Strix Systems, Inc. today announced that it has started shipping its Access/One Network, the first completely distributed, self-configuring wireless local area network system. Unlike traditional wireless LAN solutions which require wired Ethernet at every access point, the Access/One Network uses a wireless RF backhaul. Network Nodes or access points communicate through use of a mesh topology and 802.11a or g uplink.
"Strix Systems is bringing the luxuries of the wired world to the wireless world," said Allen Horwitz, vice president of networking at Chatsworth, Calif.-based Pacific Coast Cabling. "The implementation of a wireless technology at a company like ours which has 'cabling' in its name shows the power, robustness and security such a system must have."
As an early adopter of this wireless technology, Pacific Coast Cabling has chosen not only to install a multiple-node Access/One Network for its facilities, but also to be a value-added reseller of the product.
"As of today enterprises can untether their networks all the way back to the wiring closet," said Bruce Brown, chairman and CEO of Strix Systems. "Our customers look at this as a sound approach, especially those who are troubled by the costs and constraints of wiring. Now, they can simply place a Node where access is needed, turn it on and watch it configure itself to the network."
The Access/One Network serves all wireless devices using 802.11 a/b/g, Bluetooth, or future RF technologies simultaneously on a single enterprise network. The inclusion of enterprise-class management tools provides additional flexibility, while standards-based authentication using 802.1x Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Wired Equivalent Protocol (WEP) encryptions ensures security.
Whether users carry a notebook, tablet, PDA, or other wireless LAN or Bluetooth device, the Access/One Network enables them to stay continually connected to the network as they move about the building - without requiring special software on the device. Connections are passed from one Network Node to another as users traverse the building.
Access/One Network modules are designed to stack on top of one another to form a Network Node. Multiple Network Nodes discover and connect to each other through a mesh topology to form a unique self-healing and self-tuning wireless system for each organization.
Mesh topology is the next step in network evolution, beyond centralized switching and lightweight access points. Mesh topology overcomes the inherent limitations of bottlenecks and single points of failures of centralized WLAN switches. Distributed intelligence routes traffic on optimal paths, limits broadcasts and bottlenecks, simplifies installation requirements, and grows proportionately to provide connections for thousands of wireless devices.
Pricing and AvailabilityAccess/One Network Nodes are priced a la cart style ranging from $850 to $1300 depending on Network Node configuration and are now generally available.
About Strix SystemsStrix Systems designs, develops, and markets wireless network systems that enhance productivity and efficiency by providing employees with instant information via continuous, secure connections to company networks. Based in Westlake Village, California, the company has developed an extensive portfolio of patent-pending technologies. For more information about Strix Systems, please visit
www.strixsystems.com.