Wireless network adapter gains security

Buffalo Technology has added a new access point to its AirStation Pro wireless family that offers a number of advanced features ideally suited to the enterprise networking environment.

Buffalo Technology has added a new access point to its AirStation Pro wireless family that offers a number of advanced features ideally suited to the enterprise networking environment but at very attractive price positioning below GBP 500.

The WLM-L11G intelligent wireless access point supports a number of advanced features including SNMP, spanning tree, link integrity, radius protocols, load balancing, point to point access and advanced security implementations.

It is compliant with the industry standard IEEE802.11b specifications for operation at up to 11Mbit/s in the 2.4GHz band.

An internal upgrade slot will allow these units to be upgraded with a card supporting IEEE802.11a standards at 5GHz for future dual band operation.

Buffalo's new WLM-L11G supports the industry standard SNMP, allowing network managers easily to monitor network traffic and carry out troubleshooting.

As the device also functions as a Syslog client, it can capture and relay information about logged on users and activity to a suitable host.

In the enterprise environment the WLM-L11G can be used to provide redundant links, where communications are duplicated over wireless and wired connections.

Support for spanning tree protocols allows parallel connections to exist without risk of looping on the network thus ensuring that connection is sustained even in the event of a break in the network.

Working in conjunction with Syslog, this facility can generate a fault report whilst sustaining service.

The new WLM-L11G access point also monitors link integrity, and will close down its wireless communications if its wired connection to the host LAN is lost.

Where the enterprise network is connected to an ISP with Radius server support, higher levels of security can be implemented in the wireless network.

For example, The radius server can provide groups of MAC address restrictions (in addition to the access restrictions implemented by the AirStation) and can manage the use of up to five different WEP keys, which can be cycled for higher levels of security.

Like other members of the AirStation Pro family, the WLM-L11G supports communication between access points as well as to clients, sometimes known as a repeater function, allowing multiple access points to be used for maximum coverage in an organisation.

With a simple pigtail connector, the WLM-L11G can also use the AirStation Pro external antennae, either directional for long range point to point (building to building) applications or omnidirectional for increased coverage in a work area, such as exhibition area, school, or group of outbuildings.

Another feature of the WLM-L11G is load balancing as new users log onto a wireless network with multiple access points, they will be connected to the access point with fewer current clients if they are in a zone where signal strength is adequate for more than one.

The WLM-L11G can be operated from a standard mains supply of 100-240V, or where mains supply is not convenient, it also supports power over Ethernet (PoE).

Buffalo Technology also markets a suitable PoE supply adapter, the WLE-POE-S.

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