ST. LOUIS , MO -- Belden has announced the availability of three new Hirschmann-brand BAT (Wireless System) WLC Controllers which are fully compatible with all of the company's existing BAT-Rail and F Series (IP65/67) wireless access points. Designed for use in switch cabinets, the new 19” WLC25, WLC50 and WLC100 BAT Controllers ensure fast data communications and optimum network availability for 25, 50 or 100 WLAN access points – all of which can be configured and managed from a central location.
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Bill Wotruba, Belden’s director of network and connectivity products remarks, "WLAN controllers are disproportionately expensive for small-scale wireless networks. However when 25 or more access points are used, the investment will always pay off since it enables the administrator to manage and monitor the network from a more secure, centralized location. Our new BAT WLC Controllers are the ideal solution for this purpose because of their high availability, ease of use and versatility."
The Hirschmann BAT Controllers possess four freely configurable Gigabit Ethernet ports, plus one USB 2.0 port and one serial interface. They communicate with the access points via a CAPWAP tunnel and support all standard Ethernet LAN and WAN protocols. When the WLAN network is set up, the Controller will save the administrator a great deal of time by automatically finding all the available access points, checking their firmware, and configuring the equipment appropriately for the installed application.
During normal operation the Controller provides the administrator with all the necessary network information. In the event that an access point fails, the Controller immediately recognizes which device should replace it and then integrates that unit into the network. There is no longer a need for the management software to interrogate data from each individual access point.
The new Hirschmann BAT WLC Controllers also feature extensive management and security functions, such as, IP routing, fast roaming, support for IEEE 802.11n transmission standards, automatic frequency management in the 2.4 and 5 GHz waveband and a variety of redundancy and backup mechanisms to ensure fast data communications and high network availability.
The Controller operates as a centralized firewall and security device between the LAN and WLAN, or can operate as a VPN gateway to link a number of WLAN networks together, even over great distances. This is particularly valuable for companies who operate from multiple locations. User authentication is compliant with IEEE 802.1x, RADIUS and LEPS.
For more information, contact Hirschmann, A Belden Brand, 1540 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201, Telephone: 1.719.217.2299. Fax: 719.217.2279. Or visit: www.belden.com.