Description
SmartPath Enterprise Wireless Access Point, Indoor (with Integrated Antennas), U.S.
Quick Facts
Fast, seamless throughput that rivals that of wired networks.
Optimized for real-time traffic, supports video and VoIP communications!
Advanced controller-less architecture improves performance, saves money.
Further Details
Incorporates legacy 802.11b/g wireless devices with no degradation in 802.11n performance.
Access points work together to improve throughput and redundancy.
Once plugged in, automatically joins the network and contacts the system’s SmartPath Enterprise Management System (purchase separately).
Features two built-in antennas per each of its two integrated radios to provide aggregate link speeds of 300 Mbps.
Performs as part of a self-aware, self-healing mesh network with an easy-to-manage, distributed architecture.
Scalable from three access points all the way up to a network of thousands.
Supports Gigabit Ethernet connection on its 10-/100-/1000-Mbps RJ-45 port.
Secure architecture with access enforced by per-user policies and SLAs.
Uses advanced WIDS and wireless VPN communications for secure, seamless roaming.
PoE (802.3af) powered device for reduced power infrastructure needs.
Resilient. No bottlenecks, no single points of failure in the SmartPath network.
Depends on cooperative control protocols—expensive controllers not required.
Enables secure, fast Layer 2/Layer 3 roaming (L2/L3).
The Black Box SmartPath Enterprise Wireless System combines the stability, security, speed of a wired network with the versatility and adaptability of a wireless network.
The system combines a distributed WLAN architecture and best-in-class management without large upfront or operating expenses. It uses less hardware and less cabling than similar solutions and can be implemented easily and expanded to meet the needs of your growing enterprise.
Unlike ordinary wireless, in which access points function as accessories to the wired network, SmartPath is designed as an equal partner to the wired network, making it a practical, smart way to provide wireless at the enterprise level. Multiple SmartPath Enterprise Wireless Access Points work together to provide seamless, efficient throughput to end devices.
The SmartPath Enterprise Wireless System is ideal for:
• Distributed enterprise applications
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Education
• Or anywhere you need secure, high-performance, easy-to-manage WLAN connectivity.
The SmartPath Enterprise Wireless Access Point, Indoor (with Integrated Antennas), U.S. uses two integrated radios to provide an aggregate link speed of 300 Mbps.
(Need a hardened version? See our LWN602HA. This dual-core processor access point has dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and two integrated radios for aggregate link speeds up to 300 Mbps. Antennas are sold separately. Depending on the accessories you order, it can be used either indoors or out.)
Why it’s better than ordinary access point technology.
Early wired networks were built around unmanaged hubs, which indiscriminately sent packets to all connected nodes. Now, networks are built around smart switches, which actively sort packets based on MAC address (Layer 2) or IP address (Layer 3), then send the packets only to where they’re needed—either to an attached node or to another switch or router for forwarding.
Today’s average wireless access point functions much like a legacy network hub, acting only as an interface to the wired network, without making any decisions about where to send packets.
Contrast this with the SmartPath Enterprise Wireless Access Point, which works more like a high-end switch, sorting packets and sending them to where they’re needed—broadcasting wirelessly to a nearby laptop, passing on to another access point in a wireless mesh arrangement, or through the wired network to another endpoint.
The SmartPath system can even track a user moving from one access point to another, providing the most efficient throughput.
The SmartPath Wireless Access Point contains the features you’d expect from an enterprise-grade wireless product, including Layer 2 switching, VPN tunnels, and QoS support. Plus, it has robust security and policy enforcement, including firewall and NAC functionality, as well as built-in RADIUS server and LDAP/Active Directory integration.
Advanced circuitry and algorithms allocate air time efficiently, enabling older 802.11a/b/g devices to share the network without slowing down 802.11n connectivity.
The SmartPath system also eliminates the need for expensive controllers in your enterprise. Removing controllers from the network eliminates the bandwidth bottlenecks, latency, and jitter that result from backhauling traffic through a controller. This, in turn, enables you to create an ideal platform for demanding applications, such as voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) deployments.
It’s easy to set up, power, and manage.
SmartPath Enterprise Wireless System Access Points work as PoE devices, so you can power them through Ethernet or plug them into a nearby wall outlet (with the optional power kit).
Once plugged in, each access point automatically joins the network and contacts the (separately sold) SmartPath Enterprise Management System (EMS), which is available as a cloud-based service or a standalone appliance. This network manager platform enables you to manage the entire wireless system from a single, user-friendly GUI console.
Use the EMS GUI for monitoring, upgrades, troubleshooting, and more. You also use it to configure Active Directory for per-user policy enforcement. Supporting multiple SSIDs, the system enables you to set up wireless network access by user. Keep data secure by giving guests access to the Internet while allowing only employees to connect to your entire enterprise network.
What’s more, the EMS provides centralized control without being actively involved in passing traffic or making forwarding decisions. The combination of autonomous access points with centrally based management provides maximum administrative control without creating the traffic bottlenecks seen in some controller-based wireless solutions.
The cloud-based EMS service is hosted within secure Tier IV SAS 70 Type II data centers, with scheduled backups and disaster recovery capabilities. The on-line management makes it easy to start small and add to your wireless network as you grow.
For larger wireless networks, you may find it more cost effective to purchase the EMS Appliance. It supports up to 2000 access points and is typically mounted in the data center. Unlike the cloud-based service, which requires you to purchase a 1- or 3-year license for each access point, the appliance’s access point licenses are perpetual.