layer 3

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

A platform that promises to do it all

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 20:01:37 -0400

If you've been holding off on laying down a wireless network because of interest in VoIP, you might just want to hold off another few months until Divitas produces its Mobility Communications Platform. The start-up's technology promises to provide WLAN roaming, VoIP call control, VPN termination, and XML data delivery, in addition to hand-off management and security. The Linux-based appliance will allow enterprises to bring in dual-mode voice-over-WLAN (VoWiFi) and let cellular handsets, or any handheld device, tap into a corporate VoIP and data network from anywhere. The appliance performs as a WLAN controller for handset clients attached to 802.11a/b/g networks. The platform tracks the connectivity status of all Divitas-enabled devices, and manages Layer 2 and Layer 3 WLAN roaming, address translation and QoS settings as users move among WLAN access points.

Divitas, however, isn't the only vendor moving in the VoWiFi direction. Analysts say there could be at least two dozen vendors offering very similar services and capabilities in coming months, so competition for customer base will be fierce. That's great news for IT leaders. A competitive market means better service and typically a better price point. Article

How to secure wireless data

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:01:37 -0400

If you're not using virtual private networks, or any other type of technology to secure that valuable data being shared and stored on wireless networks, you might want to investigate the option of WiFi Protected Access 2. As WiFi uses insecure radio waves to transmit data, that data is vulnerable to interception from any device near the transmitter. That means encryption is a must with any wireless system, with most companies turning to Layer 3 IPsec (IP security) even though it can boost costs and brings on a slew of technical challenges for mobile users who traditionally roam in and out of wireless access point range.

The first thing to know is that WPA2 comes in two distinct options. WPA2-Personal uses a passphrase configured on APs and wireless clients to generate a shared encryption key. It's not a great enterprise option, however, as distributing changes is a big task. On the other hand, WPA2-Enterprise provides a strong and manageable security system which boasts existing standards, including RADIUS, IEEE 802.1X and EAP. The best feature of WPA2 is that it offers an eight-way handshake involving the client computer, the authentication server and the authenticator. Learn more about WPA2 and whether it's a viable strategy for that wireless network that needs securing today.

For more on securing wireless data:
- read this article at Security Pipeline