Allied Telesis unveils wireless platform

Allied Telesis announces the introduction of the AT-UWC Wireless LAN Controller for small to medium sized enterprises and networks.
Offering features that include seamless mobility, client location tracking and security safeguards, the AT-UWC is available either as a hardware appliance or as hosted software; which may be installed on a server or on a VM. This option offers significant advantages in terms of set up and ongoing deployment. The product offers easy plug-and-play installation with simple management. A resilient and secure platform is ensured through a feature which enables associated access points (on AT-TQ2450 and newer models) to attempt connection to redundant controllers before switching to stand-alone mode and maintaining service on a best-effort basis. The AT-UWC may also be associated into a peer group making the resulting cluster a single point for provisioning, firmware upgrade, maintenance, RF and mobility operations.

“Enterprises need wireless connectivity to be secure, whilst permitting guest and BYOD access which does not compromise the network. Guest access may be controlled by means of a “captive portal” which maintains security of the corporate data whilst allowing access for guest users. Additionally, the AT-UWC dynamically manages the interference levels of various access points, offering reductions in radio frequency planning and consequent management time for staff. This wireless LAN controller complements the Allied Telesis portfolio of switches, and adds to our whole solution of scalability,” said Chris Hay, UK Solutions Architect, Allied Telesis.

AT-UWC provides Hot Spot capability to easily authenticate users and guest connected to the wireless Access Points protecting the network from intrusion.

To enhance and centralize the user management, AT-UWC works together with AlliedWare Plus Radius server available on the AW+ advanced Layer 3 switch or with any third party Network Access Control application.

Availability of Product: AT-UWC-Install Software WLAN Controller is available in EMEA, Central and South America and Asia Pacific. AT-UWC-60-APL (hardware appliance) is due in EMEA and CSA in December 2013 and in APAC in January 2014.

Chris Hay added: "We are seeing demand for our new wireless LAN controller across a wide range of sectors in the UK. Organisations facing the explosion of BYOD and increasing wireless demand require a well-engineered, high quality and feature-rich wireless solution, but at an affordable price. The Software as a Solution (SaaS) controller can be implemented as part of a VM cluster and this sets us apart in the market, providing extreme resilience without the need for a hardware appliance.”