Aruba Takes Enterprise Wireless Outside
Introduces New Dual-Band Outdoor AP That Extends Wireless Across Campus, Simultaneously Delivers High Performance Access and Backhaul Services
WLAN EVENT, LONDON, April 21, 2005 - Aruba Networks today unveiled the Aruba 80, a new multi-purpose, dual-band outdoor access point (AP) ideally suited for extending enterprise wireless networks outdoors while providing high performance wireless bridging services.
Designed for extreme, all-weather deployments, the Aruba 80 is a fully-hardened dual-radio 802.11a+b/g AP that also functions simultaneously as a point-to-point and point-to multipoint wireless bridge. Up to 16 Aruba 80s can connect up to an Aruba 80 bridge.
Many organisations are deploying APs to serve outdoor areas such as loading bays, manufacturing sites, parks and campus quads where traditional APs cannot cope with cold, heat or rain. With the Aruba 80, wireless users in these areas have ready-access to wireless network services while network managers benefit from Aruba's centrally managed WLAN architecture.
"Our operations are vast and require a consistent set of secure mobility service to staff both indoors and outdoors," said Richard Moore, director of Information Systems at Bristol Airport in the United Kingdom. "The Aruba 80 helps us to offer a consistent set of secure service to users wherever they are."
Based on Atheros wireless technology, the Aruba 80 will also function as a centrally-managed "thin" Aruba AP and air monitor with all the advanced features and functions expected from Aruba mobility systems.
"Many customers want to extend their centrally-managed wireless services across large campuses and conventional APs don't cut it," said Keerti Melkote, co-founder and vice president of Product Management for Aruba. "Now organisations can easily deploy a single solution for dual-band user access, bridging, and wireless backhaul using 802.11a and b/g technology."
Many corporations don't have connections between buildings and the cost of running cable, for example, under public highways, is prohibitive. As a wireless distribution system (WDS), the Aruba 80 lets companies backhaul traffic from one network to another without wires, connecting multiple locations and avoiding costly cable runs.
Requiring no NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) enclosure, the Aruba 80 can withstand environments as cold as -22° F and as hot as 131° F. Other unique features include a ruggedised, waterproof aluminum chassis, power over Ethernet support, a built-in heater, and a lightening arrestor. The Aruba 80 comes with a built-in integral high-gain directional (5Ghz) antenna and dual 2.4Ghz detachable antenna interfaces or with single 5Ghz and single 2.4Ghz detachable antenna interfaces. Both configurations feature a RSSI meter interface and a 10/100 Ethernet interface.
Pricing and Availability
The Aruba 80 will be generally available in June and will be priced at US $1,995.
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