Cisco's new WiFi access point helps networks meet BYOD demand

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 12:21

Technology Feature - Cloud Computing

Cisco has introduced a new Wi-Fi access point designed to meet the demands placed on enterprise Wi-Fi networks by the influx of smartphones and tablets into the corporate environment.

According to Cisco, "mounting expectations of fast network performance, seamless access to cloud services, consistent connectivity and high-quality experiences on any wireless device coupled with the growing number of mobile devices are placing huge demands on wireless network infrastructures."

The new Cisco Aironet 3600 Series access point is an 802.11n device and claimed to be the first to use three antennas to enable three separate data streams. It also has a fourth antenna. This combination, Cisco claims "enables people to be seamlessly connected from any wireless device, even those with weak wireless signals, at a greater distance from the access point with up to 30 percent faster performance than any other access point."

The device as incorporates Cisco ClientLink 2.0 software, claimed to "boost performance for 100 percent of wireless client devices connected to the access point, regardless of the device's wireless signal strength and spatial stream category'¦from high-end laptops, smartphones and tablets to industry-specific devices to older wireless devices.

The unit also supports the IEEE 802.11r and 802.11u. 802.11r enables mobile devices to move between access points without breaking a session, a critical requirement for many applications, Cisco says. 802.11u enables the access point to communicate available network services to mobile devices. Cisco claims to be the first vendor to support both these standards.