802.11n wireless gear to shine at Interop

Aruba executives say the new access points will run with full 802.11n function using a single 802.3af power injector connection. That's because of some power management code inside the access point, according to Aruba.

Aruba is also releasing a new version of its portable access point, the Mobile Remote Access Point, this time with a port for a 3G cellular adapter card.

Meru Networks is unveiling the Mercedes Benz of 802.11n access points: the AP440, with four 802.11n radios. Two can be set to different channels in the 2.4GHz band (one 40MHz, one 20MHz), and two to different 40MHz channels in the 5GHz band. Meru's architecture lets you in effect layer four separate WLANs atop each other, for a total potential capacity of 1.2Gbps, in terms of data rate, according to the vendor.

But to run all four radios at full function, you'll need what's called "PoE Plus," a higher-powered alternative to 802.3af, pending the still-unratified 802.3at standard. A host of vendors offer PoE Plus gear today, according to Meru. Add to whatever that cost is the hefty cost of the 440: roughly US$3,000. It is set to ship in the third quarter.

Meru is also unveiling an innovative network management application, called Wireless Virtual Reality, which takes a floor plan of your site, in jpg format, and then builds a three-dimensional view of the actual WLAN coverage and health. It's priced at US$10,000 and will be released in the third quarter.

Ruckus Wireless is introducing a much less expensive 802.11n access point, the ZoneFlex 7942: a one-radio, 2.4GHz device. It's also the first to feature Ruckus' new wireless mesh software. The self-forming SmartMesh eliminates the need for every access point to have an Ethernet cable to the LAN, and it automatically routes traffic around broken connections. It's available on all Ruckus access points.

The 7942 also has the Ruckus smart antenna array, which changes antenna combinations on the fly to maintain the best connection and throughput, and extend the range of the access point. It's available now, at a list price of US$700.

Also part of the announcement are a new high-end controller, for up to 250 access points, starting at US$6,000, and a revamped network management application, starting at $5,000 that can now manage multiple controllers.

Finally, Trapeze has announced the MP-432, two-radio 802.11n access point. It's available now, priced at US$1,300. Trapeze engineers focused on reducing power consumption and improving power efficiency for the electronics. The vendor says that one 802.3af PoE connection will let the device run at full function.

The new high-end MX2800 WLAN controller has a switching capacity of 28Mbps, and can support up to 512 access points. The units can be "virtually" stacked, up to 64, appearing in effect as a single device. It is available now, priced at US$20,000. Trapeze has upgraded its Mobility Systems Software, adding a feature which lets a controller automatically and seamlessly step in and take over for another in the event of a failure.