Leading the evolution of Wi Fi equipment for the enterprise, Xirrus' Wi-Fi Array represents a new direction in WLAN architecture, one that makes wireless LAN networking easier to deploy and manage in the enterprise while offering the capacity necessary to support bandwidth-hungry applications such as VoWLAN. With the Wi-Fi Array, Xirrus has combined the functionality of a WLAN switch (the Array Controller), sixteen Integrated Access Points (IAPs, one of which can be set up as a dedicated wireless LAN sniffer that monitors the network for security threats and rogue access points), and a Multi-sector Antenna System. Please follow the link for detailed information and product data sheets concerning our next-generation Wi-Fi equipment.

Tomorrow's Wi Fi Equipment

With the Wi-Fi Array's new approach to Wi-Fi deployments, IT managers no longer have to worry about how they're going to support the capacity-intensive applications of tomorrow with today's outdated WLAN architectures. One Wi-Fi Array, using as many non-overlapping channels as possible, can simultaneously support hundreds of users operating intensive applications. Given the explosive growth of such demanding applications of Voice over WLAN, the flexibility provided by our Wi-Fi equipment provides an easy means to deploy the capacity that will is required. Our Wi-Fi Arrays connect to the existing Ethernet network, requiring no centralized WLAN switch or additional appliance, greatly simplifying WLAN setup.

A Dedicated Wireless LAN Sniffer

One 802.11a/b/g Integrated Access Point can be dedicated as a full-time wireless LAN sniffer, monitoring the RF environment for security threats such as rogue access points. Besides the Wi-Fi Array's reliable intrusion protection system, other security features include the following:

• Each Wi-Fi Array supports the latest wireless encryption (AES) and authentication standards (802.1x)

• Xirrus Wi-Fi equipment ships in a secure mode with all RF interfaces turned off, which ensures every system is absolutely secure from wireless LAN deployment to start up

• Our Wi-Fi equipment interfaces with external RADIUS servers to ensure proper user accounting and authentication; for smaller deployments, each Wi-Fi Array features an internal RADIUS server to perform the same functions

• For physical security of the Wi-Fi Arrayas, each device is equipped with a Kensington locking mechanism

Wireless LAN Networking, Simplified

Xirrus' Wi-Fi Arrays provide the answer to issues such as clients waiting for clear channels to transmit voice or data. With up to sixteen Integrated Access Points set to different modes, providing up to sixteen non-overlapping channels, data collisions cease to be an IT management concern. In addition, our revolutionary Wi Fi equipment offers easy adaptation to client base changes. Just throwing more access points at the capacity problem, which generally provides questionable increases in capacity and an increase in packet collisions, is a "solution" of the past; the Wi-Fi Array cost-effectively delivers more bandwidth and Gigabit-class capacity over a larger area than traditional legacy wireless LAN architectures.

Smarter WLAN Architecture, Smarter Wi-Fi Equipment

Our solution to the issues presented by legacy architectures is simple; combine what works from existing wireless LAN networks into one piece of Wi-Fi equipment, a single appliance containing the following components:

Array Controller: The Array Controller is embedded in the heart of the Wi-Fi Array and uses an 802.11-compliant, Multi-channel MAC (Media Access Control) that provides unified management and control of the Integrated Access Points

Integrated Access Points (IAPs): There are up to 16 IAPs in one Wi-Fi Array controlled by a single, Multi-channel MAC which creates the thinnest WLAN access points of any architecture; one of these IAPs can be dedicated as a full-time wireless LAN sniffer for complete intrusion prevention 

Multi-sector Antenna System: The RF interface of our Wi-Fi equipment is delivered through the Multi-sector Antenna System providing up to sixteen RF sectors per Wi-Fi Array where each sector is serviced by one IAP on one non-overlapping channel.

The resulting pattern resembles that of a typical omni-directional antenna, but provides up to four times the coverage supplied by standard Wi-Fi equipment because the range in all RF sectors is nearly double that provided by a typical WLAN antenna. Put together, the components of our revolutionary Wi-Fi equipment solve the fundamental issues presented by most of today's Wi-Fi architectures, and represent the most efficient means of delivering Wi Fi connectivity to the enterprise.

The Wi-Fi Array: The Complete Solution to Wireless LAN Networking

With Xirrus' Wi-Fi equipment, enterprise IT administrators can be assured that they're prepared for tomorrow's demanding applications. No more simply throwing more WLAN access points at the problem and trying to cope with degraded capacity, reduced security, and other wireless LAN networking headaches. With one IAP designated as a full-time wireless LAN sniffer, we've incorporated a highly-effective intrusion prevention system into our Wi-Fi Array architecture and still provide up to two times the range and four times the coverage of standard WLANs. Only Authorized Xirrus Solution Providers are capable of selling Xirrus products: please follow the link to find out where to buy Xirrus' Wi Fi equipment. If you're interested in selling the Wi-Fi Array Platform, please click here to learn more about Xirrus PartnerAdvantage program.