N+I: Network startups centralize wireless LANs

Seizing an opportunity to centralize WLAN security, startup networking vendors will tackle established competitors this week at NetWorld+Interop in Las Vegas.

Newcomers BlueSocket, ReefEdge, Aruba Wireless Networks, and Perfigo will introduce and demonstrate WLAN products that shift the locus of management, monitoring, and configuration away from individual access points, moving these security activities instead to a centrally located device.

Attacking a space occupied by incumbents Proxim, Cisco Systems, and Symbol, the new entrants have developed software that resides within appliances to offer Layer 2 and Layer 3 security, access control, authentication, QoS (quality of service), and roaming capabilities.

Centralized WLAN switches are gaining attention as enterprises seek ways to ease the configuration and management of wireless access points to keep in step with changing security specifications and user-access privileges.

ReefEdge on Monday will introduce Wireless Service Platform, according to SandeepSinghal, CTO of Fort Lee, N.J.-based ReefEdge. The platform offers services — including security, performance management, and multisite management — that run in conjunction with existing networks or with the startup's CS200 Wireless Services Concentrator.

"We think enterprises will deploy services dedicated to single tasks, while others will deploy lots of services," Singhal said. "The one-size-fits-all model doesn't fit most enterprises. Things differ based on what you have."

Singhal notes that, as opposed to competing offerings, the CS200 is not a switch. "All enterprises have enough switching capacity," Singhal said. "They don’t want a solution that replaces their existing environment. We're not replacing other vendor's equipment."

BlueSocket on Tuesday will introduce its WGX-4000 WLAN switch, which the Burlington, Mass.-based company says supports third-party access points. Meanwhile, San Jose, Calif.-based Aruba will demonstrate its WLAN switching system, Aruba 5000. The four-slot system, which is designed for use in the datacenter, will be used as part of the conference's eNet — the network that will provide Internet connectivity for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Perfigo, yet another entrant in the WLAN fray, will introduce SecureSmart, WLAN software that the San Francisco-based company claims will help integrate wireless networks into existing wired networks.