The Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) Certification Program

Testing Process Overview

The objective of the Cisco® Compatible Extensions (CCX) Certification Program is to ensure that a participants client product meets the criteria specified by Cisco. Testing ensures that the product is "Cisco Compatible". Products submitted are tested for interoperability with Cisco Aironet® networking infrastructure, specifically targeted at .11a, .11b, .11g, and Dual mode wireless devices. The minimum interoperability testing required for all products and participants is two operating systems.

Cisco has selected AppLabs as the Independent Testing Center authorized to perform interoperability testing for products participating in the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) Program. Participation in this program includes having your client product tested by AppLabs. Interoperability testing is a requirement for your participation in the program. A flowchart illustrating the interoperability testing process is available at: Process Flowchart

To have your product tested by AppLabs, you are required to submit an application for participation in the program to Cisco for approval. Cisco will review your application and notify AppLabs of your approval to participate. A testing fee is paid directly to AppLabs for testing services rendered. The current fee schedule is posted at the following location: AppLabs Fee Schedule

Within 1 business day of the approval notification from Cisco, a representative from AppLabs will contact you to coordinate payment details, delivery of your product to be tested, and scheduling of your product in the testing lab. At that time, your product will be assigned a unique Product Submission Code to be used in the scheduling and tracking of your testing progress. NOTE: The Product Submission Code is unique to each product AND version certified.

You will provide a generally and commercially available version of your product to Cisco and AppLabs. AppLabs will then perform the interoperability testing ensuring that your product meets the criteria and specifications as defined by Cisco. The current criteria and expectations with respect to the test plan and lab environment configuration is as follows:

  1. Tests are executed on Cisco 1200 Series, 1240 Series, and 1000 series APs (IOS Version - 12.4(10b)JA3 for the 1240 series and 12.3(8)JEB1 for the 1200 series).
  2. Tests are executed on Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controllers (version 4.2.112.0)
  3. The test plan can only be obtained from Cisco. Current test plans are as follows:
    • CCX v5 Test plan is 5.17
    • CCX v4 Test plan is 4.63
  4. WLSE (network management box for RM testing) version 2.13
  5. Access Control Server (ACS) version 4.1(1) Build 23
  6. Azimuth Script version v4: 4.62.0.5 v5: 5.17.03

NOTE: Cisco has suspended CCX3 testing. All devices desiring CCX3 testing must be registered before June 30, 2007 and must complete testing by October 1, 2007.

AppLabs will execute the test plan for the particular product category of the solution you have provided and according to the type of test you have selected. Additionally, Cisco requires that each product separately obtain WECA and WHQL certifications. You are required to submit this information and evidence of obtaining these two certifications to AppLabs. This can be done either as part of your product and package deliverable or after AppLabs has begun testing of your product. However, it must be received by AppLabs prior to completion of the interoperability testing process.

At the conclusion of the testing, AppLabs will deliver to you and to Cisco a copy of your executed test plan. Once your product has passed interoperability testing and you have completed all required marketing documents, you will be notified by Cisco of your acceptance into the program. You will then be eligible to participate in the benefits of the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) Program.

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