The Cisco Aironet 1200 Series is a pricey yet impressive wireless access point—a slam dunk for businesses that already use Cisco gear. Because of its strong performance, robust security, and a host of management options, it earns our Editors' Choice.

The 1200 Series name covers various configurations. We tested the dual-band, tri-mode access point (model 1230B) with rubber duck antennas.

The 1200 Series has the standard security options, such as WPA, and integrates with other Cisco security products. For example, authentication can be done through Cisco's own TACACS server, in addition to RADIUS servers. The AP also includes a proprietary version of the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), called LEAP, in addition to the industry-standard PEAP.

Like all things Cisco, the 1200 Series runs on the IOS (Internetwork Operating System). Initial configuration can be completed through a console port or by downloading IOS scripts.

Alternatively, you can configure the 1200 Series via a Web interface, which does an excellent job of organizing and exposing all of the standard and proprietary security and radio options available. Error messages are also displayed if you've forgotten to configure a required setting—not such an uncommon occurrence given the many details associated with improved wireless security these days.

For large companies, the Cisco Wireless LAN Solution Engine (WLSE) management tool ($8,495 list), part of CiscoWorks, can be added to handle rogue AP detection and interference issues, monitor and configure multiple access points, and more.

If the 1200 Series gives you sticker shock, Cisco offers the Aironet 1100 Series for smaller companies. It runs the same code base as the 1200 Series at a much lower price ($599). The 1100 Series has built-in omnidirectional antennas but lacks support for external antennas. It has a single radio and no console port.

In our testing, the 1200 Series delivered strong throughput in both 802.11g-only mode (though it was slightly bested by the Gateway product at three distances) and with both the "a" and "g" radios enabled (13.4 Mbps at 100 feet).

While the 1200 Series is a rock-solid product, you need to invest in WLSE to take full advantage of its feature set. Large businesses with no budget constraints won't have a problem paying for this solution. Smaller companies, however, may fare better with the Gateway or 3Com solutions.