Wireless access point software supports both bands

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 6, 2003

AgileAP is a remotely configurable Linux-based WLAN access point solution for use with Synad's Mercury dual-band WLAN chipset.

AgileAP is a remotely configurable Linux-based WLAN access point solution for use with Synad's Mercury dual-band WLAN chipset.

AgileAP includes a patent pending band-interleaving mode that makes it the only product in the burgeoning WLAN market to enable concurrent support for multiple 802.11 standards from a single radio access point.

In an era of rapidly evolving WLAN standards, the Synad product's band-interleaving and remote-configuration features enable operators of high-speed (5GHz) 802.11a wireless networks to simultaneously support 2.4GHz legacy or guest clients without having to install costly dual radio access points.

"This effectively eliminates the wait-and-see aspect for the entire wireless networking market", said Mike Baker, Synad's CEO.

"With support now in place for all 802.11 modes from a single radio, installers can capture the WLAN opportunity today, without worrying about how to support all the different speeds and without having to risk the cost of fixed-band access-point equipment for each individual 802.11 mode".

The AgileAP functionality enables Synad's previously announced Mercury chipset to flexibly support multiple modes.

As a result, a single access point can be remotely configured for 802.11b, 11g or 11a operation, depending on the prevailing client mix of any particular Wi-Fi hotspot location.

Synad's AgileAP software, which runs on a standard Linux kernel, leverages the advanced MAC, flexible architecture and ultra-fast mode-switching capabilities of the Mercury chipset to distribute data packets across multiple bands using a single radio.

AgileAP works within the IEEE802.11 WLAN protocol to schedule when data packets are exchanged.

In this way, a single-radio Mercury-based access point can simultaneously support a mix of clients in both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

It is fully interoperable with third-party clients.

"Synad's revolutionary dual-band single-radio WLAN solution stands to drive down costs in a market that is exceedingly cost driven", said Allen Nogee, Principal Analyst at In-Stat/MDR.

"And because its reconfigurability futureproofs the 802.11 infrastructure, it is a natural for both the home market and hotspot installations, eliminating the necessity of having to switch equipment as standards evolve".

Remote configuration of Mercury-based access points is easily managed by system administrators using an integrated web browser interface accessible via 802.3 and 802.11.

By enabling this level of flexibility into single-slot access points, Synad provides for ease of migration and adaptability.

Network managers and operators have the ability to reconfigure installations as the client mix evolves, without any need to change hardware.

Synad's access point solution encompasses support for advanced security standards such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

The Mercury chipset architecture employs hardware encryption accelerators that ensure there is no compromise in data throughput while operating securely.

AgileAP is complemented by a comprehensive developers kit that encompasses Mercury radio cards, AgileAP software, a complete Linux based access point reference suite including TCP/IP networking stack and bridging capability, Linux kernel and an x86 development platform.

Synad provides support to manufacturers of WLAN access equipment wishing to integrate the AgileAP functionality into existing platforms and deliver this flexible dual band capability into single radio access points.