Lose the wires, keep the security: 6 wireless access points tested

  Wireless security
  Introduction (cont.)


  ANTLabs
  D-Link
  Netgear
  Nortel
  SonicWALL
  3com

 Specifications
 How we tested
 Sample Scenario
 Final words
 Editor's choice
 About RMIT

Nortel
Wireless LAN Security Switch 2270
Wireless LAN AP 2230


Nortel provided a very impressive distributed wireless LAN security device with its own uniquely shaped access points. The APs support 802.11a, b, and g. They have an internal antenna as well as room for three external antennae, two for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz.

Initial configuration is via the console (serial) port. Basic console configuration takes the administrator through a guided series of questions to set IP configurations, DHCP pool server addresses, RADIUS server addresses, and so on. Note that to get the APs running, you must have a DHCP server running on the network. After the system reboots, the administrator can then access the device via a Web interface.

Security is the primary design of the Nortel solution and there are many security features incorporated into the device. It only took 10 to 15 minutes to set up initially for a relatively technically literate person. The system appears potentially to be very hard to work with, however after spending an hour or two setting up various policies, an administrator can begin to appreciate both the functionality and the relative ease of use, considering the quite complex tasks being performed.

The Nortel solution is very expensive, but is still possibly the best integrated wireless-only security product in this review. Nortel has certainly made an effort to address every detail when designing this kit. If you are in the market for a secure, powerful, centralised, distributed wireless LAN solution, the Nortel package is a definitely worth a look.

Nortel
Product Nortel Wireless LAN 2200 Series
Price Gateway US$10,999, access point US$599
Vendor Nortel Networks
Phone 02 8870 5000
Web www.nortelnetworks.com
 
Interoperability
Supports 802.11a,b, and g. Access points rely heavily on proprietary technology.
Futureproofing
Very secure, very scalable.
ROI
Very expensive, but very secure.
Service ½
One-year warranty appears standard for gateway devices.
Rating ½

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