Proxim Orinoco AP-4000

Access point goes three ways.

Price: £549

Manufacturer: Proxim

Ratings

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Verdict

Pros:
Supports PoE; extensive management features; tri-band wireless.

Cons:
Enterprise-level price tag.

Verdict:
Provides everything you could want from an access point.

Alex Arias, PC Magazine 24 Jun 2004

Proxim's AP-4000 tri-band wireless access point (supporting 802.11a, b and g) allows wireless users to connect regardless of the standard they use. It's aimed at the enterprise market, where multiple standards can cause real headaches.

This inconsequential-looking tiny white box certainly disguises a well featured access point. The necessary enterprise level tools are available, such as support for IEEE 802.3af Power-over- Ethernet for awkward deployments. The supplied Scan tool automatically locates the AP and let you set the IP address to match your network.

As with nearly all network appliances, it's managed over a secure Web browser, using the familiar Proxim interface, which you'll find clear and easy to navigate.

The network settings for both .11a and .11g can be set with ease, with granular control over user access. Ethernet protocol filtering on each interface can help to manage traffic over particular parts of the network.

It's possible to set security settings for multiple groups using a variety of methods. These can include security measures such as certified WPA for IEEE 802.1X mutual authentication. You also get dynamic per-user, per-session rotating keys, intra-cell blocking (designed to prevent client-toclient snooping) and the ability to create up to 16 VLANs per radio. There is also Radius accounting support, typically used for hotspot installations.

The AP will also exist happily in large, multiple access point environments with WDS (Wireless Distribution System) allowing AP-to-AP communication.

An external antenna connector lets you boost the coverage range if needed, and built-in rogue AP detection for both 802.11b/g and 802.11a access points should allow administrators to keep control over their networks.

For high uptime environments, there's automatic reconfiguration of network parameters, including security policies, in the event of power loss. Rollback of software or configuration changes allows you to recover from incorrect settings. It also supports the next generation encryption standard (AES), which should ensure a smooth upgrade to 802.11i when it becomes available.

Proxim's Orinoco 11a/b/g Gold PCMCIA ComboCard can be used to connect to the access point although, disappointingly, only Windows drivers are supported. It's straightforward to install and simple to manage.

The range of advanced features makes the Proxim Orinoco AP4000 an attractive enterpriselevel product, although it could be used in any areas where 802.11a installations co-exist with the more popular 802.11g standard.

Contact: Proxim
www.proxim.com

Specifications: