Meru Networks Introduces Gigabit Wireless for the Enterprise

Meru Networks introduces the AP440, a four-radio IEEE 802.11n
wireless access point providing the data rates and functionality to
let enterprises replace wired infrastructures with wireless networks
without compromising access speed, throughput capacity, security or
resiliency.

Each of the AP440´s four IEEE 802.11n radios supports access at up
to 300 Mbps, for 1.2 Gbps capacity. As the four radios work together
to provide internal redundancy, load-balancing and security

enterprise users can dramatically reduce the access points and
security sensors required, realising significant savings on cabling

connection and deployment/installation costs.

The four radios support 802.11n standard and are
backward-compatible with the legacy 802.11a/b/g standards, enabling
the AP440 to simultaneously accommodate old and new client devices.
Each radio can be dedicated to a specific frequency band, allowing
enterprise users to take full advantage of 802.11n performance.

The ability to concentrate four high-speed radios in a single
access point without interference is possible through Meru´s patented
antenna design, which allows multiple radios to operate simultaneously
on different channels. Deployment of large-scale WLANs with multiple
channel layers is simplified by Meru´s "virtual cell" architecture

which automatically selects a single channel for use enterprise-wide

layering additional channels to increase capacity, security and/or
redundancy. Up to four channels can be layered with the AP440. In
contrast to the "micro cell" approach used by most legacy WLANs
assigns different channels to adjacent network cells, necessitating
frequent and disruptive client "handoffs" and requiring meticulous
channel planning to avoid interference.

AP440 key features:

RF redundancy: One channel layer can be dedicated to redundancy
for both bands. In case either the 2.4-GHz channel or one of the 5-GHz
channels fails, traffic will still be delivered on the channel that
supports both frequencies.

Security: The integrated dual-band 2.4-/5-GHz radio eliminates the
need for dedicated "sensor APs" because it can scan for and mitigate
rogue activity on all channels while simultaneously delivering
traffic.

USB port: This broadens application flexibility by allowing other
ceiling-installed but non-802.11 devices to be incorporated into the
WLAN.

Flexible omnidirectional antenna: An integrated antenna system
simultaneously serves four layered a/b/g/n channels.

The AP440 Access Point will be available Q3 2008 priced $2,995.