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Although it doesn't quite match the Proxim access point in terms of functionality, the Enterasys Roamabout AP3000 is a well-featured device and a good deal cheaper than the Orinoco solution. It can also be purchased without the 5GHz radio interface, for £343 ex VAT, if you don't need the extra waveband and want to save money. However, if it's then compared to alternative dual-mode 802.11b/g access points, it's not such good value.
The Enterasys hardware is quite large but very robust and it can be wall or ceiling mounted to maximise range. You also get that all-important PoE support as standard, enabling power to be sent down the UTP network cable rather than having to install a separate AC point. No additional aerials are available, but the two external antennae provided give good coverage.
As well as browser and Telnet management, there's support for SNMPv3 allowing for remote management using Enterasys Netsight and other SNMP packages. We used the browser interface, which was clear and easy to use, although we did have to reboot a few times when making changes.
On the security front, there's the usual Wep encryption (up to 128bit) with support for the AES algorithm also built in. WPA technology is, likewise, included as standard and the access point is described as 802.11i ready - that's the forthcoming IEEE replacement for WPA. 802.1x user authentication is yet another option, and it's possible to configure up to 64 VLans on the Roamabout AP3000.
On the performance front, the Enterasys access point did very well. It didn't quite match the Proxim AP-4000, but was good enough nonetheless to be given our Highly Commended award. It's also a very solid and well-supported solution, and is well suited to small to medium-sized business deployment.
Contact: Enterasys 01635 580 000
www.enterasys.com
See also:
This Wireless Network Access Point from Belkin is a remarkably affordable. 27 Aug 2004All Routers
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