenting a list of URLs (next hops) related to a subject, Wolfram Alpha presents an organized list of knowledge (answers). Do a Google search of Cisco.com and get links to our home page, certification page, tech support page, and about 515 million other links (in 0.13 seconds). Search Cisco.com on Wolfram and you will get our web hosting info, web stats, web page info, and HTML hierarchy (graphic or tabular) in an easy to read format with the ability to drill down into any topic. Originally targeted at the hard sciences and finance, it has recently started to organize knowledge in sports, music, culture and media, and weather. It’s full of crucial information (like what your name looks like as a Code 128 barcode).
12. A PDF reader that allows you to read even tiny-lettered PDFs, so you can sit back and relax while reading those project details. iRead PDF is pretty good and iBooks integrates well with iTunes but it doesn't behave very well when you want to read PDFs in partial page view or in side-by-side. ForScore is awesome in its PDF reading and annotation features but it's really meant for sheet music.
13. Dropbox - lets you wirelessly sync files onto your iDevice (like PDF files that you open in your reader). Keep in mind that the data is transmitted to a third party and they can read it if they want to, so don't put confidential files on it.
14. Get Console - Terminal emulator with accompanying console cable. Expensive, but looks cool.
15. IP6Config - Displays your assigned IPv6 address on the WiFi LAN interface (and cellular data interface if your carrier provides IPv6) and identifies local Router Advertisements. Requires iOS 4.x and later for IPv6 support.16.
Just for fun:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 12:55AM The event sign in starts at 1:30pm. If you’re in the Houston area and have an interest in WiFi and Healthcare, stop by. I plan to present the common hurdles of WiFi in healthcare, design practices, security, Cisco Clean Air and how to use TAC to your benefit!
Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 10:28AM
CWNP offers the CDs for download. You can find them here:
http://www.cwnp.com/index/training/freeresources/sybex_download
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 11:09AM During the session I used twitter for my note taking, so if you’re following me then you may have noticed an abundance of tweets on Sunday with the #CCIEW and #CL11 hash tags. The session was very focused on most lab topics and lab v2 changes, expected on Nov 18th of this year.
What made this event unique is the fact that the presenters have either wrote or participated in lab development content. You weren’t getting second hand information from someone else. There were MANY notable items and I will only share a few here. Again, I would recommend stopping by Blake’s and Jason’s blogs.
“ 95% of the LAB is based around best practices ”
“ 45 CCIE Wireless world wide. 60% of which are Cisco employees ”
“ 25 of the 45 CCIEs are in the US”
“ The first female CCIE W passed this week, again Cisco employee ”
“ CCNA level R/S will not be enough to pass the wired side tasks of the CCIE W ”
“ The lab can be completed in 5 -6 hours “
“ Average 3 attempts to pass the exam “
Each person received a demo lab book which is an “example” of a mock up lab. When asked if we could share this document, although its just an “example” lab we were given the “look”.
The presenters also shared how the lab is graded. This was a good eye opener for most of us in the class. As the CCIE W is manually graded it was interesting to see how it was done. In short, the example lab was 22 pages with about 40 pts. The solution guide that the proctor uses in this example was 68 pages. The guide was color coded. Yellow represented what the config on the lab should represent exactly. While blue was variable.
In closing. It was worth the extra $1,000 bucks to sit this class. The presenters all did a great job.
Stephen Orr Distinguished Systems Engineer
Javier Contreras Albesa System Engineering - WNBU Escalation
Erik Vangrunderbeek Product Manager
Matt Swartz Technical Leader
Secondary Speaker: Davie Chia Product Manager
You can find my tweets @wirelesssguru and I have included links to Blake’s and Jason’s blog post.
Blake Krone:
http://blakekrone.com/2011/07/10/cisco-live-2011-day-1-ccie-w-techtorial
Jason Boyers:
http://blog.ipexpert.com/2011/07/11/cisco-live-news-and-updates-ccie-wireless/
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 10:16PM
This video is by Surendra. Surendra is not only a bad ass Cisco TAC enigneer but he also leads the pack on Cisco Wireless Support forum. He is by far one of the most active Cisco Wireless TAC engineer contributors who gives back to the community.
In this video Surendra shows how to configure multiple SSIDs with multiple VLANs.
