Colubris Networks, a leader in optimized wireless LAN (WLAN) switching systems, today introduced the MAP-330 Integrated Sensor/AP, the industry’s first access point to protect WLANs with continuous security monitoring while simultaneously delivering high performance voice, video and data applications. It eliminates trade-offs between Quality-of-Service, performance and security that are inherent in competing WLAN switch offerings, and slashes costs by 50% compared to overlay security solutions.
The MAP-330 Integrated Sensor/AP is part of the Colubris Intelligent Mobility System (CIMS), an optimized WLAN switching system that provides high performance client access with integrated best-of-breed RF security. The Integrated Sensor/AP uses a unique dual IEEE 802.11 a/b/g radio design. It dedicates one of its radios to continuous monitoring and protection of the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands, while the second radio delivers full bandwidth network access services for client devices. This design enables the Integrated Sensor/AP to deliver full spectrum performance and consistent QoS for real-time applications, such as voice over WLAN, without compromising security.
The Integrated Sensor/AP eliminates the hard choices facing network managers today. They can deploy competing WLAN switch offerings, which use a single IEEE 802.11 a/b/g radio to perform intermittent security scans, interrupting the flow of client traffic and reducing QoS with this time slicing technique. Alternatively, they can deploy a separate overlay network of dedicated security sensors, which doubles equipment costs and substantially increases ongoing maintenance expenses.
“The time-slicing technique for security monitoring builds an obstacle into enterprise migration to wireless voice services,” notes Steven J. Schuchart Jr. Senior Analyst with Current Analysis. “Security conscious network managers address this challenge by deploying dedicated sensors, but this adds to costs and complexity. Colubris addresses each of these challenges with the MAP-330, and is delivering a solid foundation that lets enterprises realize VoWLAN’s compelling story.”
The MAP-330 Integrated Sensor/AP secures the airwaves by combining strong WLAN client authentication and encryption with continuous RF intrusion detection and prevention. Together with the Colubris Intelligent Mobility System (CIMS), the Integrated Sensor/AP supports full-frequency scans, including out-of-region frequencies, and detects over 140 different WLAN events, threats and vulnerabilities. It accurately detects and classifies threats without the false positives that are common in competing systems. The Integrated Sensor/AP is designed for high performance, with the capacity to simultaneously scan and block up to twenty attacks.
“Colubris is increasingly recognized as the “future proof” enterprise WLAN system of choice for advanced, reliable and secure performance that supports growing user populations and expanding applications,” said Roger Sands, vice president of engineering for Colubris Networks. “The MAP 330 Integrated Sensor/AP adds best-of-breed RF security to complement our industry-leading performance and brings new advanced location tracking features to securing the wireless enterprise.”
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is the leading global provider of intelligent wireless LAN mobility systems for service providers and enterprises. Its optimized WLAN switching systems deliver unmatched bandwidth efficiency, seamless mobility and secure, easy access for more than 1,000 organizations and 40 million users worldwide. Its systems unify and integrate with existing network infrastructures, security and management systems, and provide “future-proof” investment protection as standards evolve and user populations grow. Colubris’ numerous recognitions include Red Herring’s top 100 private companies in North America, Fierce Wireless Fierce 15 and Mobile Trax Mobility Award.
