We also investigated the Unified Wireless Network's location-tracking, guest-access capabilities and the ability of the architecture to serve enterprises with branch-office locations. We were impressed with location tracking, and Cisco's upcoming 4.0 software and hardware release should ease the creation of guest credentials. A wide range of AP and controller choices provides flexibility in configuring remote locations.
For more in-depth information on our testing, including performance, pricing and future standards support, see our full Unified Wireless Network review .
We issued an RFI to get a snapshot of what Cisco's competitors are doing in the enterprise WLAN market. Aruba Networks, BlueSocket, Colubris Networks, Extreme Networks, Extricom, Meru Networks, Proxim Wireless, Siemens, Symbol Technologies, 3Com and Xirrus answered these questions; a summary of their responses is available here. and full RFI responses are here.
1. Architecture. The approach to design of enterprise WLAN systems varies among vendors. Enterprise IT professionals evaluating system purchase decisions often seek to gain a greater understanding of the approach taken by each vendor. Describe your overall architectural approach to enterprise WLAN solutions.
2. Wired/Wireless Integration. Many enterprise IT professionals are unsure whether they should focus on a single vendor for their wired and wireless networks or if a wireless overlay solution is a better choice. Provide your perspectives on this issue. If you are a company that offers an integrated solution, please explain the benefits of this level of integration, providing specific examples wherever necessary. If you are an overlay vendor, explain the benefits of such an approach and provide reassurance to those skeptics who feel it is best to look to a single vendor for wired and wireless LAN systems.
