Xirrus has introduced a revolutionary WLAN antenna system devoted to achieving vast wireless LAN range and increasing the directional transmit and receive of their Wi-Fi Arrays. The Multi-sector WLAN Antenna System is housed within the Wi-Fi Array to ensure both clear exchange between clients and extended wireless LAN range. The 360° omni-directional, sectorized WLAN antenna essentially separates the airspace into sections, thus increasing the coverage and reach of each. Each Wi-Fi Array offers the following technology to ensure consistent coverage and capacity:

• 360° omni-directional Multi-sector WLAN antenna

• Integrated wireless LAN access point functionality

• Array Controller which assigns each RF sector a non-overlapping channel and coordinates each wireless LAN access point

These technical features and others in Xirrus' products enable the enterprise to conduct business at the highest capacity and greatest efficiency.

The WLAN Antenna - Increasing Wireless LAN Range

Using the Multi-sector WLAN antenna system allows the Wi-Fi Array Architecture to dramatically increase both wireless LAN range and high-quality coverage. Through the use of this WLAN antenna system, the wireless LAN is able to maximize transmission and reception quality while also reducing the amount of interference the system experiences. The employment of RF sectors, which cover nearly double the range compared to a typical WLAN antenna, provides the Wi-Fi Array with 4x the wireless LAN range. Each of these RF sectors are assigned a non-overlapping channel by the Array Controller from which they coordinate each wireless LAN access point. This coordination takes place through the switchable 360° omni-directional WLAN antenna.

 

Wireless LAN Access Point Technology - Providing Maximum Coverage

In combination with this revolutionary WLAN antenna system, the Xirrus Array Architecture utilizes multiple wireless LAN access points to increase capacity and coverage. Each Wi-Fi Array offers the functionality of a switch and can hold multiple IAPs in a single platform. By employing this specialized wireless LAN access point functionality, the system provides impressive RF bandwidth. The pairing of the multiple wireless LAN access points and the omni-directional, sectorized WLAN antenna has enabled Xirrus to surpass the industry norm in Wi-Fi Array performance. By offering three powerful Wi-Fi Arrays, enterprise customers can choose the system that suits their needs. Each Wi-Fi Array offers the same WLAN antenna system but differ in the number of Integrated Access Points they offer:

• The XS-3900 provides a 16 wireless LAN access point configuration with 864 Mbps of capacity

• The XS-3700 provides a 8 wireless LAN access point configuration with 432 Mbps of capacity

• The XS-3500 provides a 4 wireless LAN access point configuration with 216 Mbps of capacity

Each of these devices offers up to 4x the wireless LAN range of other wireless systems. Using a WLAN antenna that provides this level of wireless LAN range allows the enterprise to conduct more business over more space, thus increasing the effectiveness of a wireless LAN. With this additional wireless LAN range comes additional security - a crucial aspect of all wireless LANs.

Programmable Wireless LAN Access Point Security

With the increase in range and capacity of their Wi-Fi Arrays, Xirrus has security features designed specifically for their products. In each XS-3900, XS-3700, and XS-3500 Wi-Fi Array, one integrated wireless LAN access point can be designated to scan the system for rogue WLAN access points and other intruders. This sniffer is employed as a full-time security guard for each system. When an imposter is detected, it is immediately contained and the IT administrator receives a real-time report of the detection. This immediate response is a crucial mission for the dedicated WLAN sniffer and can be the difference between a safe and vulnerable system. 

RF and Wireless LAN Access Point Coordination

The complexity of wireless LANs require a tool to manage the coordination and synchronization of the many components involved. The Array Controller oversees the entire system, providing sophisticated system-level management. By assigning each RF sector a non-overlapping channel and synchronizing each wireless LAN access point with them, the system is able to operate at a much greater capacity than standard WLANs. The Array controller also allows up to three external antennas using RP-TNC connectors.

To find out more about the 360° omni-directional WLAN antenna and extended wireless LAN range, please contact us and speak with one of our Authorized Xirrus Solution Providers. These qualified professionals can help you decide what solution is best for your enterprise and offer assistance about setup and deployment.