Trapeze bolsters WLAN software security

Trapeze Networks has released a new version of its wireless LAN software that it says improves customer security by linking with a third-party wireless intrusion detection/prevention system application.

Version 5.0 of the Trapeze systems software also supports several emerging standards for better quality voice over WLANs. In addition, the Trapeze RingMaster network-management application sports a new GUI, and improved reporting and monitoring.

The software runs on Trapeze's WLAN controllers and works with client code on the companion thin access points. RingMaster is a separate PC-based application. Trapeze competes in the enterprise market with Aruba Wireless Networks, Cisco, Colubris, Symbol Technologies and others.

The partnership with AirDefense lets customers buy the AirDefense wireless IDS/IPS appliance and companion radio sensors. Because of code changes by both vendors, data on wireless intrusions and attacks can be exchanged by the Trapeze and AirDefense components, and shows up in the RingMaster user interface.

The AirDefense sensors monitor radio frequency waves, and the appliance software detects, identifies and locates radio transmissions. Another change lets administrators select a group of Trapeze thin access points and designate these as radio frequency sensors, working with the nearest AirDefense sensor to more quickly analyze and isolate a wireless threat.

The previous version of the Trapeze software had a basic set of intrusion-detection features, and those remain unchanged. The integration with AirDefense lets administrators track more than 200 identified wireless threats and see historical data stored on the AirDefense appliance.

The new release supports two lesser-known elements of the IEEE 802.11e QoS specification, which are intended to improve voice traffic over WLAN links. One is TSPEC, or traffic specification, which characterizes the wireless traffic so QoS, bandwidth control and call admission parameters can be applied to it, according to Dan Simone, CTO for Trapeze.

The second element is a technique that lets a WLAN client, in this case a phone, tell an access point that the phone is ready to send or receive traffic. This technique was created to maximize the phone's battery life by drawing power only when needed.

RingMaster's GUI was modified to create a simplified network dashboard that lets administrators see a high-level summary of the WLAN's status and health, and then click on icons to drill down into both real-time and historical details. When used with AirDefense, the dashboard will summarize and display AirDefense alarms and details.

Also new is a browser-based version of RingMaster, which formerly was only a PC application. Administrators now can access RingMaster from any client with a Web browser.

Version 5.0 of the Trapeze software, including the new version of RingMaster, will be generally available late this month. The Trapeze Mobility System controller starts at $1,544. The AirDefense security appliance starts at just less than $8,000.