The announcements include a new mesh access point, the high-end 5500 WLAN controller, a low-end version of its Mobility Services Engine, and a more flexible licensing model for its gear. There's also an improvement to its access point-based to in effect lock 802.11a clients into the 5GHz band. Cisco also extensively redesigned the GUI for its Wireless Control System, the application for managing its WLANs.

There's also an updated version of Cisco's desktop and phone conferencing application client for the Apple iPhone. Cisco will add video support over Wi-Fi later this year. And three new software vendors -- ArcSight, NetScout and RSA -- are now supporting the Cisco API through the Mobility Services Engine to add new security and management features for WLAN administrators.

Another change makes it easier and faster for third-party device makers to use the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) code to marry their products with a Cisco WLAN.

"Most of the news is just Wi-Fi related,” says Paul DeBeasi, senior analyst for wireless and mobility with Burton Group. "But the most interesting piece is what they're doing with applications. The Mobility Services Engine was a classic, big company 'what the heck are they announcing' announcement. It was a skeleton that they're now fleshing out.”