Modular wireless switch for high-performance networks

Xirrus launched the XR-series Wireless Arrays, the first modular, chassis-based wireless switch portfolio – providing modularity to protect network investments as devices proliferate and wireless performance needs grow. Xirrus also released Xirrus Management System (XMS) 6.0, further enhancing the security, troubleshooting, and manageability of the solution.

“During the past decade, Wi-Fi has seen tremendous acceptance in the market,” said Michael King, Research Director at Gartner. “Wi-Fi-enabled devices will grow from less than 1 billion units in 2010 to more than 3 billion in 2015. This growth has been driven by notebook PCs and, more recently, tablets and smartphones. The expectations of wireless connectivity continue to grow, as workers in remote offices visit the headquarters, and where newer employees look at wired connectivity not only as legacy, but even archaic, technology.”

Compared to conventional thin APs and controllers, the wireless Arrays integrate from 4 to 16 internal radios, a high-gain directional antenna system, multi-gigabit switch/controller, firewall, and threat sensor into a single access device that can support an additional 16 remote radios from the same chassis.

This architecture provides 4X the coverage and up to 8X the bandwidth and capacity of the conventional thin AP architectures. That means fewer devices, cables, switch ports, and maintenance expenses, all while delivering flawless and secure wireless access under the most demanding circumstances.

To simplify deployment and maximize the performance of XR-Series Wireless Arrays, the Xirrus Management System (XMS) provides wireless-network lifecycle management for configuration and policy management, performance monitoring and reporting, security monitoring, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance.

Its flexible deployment options enable IT or communications personnel to specify on-premises appliances, on-premises software, or cloud-based managed-service-provider deployment. Some of the new features in version 6.0 of XMS include:

Device identification – Policy enforcements, analytics, and reporting based on device types.

Remote packet-capture – Spectrum and performance analysis with dedicated radio sniffer.

Enhanced IDS/IPS functionality – More signatures and stronger threat management.

Legacy AP management (via .11 MIB) – Compatibility during network refreshes.

Form factor flexibility – Available as an appliance or VM.

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