Enterprise Networking: AeroHive Plans WiFi Networks for Free
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AeroHive Networks takes the guesswork out of wireless LAN network planning and access point placement with its totally cool, freely available, Web-based Online WiFi Planner. Just like similar but expensive for-pay products, the Online WiFi Planner lets the user import floor plans and designate building materials to provide the best coverage given the desired hardware, wireless bands, output power levels and acceptable signal strength levels. While the Online WiFi Planner only explicitly plots AeroHive APs, it can be used with APs from other wireless vendors with minimal legwork. In the end, the Online WiFi Planner creates a PDF of the resulting plans to provide to installers or the purchasing group. The Online WiFi Planner Web-based tool is available for free after registering for a demo account at http://www.aerohive.com. However, the Online WiFi Planner is also a customer lead generator for AeroHive, so a follow-up from its sales group should be expected.
Wayne Rash is a Senior Analyst for eWEEK Labs and runs the magazine's Washington Bureau. Prior to joining eWEEK as a Senior Writer on wireless technology, he was a Senior Contributing Editor and previously a Senior Analyst in the InfoWorld Test Center. He was also a reviewer for Federal Computer Week and Information Security Magazine. Previously, he ran the reviews and events departments at CMP's InternetWeek.He is a retired naval officer, a former principal at American Management Systems and a long-time columnist for Byte Magazine. He is a regular contributor to Plane & Pilot Magazine and The Washington Post.
