Another key new feature in the upgrade is the ability to monitor wired network hardware, such as routers, switches, authentication servers and management servers, which may have an impact on the performance of a WLAN. The feature is expected to provide more comprehensive network analysis and more accurate diagnostics.
The new product ships this month, and will be available at no additional charge to Aruba customers with service contracts. For new customers, pricing starts at less than $6,000, Michael Tennefoss, head of strategic marketing at Aruba, told InformationWeek.
Aerohive Networks plans to introduce a line of 802.11n access points that do not need expensive centralized controllers to manage traffic. In addition, the devices use the company's proprietary SmartPoE technology that detects the level of power on the network and makes the necessary adjustments. The devices also have two PoE ports if a customer chooses to deliver the needed power on an 802.11a/b/g infrastructure without making compromises.
Aerohive claims that its controller-less WLAN architecture eliminates bandwidth bottlenecks, latency and jitter that results from moving traffic through a controller. The company also said its strategy of distributing controller functions among the access points makes the network more resilient and scalable.
Aerohive plans to offer three 802.11n access points. The HiveAP 320 is built for indoor use, the HiveAP 340 for indoor-industrial use, and the HiveAP 380 for outdoor use. The first two are scheduled to ship in July, and the latter in the fourth quarter.
Ruckus Wireless plans to show off its one-radio, 2.4GHz ZoneFlex 7942 access point for organizations that want a higher performing 802.11n device, but are on a tight budget. Configuration of the device is done through a Web-based wizard that ships with the Ruckus ZoneDirector controller.
The ZoneFlex 7942 supports up to 100 simultaneous data users or 20 concurrent voice calls, according to Ruckus. The device costs about $700.
Finally, Trapeze Networks plans to demonstrate the MP-432, a dual-radio access point that the company claims can provide 802.11n capabilities on an 802.3af PoE connection. The latter standard is what's used on 802.11a/b/g networks. The company claims its device also supports the emerging 802.3at PoE standard for 802.11n networks. The MP-432 is available now for $1,300.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
