Enterasys Builds Out WLAN Portfolio

Networking vendor Enterasys has announced three new 802.11n access points: an entry-level offering as well as two for point-to-point or remote office solutions. The new products build on the integration developed after the merger of Enterasys and Siemens Enterprise Networks in 2008. The new Enterasys AP3605 is the new low-cost option for more cost conscious customers. Starting at a list price of $685, the AP3505 trades some performance metrics, scaling back to a 2x3 MIMO configuration, for a lowered cost.

The Enterasys AP3630 and AP3640 is designed for multiple roles in the enterprise, able to operate in either an autonomous or centrally controlled mode. In autonomous mode, these new access points could serve remote offices or create wireless links between buildings on campus. If the needs of a remote site grow to require a wireless controller, the AP3630 and AP3640 devices can be repurposed to work in the controller environment.

Along with the new products, Enterasys is also rolling out firmware updates for its WLAN solutions with an eye towards easing customer migrations by supporting the network configurations of competing products.  For example, some wireless solutions utilize DHCP options to direct access points to their wireless controllers.  With the latest software updates, Enterasys products can identify and mimic this behavior, enabling customers to transition without having to tweak their network settings.

The new products ultimately serve to fill out the 802.11n product lines, but the announcement unfortunately seems tame to compared to recent announcements advances by competitors in the wireless space. While delivering components such as point-to-point solutions will certainly appeal to existing customers, it certainly does not grab the attention of organizations new to the vendor. In fact, Enterasys's presence in the WLAN space is frankly more compelling than its products. 

Integration of the Enterasys switching portfolio and Siemens' HiPath wireless LAN products is certainly one of the highlights of the merger between the two companies almost two years ago. Security policy management has always been a strong suit for Enterasys and bringing the same set of policies to both the wired and wireless networks will no doubt be a strong selling point. Considering it competes in a market filled with stand alone wireless vendors and a bevy of OEM relationships for WLAN gear, a tightly integrated management solution will certainly appeal to customers who favor working with single-source networking vendors.