Cisco has repackaged and modified some Airespace technology to create a rack-mount server that can track the locations of up to 1,500 wireless LAN devices to within 10 square meters.

Using location data from the server, called Cisco Wireless Location Appliance 2700, network administrators can identify where all WLAN devices are, and see how WLAN signal strength varies over a site. More importantly, an API lets the same data be used by much more sophisticated third-party applications for such jobs as tracking medical equipment ranging from gurneys to infusion pumps.

At the heart of the 2700 is location software that was announced almost a year ago by Airespace, which Cisco acquired earlier this year. Airespace had planned to ship the software in late 2004 as an add-on to a rack-mounted version of its WLAN switch.

The 2700 works by drawing signal strength data from Airespace thin access points and processed by special algorithms on the appliance. The data is displayed in Airespace's network management application, now called Cisco Wireless Control System, which can display WLAN devices on a map or blueprint.

The device is sold as a separate, dedicated device with the location software loaded. The software essentially makes the standard process of triangulating a WLAN signal more accurate, by factoring in signal attenuation and other effects. A Wireless Control System application acts as the management interface for administrators.

Cisco executives said that when the company's acquisition of Airespace was announced, engineers from both companies brought together work that was being done by each camp. Exactly what Cisco brought to the table isn't clear.

When asked for details about what changes or additions were made to the Airespace software, a Cisco spokesman replied by e-mail saying that the 2700 is "based not only on Airespace products/technology, but also on location technologies from Cisco, particularly in the area of software and RF capabilities as well as rigorous product testing/quality assurance processes, and beta customer input."

Observers expect Cisco to provide support for its legacy Aironet access points for use with the 2700. "The location appliance works with the Airespace controller and thin access points," says Larry Hart, director, strategic accounts, for Global CTI Group, Bakersfield, Calif., a network integrator specializing in Cisco and Airespace wireless nets. "But Cisco in the near future will let legacy [Aironet] access points communicate with the appliance. Most of our customers are Aironet users."