March 31, 2008 -- Extricom, a provider of enterprise-class wireless platforms for converged voice (VoWLAN), data, video, and location-based services, has introduced line of 802.11n draft 2.0 compliant products. The company says that its WLAN system enables disruption-free introduction of full-performance 802.11n wireless connectivity in enterprises, for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
Extricom says its WLAN system combines multi-radio access points (APs) to create parallel, simultaneous wireless networks from the same set of APs. According to the company, these overlapping networks can operate on any combination of channels, modes, and frequency bands, giving IT departments the ability to allocate each WLAN to specific user groups, applications, or device types.
According to the company, the result is an infrastructure that enables organizations to: gradually introduce 802.11n devices into an existing WLAN environment with no "forklift" cutover of users required; choose to deploy 802.11n with 40 MHz channel bonding in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; achieve 300 Mbit/sec data rates even when legacy 802.11g/a devices are present; enhance an existing wireless network with the benefits of 802.11n, without having to redesign the wireless layout; and continue with the use of conventional 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).
The company notes that its AP's UltraThin design doesn't require a power-hungry processor, which means that standard PoE will drive even a four-radio Extricom AP at full-rate and full-coverage.
"The implementation of 802.11n should be about evolution, not revolution. Evolution means that 802.11n technology supplements and enhances your existing network infrastructure, rather than forcing you to change it entirely," comments Gideon Rottem, CEO of Extricom. "Our unique architecture not only unlocks the promise of 802.11n, but provides the total set of business and technical traits to make the converged wireless enterprise a reality."
The Extricom 802.11n product suite includes the following:
-- EXRP-40En Four-Radio UltraThin Access Point, a quad-radio 802.11n AP incorporating two n/a/b/g radios and two a/b/g radios, which can be operated in any combination of channels and bands. All 802.11n-equipped radios incorporate 3x3 MIMO (multiple-in, multiple-out) antenna configuration.
-- EXRP-30n Three-Radio UltraThin Access Point: A tri-radio 802.11n AP with integrated antennas, for easy deployment of 802.11n on a large scale. The EXRP-30n is equipped with two n/g/b/a radios and one g/b/a radio, which can be operated in any combination of channels and bands. All 802.11n equipped radios incorporate 3x3 MIMO antenna configuration.
- EXSW-1200 and EXSW-2400 Wireless LAN Switches, which require only a firmware update to support the company's new 802.11n APs.
- EXSW-1600 Wireless LAN Switch: The newest member of the Extricom WLAN switch family, the EXSW-1600 provides additional flexibility in tailoring the Extricom WLAN to an organization's scale and requirements.
- EXAN-10 Antenna Bar: The company notes that the MIMO configuration multiplies the number of antennas for each Wi-Fi radio, which leads to a large number of external antennas being connected to each AP. By integrating up to twelve antennas into one assembly, the EXAN Antenna Bar provides the convenience of connecting numerous antennas to the AP by connecting a single cable to the bar that in turn mounts to the wall.