The MSE is collects a wide range of WLAN data from Cisco controllers and access points, and it hosts or connects with applications from Cisco and third-party vendors that can make use of the data. Cisco initially offered an application to calculate and map a radio's location, for example. ArcSight, NetScout, and RSA can now use MSE as a platform for respectively network and compliance event monitoring and analysis, network and application performance, and for security for users, data and applications.

"This is a new area for Cisco – integrating applications and making it easy for people to develop applications,” says DeBeasi. "It's not typically what they do.”

For a lot of users, the focus is still on the fundamental WLAN hardware. Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia has been beta testing the new 5500 series controller. It deployed a single 5500 at one school to manage 166 Cisco access points, instead of having to deploy two of an older model, with unused capacity, says Neal Shelton, network engineering supervisor for the district. By using one controller, Shelton also was able to simplify managing hash keys for the access points.

FCPS bought the Wireless Control System application early in 2009, and Shelton says the redesigned GUI is "much more intuitive,” and gives Cisco high marks for management and administration reports that are simple to use and read.

Here's what's being announced: