Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX)

As wireless technology has exploded in popularity, Cisco has seen the necessity for providing a mechanism through which third-party vendors can ensure compatibility among products. As a result, Cisco developed the CCX program.

Through the CCX program, WLAN vendors licensefree of chargeWLAN technology from Cisco. After that technology is implemented into the vendor's product, it is tested at an independent, third-party lab. If the product passes the testing procedures, the vendor is allowed to add a Cisco-compatible logo with the product, indicating that it not only works with Cisco equipment, but also takes advantage of advanced features. Intel is an example of this program in action. The company earned Cisco-compatible status with its Centrino mobile technology. This has been integrated in a number of laptop computers, such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Toshiba, among others.

The CCX program has been rolled out in three iterations. The requirements of CCX Version 2 build on the requirements of Version 1. For example, Version 1 of CCX security demands:

• WEP

• IEEE 802.11 and 802.1X

• Wi-Fi compliance

• Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL)

Version 2 also requires WPA compliance.

From connection for two wireless clients working in ad hoc mode to a hospital nurse connected via a wireless IP phone; from an enterprise connecting its clients and office buildings in a MAN to police cars equipped with wireless routers, Cisco has a number of devices that enable a plethora of wireless networking functionality.

Version 3 includes EAP-FAST, wireless multi-media, CCKM for EAP-FAST, and single sign on.