Proxim today unveiled a new, entry-level Wi-Fi access point designed for small and medium enterprises, and service providers deploying hotspots; a new software release for its entire family of access points that includes the industry’s first Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) version 2 support, among other new features; and a new suite of applications.
The new ORiNOCO AP-700 access points are single-radio devices supporting a, b and g, and are designed for smaller businesses. Proxim also sells the AP-4000 dual-radio access point for larger enterprises.
Ben Gibson, vice president of corporate marketing, explains the new ORiNOCO AP-700 access points support emerging voice and video applications in addition to data. The access points do that, has says, by offering fast roaming and industry-compliant QoS through IEEE 802.11e for prioritized access to wireless media; support for IEEE 802.11i with AES encryption, the highest level of Wi-Fi security; and have the ability to detect and deny access to rogue APs and rogue clients through the Proxim Wavelink Mobile Manager. “With our new AP-700 we’re delivering a Wi-Fi AP that includes features normally in much more expensive APs,” he adds. “The AP-700 is listed at $599. Comparable APs from Cisco list at $799.”
The new security and performance features of the AP-700 are part of Proxim’s Release 2.5, a major software enhancement that is now available across the entire family of ORiNOCO access points.
With Release 2.5, all Proxim ORiNOCO access points now support Super Mode for 802.11g and .11a, allowing customers with Atheros a/b/g client cards to achieve throughput performance of up to 30mbps, a significant increase over what today’s access points provide, according to Proxim.
Also today Proxim announced the Proxim ORiNOCO Smart Wireless Suite. Comprised of the Wavelink Mobile Manager, Wavelink Avalanche and Ekahau Wi-Fi Site Survey and Prediction Software, the Proxim ORiNOCO Smart Wireless Suite lets enterprise IT managers ensure the proper configuration, management and performance of their Wi-Fi networks. The first Wavelink application offers a centralized tool for managing security. The Wavelink Avalanche offers the ability for a network manager to propagate software throughout the network through a point and click interface. And the Ekahau tool works with Proxim APs to do detailed site survey and planning for RF coverage.
When used in combination with Proxim’s latest software release 2.5 for its ORiNOCO access points, the ORiNOCO Smart Wireless Suite lets enterprises automatically deploy 802.11i-based security services, as well as advanced rogue AP and client detection, throughout the network.
U.S. list price for the Proxim Wavelink Mobile Manager is $1,900 for 25 access point licenses, including one year of maintenance. Additional licenses for larger network deployments are available. Proxim Wavelink Avalanche U.S. list price is $1,900 for 25 mobile device licenses, including one year of maintenance. Additional licenses for larger networks are available. The Ekahau Wi-Fi Site Survey and Prediction software, including one year of maintenance, is available at a U.S. list price of $3,199.
The Wi-Fi Certified ORiNOCO AP-700 is list priced in the U.S. for $599.
Release 2.5 is available now for all ORiNOCO access points. Existing customers can download the new software release from the Proxim website at www.proxim.com free of charge.
