Monday, 10 September 2007

WiMAX Broadband Wireless Technology Access

What is WiMAX
WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality.

There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.

Mobile WiMAX is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today's wide area wireless technologies. Furthermore, many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services.

Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful WiMAX networks. It delivered the fixed WiMAX solution, Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 wireless modem, and is now shipping a fixed/mobile dual-mode solution, Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250. This highly cost-effective solution was designed to support both standards with an easy upgrade path from fixed to mobile and is expected to further accelerate the deployment of WiMAX networks.

WiMAX Broadband Wireless Technology Access

What is WiMAX
WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality.

There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.

Mobile WiMAX is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today's wide area wireless technologies. Furthermore, many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services.

Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful WiMAX networks. It delivered the fixed WiMAX solution, Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 wireless modem, and is now shipping a fixed/mobile dual-mode solution, Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250. This highly cost-effective solution was designed to support both standards with an easy upgrade path from fixed to mobile and is expected to further accelerate the deployment of WiMAX networks.

WiMAX Broadband Wireless Technology Access

What is WiMAX
WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality.

There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.

Mobile WiMAX is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today's wide area wireless technologies. Furthermore, many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services.

Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful WiMAX networks. It delivered the fixed WiMAX solution, Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 wireless modem, and is now shipping a fixed/mobile dual-mode solution, Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250. This highly cost-effective solution was designed to support both standards with an easy upgrade path from fixed to mobile and is expected to further accelerate the deployment of WiMAX networks.

Sunday, 9 September 2007

Before You Buy a Wireless Internet Router

From Bradley Mitchell,

All wireless Internet routers might appear very much alike at first glance. In fact, many different wireless router models exist each with its own unique set of attributes. Use the checklist below to help decide which brand of wireless network router could work best for you.

Uncover Discounts and Generally Low Prices
All other things being equal, many consumers will choose the product that costs the least. Manufacturers will often offer rebates or other discounts from the full retail price of their wireless routers. You may be getting an older product instead of the latest and greatest, but with network gear, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shop around and you're likely to land a good value for your money.

Research the Popular Models
An old adage says: "There is safety in numbers." Odds are, if many people are buying a particular product, it's serving a useful need. Top selling network gear tends to be current generation technology but not cutting edge. If you tend to play it conservative and run with the pack, check sales rankings at online retailers to start building your wireless Internet router short list.

Consider Terms of Warranty
Wireless Internet router manufacturers always provide a warranty package together with their equipment. The length and terms of these warranties vary widely. A better warranty may indicate a manufacturer more committed to support their products, while a lesser warranty could indicate a somewhat lesser standard of product quality or reliability. Always consider wireless router warranties when making your purchase decision.

Ignore (Most of) the Success and Horror Stories Told by Others
Countless consumers post opinions of their particular wireless Internet router to blogs, message boards, retailer Web sites and elsewhere online. For most brands of routers, a confusing mix of positive and negative anecdotes awaits you. Due to the complexity of home networking today, any given brand of wireless router that performs flawlessly in one person's home network could fail miserably in yours. Bottom line: Don't let someone else's experience, good or bad, sway your decision too much.

Try Brand Matching Your Network Adapters
Consider purchasing a wireless Internet router of the same brand as at least one of your wireless network adapters. The benefit is a small one, but sometimes vendors will optimize communication protocols of their own equipment; you may see slightly higher performance. Vendors may also more thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment. If you don't own any adapters (or newer laptops with built-in wireless), consider purchasing all of your WiFi gear together from the same manufacturer.

Find a Good Fit in Size and Style
In many households, wireless Internet routers are installed in a visible central area of the residence. Purchasing a stylish router can make this an attractive addition to the decor that you will be proud to show family and friends. Routers vary in both size and shape. If you plan to install the router in a confined space, ensure you pick one with a suitable form factor. Small business owners and others interested in portability may likewise consider the class of "travel router" products.

Satisfy Your Need for Speed
You may be tempted to ignore all else and simply snap up the wireless Internet router with the highest speed rating (in Mbps). In fact, these speed ratings may be the least important of all factors listed here. Consider that the actual performance you will achieve in practice typically averages much, much lower than the maximum rating shown on the package. Furthermore, high-speed routers cannot directly speed up your Internet connection, that is usually the real bottleneck on a home network.

Before You Buy a Wireless Internet Router

From Bradley Mitchell,

All wireless Internet routers might appear very much alike at first glance. In fact, many different wireless router models exist each with its own unique set of attributes. Use the checklist below to help decide which brand of wireless network router could work best for you.

Uncover Discounts and Generally Low Prices
All other things being equal, many consumers will choose the product that costs the least. Manufacturers will often offer rebates or other discounts from the full retail price of their wireless routers. You may be getting an older product instead of the latest and greatest, but with network gear, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shop around and you're likely to land a good value for your money.

Research the Popular Models
An old adage says: "There is safety in numbers." Odds are, if many people are buying a particular product, it's serving a useful need. Top selling network gear tends to be current generation technology but not cutting edge. If you tend to play it conservative and run with the pack, check sales rankings at online retailers to start building your wireless Internet router short list.

Consider Terms of Warranty
Wireless Internet router manufacturers always provide a warranty package together with their equipment. The length and terms of these warranties vary widely. A better warranty may indicate a manufacturer more committed to support their products, while a lesser warranty could indicate a somewhat lesser standard of product quality or reliability. Always consider wireless router warranties when making your purchase decision.

Ignore (Most of) the Success and Horror Stories Told by Others
Countless consumers post opinions of their particular wireless Internet router to blogs, message boards, retailer Web sites and elsewhere online. For most brands of routers, a confusing mix of positive and negative anecdotes awaits you. Due to the complexity of home networking today, any given brand of wireless router that performs flawlessly in one person's home network could fail miserably in yours. Bottom line: Don't let someone else's experience, good or bad, sway your decision too much.

Try Brand Matching Your Network Adapters
Consider purchasing a wireless Internet router of the same brand as at least one of your wireless network adapters. The benefit is a small one, but sometimes vendors will optimize communication protocols of their own equipment; you may see slightly higher performance. Vendors may also more thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment. If you don't own any adapters (or newer laptops with built-in wireless), consider purchasing all of your WiFi gear together from the same manufacturer.

Find a Good Fit in Size and Style
In many households, wireless Internet routers are installed in a visible central area of the residence. Purchasing a stylish router can make this an attractive addition to the decor that you will be proud to show family and friends. Routers vary in both size and shape. If you plan to install the router in a confined space, ensure you pick one with a suitable form factor. Small business owners and others interested in portability may likewise consider the class of "travel router" products.

Satisfy Your Need for Speed
You may be tempted to ignore all else and simply snap up the wireless Internet router with the highest speed rating (in Mbps). In fact, these speed ratings may be the least important of all factors listed here. Consider that the actual performance you will achieve in practice typically averages much, much lower than the maximum rating shown on the package. Furthermore, high-speed routers cannot directly speed up your Internet connection, that is usually the real bottleneck on a home network.

Before You Buy a Wireless Internet Router

From Bradley Mitchell,

All wireless Internet routers might appear very much alike at first glance. In fact, many different wireless router models exist each with its own unique set of attributes. Use the checklist below to help decide which brand of wireless network router could work best for you.

Uncover Discounts and Generally Low Prices
All other things being equal, many consumers will choose the product that costs the least. Manufacturers will often offer rebates or other discounts from the full retail price of their wireless routers. You may be getting an older product instead of the latest and greatest, but with network gear, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shop around and you're likely to land a good value for your money.

Research the Popular Models
An old adage says: "There is safety in numbers." Odds are, if many people are buying a particular product, it's serving a useful need. Top selling network gear tends to be current generation technology but not cutting edge. If you tend to play it conservative and run with the pack, check sales rankings at online retailers to start building your wireless Internet router short list.

Consider Terms of Warranty
Wireless Internet router manufacturers always provide a warranty package together with their equipment. The length and terms of these warranties vary widely. A better warranty may indicate a manufacturer more committed to support their products, while a lesser warranty could indicate a somewhat lesser standard of product quality or reliability. Always consider wireless router warranties when making your purchase decision.

Ignore (Most of) the Success and Horror Stories Told by Others
Countless consumers post opinions of their particular wireless Internet router to blogs, message boards, retailer Web sites and elsewhere online. For most brands of routers, a confusing mix of positive and negative anecdotes awaits you. Due to the complexity of home networking today, any given brand of wireless router that performs flawlessly in one person's home network could fail miserably in yours. Bottom line: Don't let someone else's experience, good or bad, sway your decision too much.

Try Brand Matching Your Network Adapters
Consider purchasing a wireless Internet router of the same brand as at least one of your wireless network adapters. The benefit is a small one, but sometimes vendors will optimize communication protocols of their own equipment; you may see slightly higher performance. Vendors may also more thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment. If you don't own any adapters (or newer laptops with built-in wireless), consider purchasing all of your WiFi gear together from the same manufacturer.

Find a Good Fit in Size and Style
In many households, wireless Internet routers are installed in a visible central area of the residence. Purchasing a stylish router can make this an attractive addition to the decor that you will be proud to show family and friends. Routers vary in both size and shape. If you plan to install the router in a confined space, ensure you pick one with a suitable form factor. Small business owners and others interested in portability may likewise consider the class of "travel router" products.

Satisfy Your Need for Speed
You may be tempted to ignore all else and simply snap up the wireless Internet router with the highest speed rating (in Mbps). In fact, these speed ratings may be the least important of all factors listed here. Consider that the actual performance you will achieve in practice typically averages much, much lower than the maximum rating shown on the package. Furthermore, high-speed routers cannot directly speed up your Internet connection, that is usually the real bottleneck on a home network.

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

Aruba adds NAC policy server

By Tim Greene, Network World, 08/15/07

Sponsored by:
Aruba Networks can now supply all the network access control gear needed to support devices accessing corporate networks regardless of whether they connect via wired, wireless or remote access.

Through an OEM relationship with NAC vendor Bradford Networks, the company now offers a NAC policy server of its own that establishes what policies need to be enforced based on endpoint assessment, connection method and behavior of the device.

Previously, Aruba’s Mobility Controller gear could enforce policies dictated by other vendor’s NAC servers, but Aruba didn’t sell a policy server.

The relabeled Bradford gear, called Aruba Endpoint Compliance System (ECS), comes in three models to support varying numbers of users. The E-50 supports up to 1,000 users, the E-100 supports up to 6,000 users and the Network Security Manager can manage groups of E-100 devices to support tens of thousands of users, Aruba says.

ECS can manage identities of individuals by associating them with media access control addresses, the users' roles in the company, IP addresses, how the device is attached to the network and time of day.

Stateful Layer 3 firewalls within Aruba Mobility Controllers enforce policies based on data they gather from endpoints and other security devices such as intrusion-prevention systems.

The Controller can also push enforcement to Aruba wireless access points, and using a feature called Remote AP, this can extend NAC to remote access users. If the remote user accesses the Internet via an Aruba access point, the access point will grant access as dictated by the NAC policy server.

As the status of a user and the user’s machine changes, the policy being enforced can also change. So if a student logged into the college network from the library moves into a classroom, that change of location can trigger a policy change that blocks peer-to-peer and Internet traffic, Aruba says.

Aruba is also announcing that its gear supports both Cisco’s and Microsoft’s NAC architectures and has issued application notes to help customers configure the gear to work together. Aruba also recently joined Trusted Computing Group, which is working on standards for interoperability of NAC gear. The company hasn’t issued application notes for TCG compliance.

Pricing for Aruba’s E-50 starts at $10,500 and for E-100 at $21,000. A Network Security Manger costs $17,500.