Adtran acquires virtual WLAN provider Bluesocket

Networking-hardware producer Adtran has acquired wireless LAN technology producer Bluesocket, and incorporated Bluesocket into its enterprise networks division. Bluesocket developed a virtual 802.11 wireless LAN platform that "has completely redefined the WLAN architecture," according to Yankee Group's vice president of research Zeus Kerravala. He also commented that, "With this acquisition, Adtran becomes the only company in the industry with full wireless/wireline integration and will accelerate the industry to shift to seamless virtual solutions." (Read Kerravala's full commentary on the Adtran-Bluesocket deal here on his No Jitter blog.)

Bluesocket's virtual WLAN concept, which is described here, "is a uniquely distributed architecture that supports decisions at the edge of the network and manages them with a centralized appliance or server," the company says.

Mads Lillelund, Bluesocket's CEO, said, "Coupling Bluesocket's revolutionary virtual wireless LAN architecture and solutions with a proven formula for success, the combined comnpanies will be able to quickly deliver a full suite of industry-leading borderless and fully integrated mobility network solutions for campuses and enterprises."