Dell Adds Aruba 802.11n Networking

In a move that will help spread 802.11n throughout IT enterprises, Dell and Aruba Networks announced this week a partnership in which Dell will offer Aruba's wireless networking solutions via Dell's PowerConnect W-Series.

The partnership is the latest in a rush across a broad spectrum of companies to provide secure Wi-Fi capabilities. Not only is the nation's mobile workforce growing via Wi-Fi, but the unlicensed technology relieves the spectrum burden on many licensed mobile phone networks.

The Aruba wireless LAN technology will complement Dell's existing PowerConnect series of controllers, which are based on open standards and are interoperable with a wide universe of networking solutions already on the market. The new access points are targeted at benefiting enterprise IT installations including branch offices.

"Wireless LAN is a perfect complement to our existing PowerConnect networking solutions and helps Dell deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end solution," said Brad Anderson, senior VP of Dell's enterprise product group, in a statement. "Our collaboration with Aruba delivers solutions that meet end-users' demanding needs for bandwidth and IT administrators' needs for security and manageability."

Dell's PowerConnect W-Series features management consoles that enable IT professionals to manage thousands of access points from centralized positions. The application enables end users anywhere on the network to quickly gain access to critical information.

Dell's PowerConect W-Series includes W-3000 Series controllers that deliver secure, mobile connectivity applications. An AirWave Wireless Management Suite is included for managing multi-vendor wired, wireless, and mobile device networks.