Aruba Wireless Networks today introduced the wireless grid, which builds on Aruba’s centralized approach to securing and managing enterprise Wi-Fi networks.
Aruba’s wireless grid employs densely deployed Wi-Fi radios with centralized control. The architecture brings access points (APs) out of the ceiling and into the existing structured cabling infrastructure. Their new grid points (GPs) — low-cost 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi radios — can be deployed alongside or integrated with existing structured cabling systems.
A strategic development agreement with Ortronics, provides a Wi-Fi wall outlet. The Wi-Fi wall outlet integrates Aruba next-generation GP technology directly into a conventional network wall jack. Through dense deployments of Wi-Fi radios and the creation of micro-cells around each GP, RF signals are said to be focused on a small coverage area.
RF management services run throughout the grid infrastructure and are centrally controlled to constantly tune the grid for high performance. Aruba says their new RF management services include proprietary dynamic interference avoidance and on- demand capacity management algorithms that automatically manage the RF environment and guarantee delivery of a clear, high-performance RF signal.
Aruba claims it eliminates the need for expensive site surveys and automates Real-time Location Tracking. When a 802.11a/b/g radio source moves around, it can be tracked in real-time on a floor plan, giving visibility into the movement of people or expensive resources. A Wi-Fi compatible radio tag may be attached to expensive resources for tracking purposes.
The Aruba 5100, provides double capacity version of its signature 5000 series of modular WLAN switches. A new line of low-cost grid points, the Aruba AP 60 Series, is said to reduce operational costs associated with WLAN deployment. Costs and availability were not immediately available.
Just how Aruba’s “wireless grid” may differ from the features of their “WiFi Switch” line was also not immediately clear (to us), although the wall outlet product may be a differentiator.
