Making Peace Between Multiple APs

AdventNet’s WiFi Manager 4 gives VARs the ability to discover, monitor and manage as many as 10 access points from most major vendors. Priced at $495, WiFi Manager 4 also provides detailed reports of wireless network performance delivered through a centralized interface. Web-based access can be created easily for the platform, and e-mail or pager alerts about a wireless network outage can be sent to the staff or the VAR providing a managed monitoring service, Sanjeev said.

One of WiFi Manager 4’s best selling points is its ability to perform multivendor firmware upgrades, said Larry Wheeler, owner of Network Consulting Solutions, a VAR in Chicago. “It works well in mixed [access point] environments, but particularly well with Cisco, because it allows you to easily push code down into it,” he said. Wheeler is beta-testing WiFi Manager 4 and has been moving it into doctors’ offices and classrooms.

AdventNet, traditionally a direct seller, is looking to partner with VARs to penetrate the small-business market for sub-$1,000 wireless devices, Sanjeev said. The vendor is in the process of launching its first partner program and plans to hire new field representatives in the next couple of months.

“We need the distribution muscle that we can get with partners,” Sanjeev said.