Enterprise WLAN firms update switch tech

WLAN switch makers Aruba and Trapeze today upgraded their enterprise-oriented wireless networking offerings.

Aruba has updated its AirOS switch operating system to version 2.3, adding a new set of security and management to the package. The upgrade allows remote-office WLANs to be controlled by the switch through an IPSEC VPN. If a native IPSEC tunnel can't be established with the remote wireless router, AirOS 2.3 will build a tunnel using the UDP protocol, Aruba said.

The OS can now redirect traffic to a range of authentication servers using domain names, the company added. The update also provides support for the 802.11i (aka WPA 2) wireless security standard. For network managers, it can generate real-time radio frequency coverage and interference surveys.

Aruba also introduced its latest Grid Point thin access point, its first hybrid unit that supports both wired and wireless connections. The wall-mounted unit incorporates 802.11a/b/g radios supported by a single tri-band antenna, along with a pair of Ethernet ports and a USB connector.

The Aruba 70 grid point costs $595, but AirOS 2.3 is available free of charge.

Separately, Trapeze updated its RingMaster software, adding wizard-based configuration tools, automatic configuration verification and enhanced change-management features. The upgrade also adds an improved monitor read-out to provide time-based feedback on WLAN conditions.

The new version of RingMaster costs $1995. ®

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