Verizon Business launches managed WLAN service

Verizon Business this week unveiled a managed wireless LAN service.

Verizon Business Managed Wireless LAN Service is designed to address all aspects of a WLAN deployment and provides a platform for future applications, such as voice-over-WLAN. The service supports WLAN equipment from Aruba Networks though the carrier expects to eventually support Cisco WLAN equipment as well.

Even though Cisco has more WLAN devices installed, Verizon Business was attracted to the Aruba platform's performance and product direction, says Cliff Cibelli, group manager of Verizon Business' managed network services portfolio. The worldwide enterprise WLAN market in 2005 was $936 million, according to Dell'Oro Group, which ranks Aruba (5%) No. 3 behind Cisco (60%) and Symbol (10%).

The managed service includes assessment of anticipated usage and customer building layout, the creation of a WLAN network schematic to meet customer coverage and performance requirements, and a review of security and authentication policies.

Verizon Business procures, installs and tests WLAN-related equipment. Once the service is up and running, Verizon Business manages the performance and usage of the WLAN; monitors to help prevent unauthorized access or the attachment of rogue devices; and reports performance metrics.

Verizon Business also offers two optional assessment services. The Wireless Site Assessment Service provides a network-readiness study, including analysis of physical site characteristics and potential internal and external sources of interference. The Wireless Security Assessment Service entails a review of wireless authentication, access and usage policies.

Service level guarantees are 45 business days for installation, 15 minutes "proactive" outage notification and next business day time to repair.The Verizon Business Managed Wireless LAN Service will be available in mid-July in the United States as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with Verizon Business’ managed local- or wide-area networking services. The service was previously available only on a custom basis. Verizon Business declined to provide pricing for the service.