WiFi Manager Helps VARs Monitor Networks

Mobility solutions also can be a burden on IT help desks, resulting in countless hours of support and a bottomless pit of help-desk dollars. AdventNet offers an enterprise-level solution to ease these concerns with its WiFi Manager 4, which consists of integrated WLAN security and extensive management capabilities.

WiFi Manager is rich in features for securing and deploying desktop systems both mobile and wired. The management software assists administrators in keeping track of all network health issues, such as rogue or offline access points (APs), for instance.

WiFi Manager 4 monitors network clients and tracks rogue devices via a well-designed management interface. It also offers site-survey tools and AP-deployment capabilities, allowing users to easily map network topology. The software starts at $995, which includes realtime radio frequency (RF) management, mobility, security and element management.

WiFi Manager 4 maintains information and access control over the APs' RFs when they are configured as a group, providing centralized management features that will assist VARs during setup. The software continually scans RFs for evidence of authorized and unauthorized wireless activity. Using the software with its radio-scanning capabilities, CRN Test Center engineers were able to immediately locate a rogue 802.11g AP on the corporate network. In a situation such as this, an administrator could signal the switch to lock down the frequencies and drop the rogue connection.

The product also includes the ability to maintain firmware upgrades to the APs, For example, administrators can import the image into the WiFi Manager software and apply it to select APs on the existing network. Such a feature can reduce hours of field work and support dollars that businesses would spend otherwise, which is important to maximize the control and security of the remote system.

The number of APs in an enterprise-level wireless deployment can increase in a hurry. WiFi Manager 4 allows group-based configuration of APs and supports template-based configuration. Operators can pick a template, fill in the values, and then apply the template to select APs, which again can save a ton of help-desk time.

The amount of features and options rolled into the software is mind-boggling. Solution providers who set up the suite could really benefit down the line from post-support service, such as quickly adding and configuring new APs when businesses grow.

The software is capable of setting threshold levels for various parameters, and e-mail notifications can be sent to the administrator whenever the threshold values are exceeded.

CRN Test Center engineers were impressed with the intrusion-detection system the software possesses. The new release continuously monitors and identifies network traffic trends. An enormous problem with wireless deployment is that some solution providers are unfamiliar with the breaches and strategy that goes with a successful wireless deployment. However, WiFi Manager uses RF sensors to detect almost all known WLAN attacks and alerts administrators. Also, the management utility provides insight into configuration suggestions so VARs can take a proactive approach rather than settle for a reactive response.

The product can be downloaded via AdventNet's Web site as a 21-Mbyte executable file for the Windows platform and a 27-Mbyte file for Linux.

AdventNet has a single-tier channel program. Solution providers must have experience with network infrastructure to implement AdventNet's management product. Partners also must complete training, which is provided on-site or at the company's Pleasanton, Calif., headquarters. Both sales and technical training are provided to partners. For each new product or a major upgrade, partners are offered training, either in-person or via the Web.

The company also provides a dedicated solution provider Web site. Reseller guides, competitor comparison guides, sales presentation guides and product flyers are some of the many things available. The company claims a 25 percent margin for its partners.