Networking specialist Netgear announced the release of two wireless
access point platforms aimed at small and midsize businesses,
the ProSafe Wireless N Access Point (WNAP320) and the ProSafe Dual Band
Wireless N Access Point (WNDAP360). The access points are designed for
first-time, small company single installations or for widely scattered
corporate network "edge" deployments.
Both come with a lifetime warranty and security features such as WPA
and WPA2 encryption, multiple VLAN and VPN pass-through support, rogue
access-point detection and 802.1X authentication with RADIUS support.
The two access points automatically integrate with the company’s WC7500
series wireless controller hardware and WMS management software and
systems, which the company said helps control management costs even
when user and device counts increase. Power over Ethernet (IEEE
802.3afPOE), wireless bridging and repeating capabilities, and an "easy
mount" frame with a plain white cover make for simplified setup on
walls or ceilings.
"Mobile computing devices now outsell desktop PC platforms, and
wireless networks are now mission-critical for businesses of all sizes.
Delivering wireless video, voice and data solutions often bring hidden
management costs" said Maggie Wu, product line manager for wireless
networking at Netgear. "The ProSafe WNAP320 and dual band WNDAP360 are
part of our continuing campaign to deliver 'smart IT, not big IT'
solutions for growing companies demanding reliable, affordable and
simple solutions."
The ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point (WNAP320) is available now
worldwide with a MSRP in the United States of $350. The ProSafe Dual
Band Wireless-N Access Point (WNDAP360) will be available later in the
second quarter of 2011 at a price to be announced, the company said.
The Netgear announcement also noted WC700 series wireless controllers
and WMS series wireless management software and appliances are sold
separately.
Tim Zimmerman, principal analyst at IT research firm Gartner, said
small and midmarket companies are at the center of increasing WLAN
momentum, and 802.11n solutions are providing the increasing bandwidth
and reliability for voice, video and data services at the edges of
converged networks. “These new expectations bring management and
security challenges that can be daunting to IT generalists,” he said.
“Leading wireless vendors must address these dynamics through complete
wireless solutions that fit the budget of this market segment without
overloading on complexity."
James Bricknell, a LAN designer for ATG-IT, an IT sales and
solutions firm in the U.K., evaluated the ProSafe Wireless-N Access
Point and reported the WNAP320 has a great signal and even through
concrete and other significant obstructions, speed is never an issue.
“I'm also really impressed with its reliability. Despite everything I
threw at it, it held up. And people who aren't familiar with security
wouldn't have a problem with configuration,” he said. “It supports WPA
and WPA2, up to eight SSIDs, and is particularly capable of supporting
VLANs, so a business can segregate access permissions at the machine
level, rather than just groups. With other brands, this capability is
only available at a much higher price point."
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