WLAN Flexibility Expanded

Trapeze Networks Inc. last week introduced a new version of its WLAN switching software that lets IT managers deploy and manage distributed and centralized wireless LANs.

Trapeze is one of many startups that launched WLAN management systems last year. Its Mobility System features a central switch called MX (Mobility Exchange) and thin APs (access points) called Mobility Points, which perform packet encryption but have no local data storage.

Whereas previous versions of the product allowed only for centralized management, Trapeze Mobility System Software 2.0 lets IT managers put MXes and Mobility Points anywhere in the network. This means support for centralized deployments, where the switch is in the middle of the data center, or distributed deployments, in which the switch sits in the wiring closet, said officials at the Pleasanton, Calif., company.

“What this means is that you dont have to have one of their switches in every closet,” said Jan Snyder, senior network consultant at San Antonio Community Hospital, in Upland, Calif., which uses the Trapeze system to support doctors all over the building. “It gives you a lot more flexibility.”

The software adds support for third-party APs. Version 2.0 also supports Power over Ethernet for existing APs.

Trapeze is adding new hardware to its product line to supplement its MX-20 switch. The MX-8, designed for small deployments, supports eight 10/100M-bps Ethernet ports and up to eight Mobility Points. Available now, it is priced at $2,995. The MX-400, designed for data center deployments, supports up to 100 Mobility Points. Slated to be available next quarter, it will cost $21,995.