wireless switch

Tips for better WLANs

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Once upon a time, just getting a wireless network connection was enough. Now, users want performance to go along with their connectivity. What steps do you need to take to make sure your users stay happy?

1. Install more access points than you need--more transmitters can mean better performance.

2. Don't put access points too far off the ground--they can have trouble locking onto a ground-based client.

3. Avoid crowded spectrum--use 802.11a or the 5 GHz portion of 802.11n to stay away from the jammed 2.4 GHz spectrum.

4. Think centralized--a managed wireless switch architecture can boost performance, security, and manageability for your wireless network.

For more on making your WLAN better:
- Read the tips at Network World

Symbol's box switches on lots of new features

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

The latest wireless switch from Symbol Technologies could be the panacea tech leaders have been searching for in the quest to integrate a few new technologies into the network. The RFS7000 offers up support for Layer 3 roaming and up to 256 access points. It also can support radio frequency identification technologies, boasts a 16-core network processor (which allows for parallel processing capabilities for high traffic volume) and supports the in-development 802.11n standard. The vendor has also shored up the management tool for the switch, with RF Management Suite. Article

New wireless switch lets 1,000 users connect

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 20:01:34 -0400

The ability to let 1,000 users wirelessly connect comes with a price. While a new device, the Xirrus XS-3900, supports more than 1,000 concurrent users, many of those must be 802.11a-capable clients/users in order to make it work. Then there's a slight security hole that needs to be addressed. Described by the vendor as looking like an "overgrown" smoke detector device, the wireless switch features 16 discrete access points sitting within a ceiling-mounted housing and provides 2 Gbps transmission speed. The only big glitch is that the telnet capability for managing the device can't be turned off, which leaves some security issues. Article

Pilot IP service holds promise for future enterprise capabilities

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:01:32 -0400

VeriSign's Wireless IP Connect Service, a new technology tying mobile and WiFi networks together that can also connect any device featuring an IP connection to a wireless carrier, is going into pilot efforts at three campuses this year. As the technology emulates a wireless switch, an IP network then turns to the mobile network like another switch, converting IP protocols into SS7. In porting the wireless phone number and support services to a PC, the technology can then turn a PC into the mobile device. The ability to enable data and VoIP between networks is a promising capability for today's organizations aiming to expand wireless networking functions.

For more on the new service:
- check out this article at InfoWorld