Cisco is the latest enterprise WLAN company that isn't waiting for the 802.11n standard to be completed. The dominant WiFi player for the enterprise announced several integrated enterprise products based on the Draft 802.11n standard, which is designed to boost WiFi's throughput and range. Previously, Cisco said 802.11n wasn't ready for the enterprise, but now it follows the footsteps of Meru Networks, Colubris and Trapeze. Given the fact that the company holds around 64 percent of the enterprise WLAN market [1], Cisco's entrance gives some significant validity to 802.11n in the enterprise.
Cisco introduced its Unified Wireless Network that includes the modular Cisco Aironet 1250 access point and the 48-Gbps Cisco Catalyst 6500-based wireless LAN controller system. It also includes the ability to power a dual-radio Aironet 1250 Series from one Ethernet point, which can be useful if the access point is located some distance from an electrical outlet. Cisco says the Aironet 1250 access point is the first enterprise-class 802.11n draft 2.0 access point available. The products will ship in October.
The enterprise market is risk adverse when it comes to pre-standardized equipment, but the fact that the WiFi Alliance is certifying these products seems to put the enterprise at ease. A recent survey from Colubris Networks [2] highlighted strong interest and momentum for 802.11n deployments in the enterprise.
For more about Cisco's move into the 802.11n market:
- read this article [3] from Mobile Tech Today
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/aruba-moving-enterprise-wifi/2007-08-20
[2] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/spotlight-survey-says-enterprises-interested-802-11n/2007-07-30
[3] http://www.mobile-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=0110012XVDJ7