The Wireless Internet
Why WiFii?
The demand for wireless networks in communities is exploding. Networks built with Xwire infrastructure equipment, with a completely wireless edge and a heavily wired backbone connection at the core, are expected to be the new model of WiFi deployments. According to a new report from the Yankee Group, there will be 4.6 million wireless users by 2007. Such wireless communities need equipment and network services that support centralized security configuration and traffic management for tens to hundreds of wireless access points and thousands of wireless users.
First Generation WiFi vs. Layer 3
Most first generation WiFi deployments consist of single access points connected to the Internet, as a direct replacement for cabled systems. Network administrators have difficulty managing network users and services, bandwidth, network growth, and mobility. These problems will demand a new set of tools, procedures, and equipment.
Enter the Layer 3 evolution of WiFi. Layer 3 allows mobility within the network, so a user can jump from access pointii to access point within the network, and the access points can share and balance their bandwidth. WiFi networks that want to support users on the go need to support the traffic management intelligence of Layer 3.
Users need to be able to move across the network seamlessly with their access rights and capabilities determined not by a static location, but by a combination of identity, location, time, and other factors representing the dynamic state of the network. The ability to manage security and support in a mobile environment is necessary.
Xwire offers complete Layer 3 capabilities, while integrating seamlessly with existing wired networks.
WiFi ROI
The first generation of WiFi deployments was a simple replacement of cables with a wireless access. Replacing the network wires with wireless access using a single wireless access point has instant ROI, typically saving at least an order of magnitude more than its cost in the labor charges of installing wire. Multiply this savings by potentially thousands of users, and it is easy to understand why access points are rapidly appearing everywhere, such as cafes, single dwelling residences, and meeting rooms, known as "hot spots."
The next generation of deployments involves apartment complexes, large campuses, and towns, known as "hot zones." These deployments will have a goal of achieving broadband in a cost effect manner or where traditional wired broadband access is not available. In order to accomplish this with the same realized ROI, access points need to be able to communicate with each other to share configuration information, available routes, and performance metrics. Xwire Router contain state-of-the-art software to communicate with each other, to share and balance bandwidth, and support network management services.