Proxim, Netgear Unveil WLAN Management Capabilities

Two wireless LAN (WLAN) equipment vendors, Proxim and Netgear, Monday unveiled software products to help enterprises manage their wireless networks.

Proxim's new ORiNOCO Smart Wireless Suite is actually a bundle of management software provided by Wavelink and Ekahu that simplify site surveys conducted before deploying WLANs. The suite also provides tools for managing and optimizing WLANs.

When used with Proxim's new access points, the software significantly simplifies deployment of 802.11i security, the company claimed in a statement. The suite is available for $1900 for 25 access points.

In addition, the company released its ORiNOCO AP-700, which it is positioning as an entry-level AP for small and medium-sized businesses. Besides supporting 802.11i, it also supports the draft 802.11e standard for Quality of Service (QoS). QoS is needed for applications such as voice-over-WLAN.

Netgear said it has incorporated support for Propagate Networks' AutoCell radio frequency management technology into its WLAN access points and network interface cards, which the company aims at small and medium-sized businesses. The capabilities are available via free firmware upgrades, the company said in a statement.The AutoCell technology enables network managers to optimize WLANs with tools such as automatic channel selection and load balancing across access points. It also offers additional security capabilities.