* Foundry Networks’ WLAN improvements
Foundry Networks last week introduced several upgrades to its wireless LAN gear and management software in an attempt to make users more confident in deploying WLANs in enterprise settings.
The company integrated RF monitoring into its IronPoint access points to detect and suppress “rogue” access points and to let network managers know of denial-of-service attacks. The RF monitoring feature can be centrally managed by using a new version of Foundry’s IronView Network Manager software. Foundry says that having such an integrated system means users don’t have to purchase something separately to do the job.
In conjunction with the access points, Foundry’s FastIron Edge integrated wired/wireless LAN switches now support “out of the box” deployment of access points. The access points are automatically discovered and configured. The switches have better security to prevent unauthorized access. And the equipment can now support thousands of access points.
Another new feature lets users roam between switches, subnets and routers without having to do anything special as they move from one to another wirelessly. Foundry is also preparing the switches to handle VoIP over WLANs.
Yet another new feature allows users to extend wired virtual LAN segments into multiple mobility domains, merging the VLAN world with the WLAN world.
The Foundry devices can also now detect intrusions and lock out those who are trying to hammer at defenses to gain access.
Like many other network vendors, Foundry is finding itself deeply involved in security issues, particularly as WLANs become a more integral part of the LAN landscape. The new features are available now.
