January 10, 2007 -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (www.symbol.com) has introduced its AP-5181 wireless access point. The company says the, "rugged, enterprise-class" unit is designed to securely and extend corporate networks beyond office walls, providing real-time access for mobile workers while withstanding harsh outdoor environments.
According to the company, the AP-5181 was specifically developed for outdoor use and can withstand wind, rain, lightning, extreme temperatures and power surges. An optional heavy-weather mounting kit is designed to protect the access point from windblown debris at velocities of up to 130 miles per hour.
The company notes that the dual-radio unit is "mesh-capable, allowing for the creation of self-assembling, self-healing, flexible outdoor wireless networks" that can be managed remotely via the company's Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture.
"Organizations are extending their wireless network outside the office walls to provide real-time access to business-critical information in harsh outdoor environments such as material and shipping yards, loading bay distribution centers, refinery sites and airports," notes Sujai Hajela, vice president and general manager of Symbol's wireless infrastructure division. "The AP-5181 access point can be implemented outdoors without the added cost of installing network cable or fiber, and maintains enterprise-level network protection, security and manageability needed to support mobile applications."
The AP-5181 will available in the first quarter of 2007 in select regions through Symbol and its PartnerSelect partners.