Colubris Networks, a leader in intelligent, multiservice wireless LAN (WLAN) systems, today announced its Colubris Intelligent Multiservice System (CIMS) successfully passed a series of rigorous tests conducted by the University of New Hampshire’s InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL) designed to validate Colubris’ unique TriPlane™ architecture and a wide range of enterprise and service provider network applications.
The UNH-IOL verified that the Colubris TriPlane architecture processed over 99% of WLAN traffic at the network edge and forwarded less than 1% of traffic to the central controller. TriPlane uses distributed intelligence to produce a more scalable and cost-effective network than switch-based architectures that rely on dumb APs. TriPlane delivers consistent, end-to-end QoS and seamless secure roaming that is vital for successful deployment of mobile VoIP over WLAN (VoWLAN), as well as wireless enterprise multi-service data access, and public/guest access. For enterprises and carriers considering fixed mobile convergence (FMC) services, based either on IMS or UMA, TriPlane’s distributed intelligence and scalable QOS performance are essential for success full rollouts.
“This test illustrates the fundamental advantages of our TriPlane architecture over the WLAN switch architecture used by many of our competitors,” said Roger Sands, Colubris vice president of engineering. “TriPlane separates the WLAN data plane from the control and management planes, providing a clear, unobstructed and unencumbered ‘fast data path’ between source and destination. It eliminates performance bottlenecks latency and jitter that are inherent in a WLAN switch architecture that funnels all traffic from dumb APs to a central switch or controller.”
The tests verified reliable operation of the following important enterprise functionality:
• VoIP over WLAN prioritization that maintains quality of service regardless of network loading
• Fast, voice-quality client roaming between access points within and across IP subnets with and without WPA (802.1x)
• Secure and automatic configuration of mobility groups which comprise a single MultiService Controller and one or more access points
• WLAN reliability with automatic access point fail-over to an N+1 redundant MultiService Controller
• Granular per-user traffic prioritization and shaping for multiple service groups with overlaid public/guest services
• Decentralized, distributed traffic processing capabilities of the Colubris TriPlane architecture for WLAN scalability and high performance
The CIMS configuration tested included two InMotion™ MultiService Controllers (MSC) and four InReach™ MultiService Access Points (MAP) running version 4.1 of the Colubris Operating System (COS) software. Tests were performed using the UNH-IOL Wireless LAN Consortium testbed. In addition to the specific test mentioned above, interoperability was validated with a range of networking equipment, including switches, routers, DNS and DHCP servers.
Established in 1988, the UNH-IOL provides a neutral environment to foster multi-vendor interoperability and conformance to data communications networking standards. Today, the laboratory has grown into one of the industry’s premier independent proving grounds for new technologies and products.
The Colubris Intelligent MultiService System (CIMS) is designed to seamlessly extend the services of a wired network infrastructure to wireless users and enable a new generation of business mobility applications including FMC. It features the Colubris TriPlane architecture which optimizes performance and enables CIMS to scale easily from a single site, network service, or application to any number of dispersed sites, services and applications. TriPlane leverages the switching capacity and strong security and QoS features embedded in LAN networks to create a distributed LAN/WLAN switching environment. By integrating WLAN user traffic into the edge of the wired network, TriPlane ensures consistent application of security policies while delivering the most efficient and scalable WLAN architecture available.
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is the leading global provider of intelligent multiservice wireless LAN systems for service providers and enterprises. The company’s award-winning products deliver seamless, secure access to broadband services and applications while unifying existing network infrastructures, security and management systems. Colubris Networks’ equipment is deployed by more than 1,000 organizations worldwide. Colubris’ many awards include Red Herring’s top 100 private companies in North America, Fierce Wireless Fierce 15, Supercomm Superquest Award, and Mobile Trax Mobility Award.
