WALTHAM, Mass. – January 20, 2004 -Colubris Networks, a global provider of intelligent wireless LAN (WLAN) access equipment, today announced the wireless Extension Architecture, a blueprint for deploying highly scalable, secure WLAN networks in large enterprises, institutions and government agencies. The Extension Architecture uses Colubris Networks’ new intelligent access devices and central management system to create a flexible Wi-Fi access capability that is easier to manage and one-third lower cost than an overlay architecture based on WLAN switches. The Extension Architecture scales to configurations of thousands of access points and supports a range of network topologies, from highly concentrated to distributed.
In a separate announcement, Colubris Networks today unveiled its next-generation access devices and network management system for hotspot service providers and enterprises (www.colubris.com/en/news/press_releases). The company also published a new whitepaper about the Extension Architecture, available at (www.colubris.com/en/support/whitepapers).
The Extension Architecture is cost-effective because it leverages the existing wired network infrastructure, using open interfaces to interconnect Colubris Networks wireless access devices directly to Ethernet LAN switches and security policy databases. The keystone in the architecture is the Colubris Networks Management System (CNMS), a central WLAN management platform that minimizes operating costs by consolidating the configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting of the access devices in an easy-to-use graphical console.
The wireless Extension Architecture enables enterprise network managers to cost-effectively deploy wireless service in virtually any network topology. Colubris Networks intelligent access devices provide a set of scalable, secure and flexible wireless building blocks that interface seamlessly into the existing network and support highly concentrated locations, such as headquarters buildings or campus environments, and distributed installations in remote offices, warehouses and retail locations.
“Colubris Networks has introduced an umbrella management platform for its intelligent access devices that enables enterprises to build scalable, secure wireless LANs,” said Richard Webb, directing analyst, wireless LANs, Infonetics Research, Inc. “Our research has shown that central management is a priority feature for enterprises, and that a network architecture based on centrally-managed intelligent access devices satisfies these requirements in a very cost-effective manner. This is an attractive alternative to overlay architectures.”
Architectures based on WLAN switches force the customer to install a separate overlay network dedicated to wireless users only. This requires organizations to invest in complex, expensive WLAN switches that replicate many of the functions already performed by installed Ethernet LAN switches, while locking customers into a proprietary wireless networking system. It also increases demands on IT staffs by forcing them to learn and support additional, often redundant, hardware equipment and management software.
In contrast, the Extension Architecture gives enterprise network managers the centralized control and manageability that are attributed to the overlay architecture – but without the additional infrastructure, complexity, and associated costs. CNMS makes the WLAN operate as a plug-and-play component of the enterprise network, automatically discovering new access devices and enabling network managers to apply strong uniform security policies. It also provides multi-vendor access point management, and features background-mode rogue detection and coordinated RF management. The CNMS, with its HP OpenVIEW plug-in, provides the advantage of integrating wired and wireless management into a single enterprise-wide view.
“Wi-Fi is a new, productivity-enhancing access medium for existing enterprise networks. It does not have to be implemented as a unique new overlay network, as the vendors of WLAN switches propose,” said Pierre Trudeau, founder and CTO of Colubris Networks. “The Extension Architecture supported by Colubris Networks leverages reliable, proven Ethernet LAN infrastructure for packet switching and distributes to the access devices all the protocol processing and security functions that are unique to the WLAN. This is a much more scalable and economical solution than the overlay network, and our architecture does not insert costly and complex new equipment into the network’s data path.”
For more information about CNMS or any of Colubris Networks’ new intelligent access devices, or for a full comparison of the Extension and Overlay Architectures, visit www.colubris.com.
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is a global leader in providing highly secure, manageable and cost-effective Wireless LAN solutions for enterprise networks and carrier deployments. Its award-winning Wi-Fi certified product family of purpose-built enterprise and public access offerings seamlessly integrates into existing customer networks, providing maximum cost-effectiveness and management simplicity. Colubris Networks embeds strong tools such as Virtual Private Networking, enhanced security and firewall technologies into its open, industry-standard solutions. Colubris Networks’ products are deployed by more than 400 organizations worldwide, including Telecom Italia, NTT-ME, McGill University, Bangkok International Airport, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and three of the world’s largest hotel chains. The company’s strategic business and technology partners include ADC, Alcatel, Juniper Networks, RSA Security, Funk Software, Micromuse, and a worldwide network of value-added-resellers and systems integrators. For more information visit the company at www.colubris.com or contact us at info@colubris.com.
