Giving The Channel More WLAN Coverage
4:18 PM EST Fri. Feb. 17, 2006
From the February 20, 2006 issue of CRN
The product shows its strength when it comes to addressing the issues surrounding adding capacity to the network. Traditionally, integrators would just add access points to a WLAN to increase capacity and range, but that method has proved to be less than ideal. Adding additional access points without switching intelligence tends to impede overall bandwidth by creating contention throughout the WLAN and also increases the rate of packet collisions.
In the 2.4GHz range where 802.11 b and g coexist, only three non-overlapping channels are present. Technically, that limits users to a maximum of three in-range access points for full bandwidth availability. Since clients and access points must wait for an open channel in order to transmit packets, simply adding more access points in the same range will not provide any additional capacity. In fact, additional access points will create latency on the same channel and destroy any ROI that may have been realized by adding capacity.
The XS-3900 makes those problems disappear by simultaneously providing as many as 16 non-overlapping channels; 12 802.11a and 4 802.11a/b/g IAPs (Integrated Access Points) across the entire 2.4GHz and 5GHz band.
At first glance, the array looks like a giant aspirin tablet, but integrators will not get a headache deploying the device. The array comes with a mounting bracket for ceiling installation, and CRN Test Center engineers found that a ceiling location is probably the best spot since it provides more of an uncluttered environment. Also, try to keep the array away from electrical devices that generate RF noisepreferably 3 feet to 6 feet away.
The device has two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be configured for failover; a serial port; and a 10/100 Ethernet interface for management. Logging into the array was accomplished using the supplied serial cable, which was then connected to the CLI via HyperTerminal. Since CRN engineers used a single Internet connection, the GigabitEthernet1 interface is the primary port for both data and management traffic.
Once the array is assigned a valid IP through DHCP, simply open a Web browser and connect to the home page. The WMI is easy to use and is broken down into two viewable panes for easy navigation around the array. CRN engineers used the express setup option to enter basic configuration data. This allows the device to choose its own settings such as channels, access permission and power settings relative to its existing environment. Since the radios are disabled by default, all must be enabled.
Initial tests proved successful as both bandwidth and capacity of the Wi-Fi clients improved once the XS-3900 was deployed. One thing to note is that 802.11a coverage is much more noticeable than b or g. Priced at $11,999, the XS-3900 can be offered by integrators as a solution for enterprise environments that require high-capacity WLAN rollouts.
A three-tier partner program defines the company's commitment to the channel. Partner levels are based on yearly sales commitments: a Certified partner needs to meet a sales goal of $25,000; a Specialist must meet a goal of $250,000; and the top tier, Pro, needs sales of $500,000. Partners have access to volume discounts, vertical market discounts, co-op funds (up to 3 percent), service incentive rebates, discounted demo units (50 percent off MSRP), sales and technical support, and advanced product notification. Training is provided via the Xirrus University program and is delivered via the Web. Margins are around 35 percent, but are ultimately decided by the partner's distributor.
