Ekahau pointed out a feature that we didn’t test but that is still worth noting, a way to have their solution work with essentially any WLAN infrastructure.
The recent Network World Location and Tracking test was designed as a basic exploration of the capabilities of Wi-Fi-based location and tracking systems, and we couldn’t possibly explore every function of every system. As one who tests a lot of products, that statement is now universally true. The degree of function (and, often, complexity) in IT products today always gives me pause before I commit to testing or reviewing anything – the amount of time involved can indeed be unbounded.
Anyway, as I noted in the review, I suggested checking with your WLAN vendor to see if Ekahau’s solution is supported. However, Ekahau management subsequently reported that there is a workaround here that I did not test, and that is using Ekahau’s tags to obtain signal strength data. Assuming one does this, the Ekahau solution could indeed work with any WLAN system, even consumer-grade equipment. An Ekahau manager mentioned to me, in fact, that he uses a Linksys AP to keep track of his tag-equipped dogs. “I eat my own dog food” he quipped, reflecting that old marketing saw somewhat more vividly than usual. He also noted that Ekahau has 32 certified WLAN vendor partners.
Anyway, there you go. Flexibility in any solution is always a desirable trait, and I appreciate Ekahau bringing this option to my attention. On a related note, I am also going to be reviewing the Ekahau Android-based Mobile Survey tool shortly as well. More on that in September.
