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Chantry Networks' BeaconWorks 2.0 Provides Features for Voice and Data Wireless Communications, Campus or Branch Wide
WALTHAM, MA - May 4, 2004 - Chantry Networks, the leading innovator of routed wireless networking technology for IP-based networking, announced today the immediate availability of BeaconWorks' 2.0, a routed infrastructure for wireless voice, data and applications traffic. BeaconWorks 2.0 now provides customers with QoS based seamless Layer 3 roaming for wireless multimedia traffic, providing virtually zero latency when roaming. This means the wireless network will "sound and feel" just like the traditional wired telephone system, and far superior than cellular networks; this technical feature is the key requirement for widespread deployment of VoFi.
"VoFi holds the promise of increasing business performance, while also adapting to the way people operate - relying on mobile devices instead of 'land lines,'" said Tom Racca, vice president, marketing, Chantry Networks. "However, for VoFi to fulfill that promise, it needs to have a technology foundation that provides the same - if not better - service users expect from wired or cellular telephones. The wireless LAN industry can not afford to make the quality and latency mistakes that were - and in some cases still are - rampant in the cellular telephone industry."
Chantry's Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, Robert Myers states, "We developed BeaconWorks with the specific goal of being able to provide top notch quality of service regardless of the type of traffic handled by the wireless network. As a result, BeaconWorks has key features that address users' requirements for today's wireless networks, while also providing a standards-based foundation for tomorrow's wireless requirements. BeaconWorks satisfies both the technical needs of wireless users and the business needs of low cost of ownership and investment protection."
BeaconWorks 2.0 builds upon the company's award-winning BeaconWorks 1.0, which is a router-based, fit (thin) access point architecture for more scalable and easily maintained wireless LANs. BeaconWorks runs directly on Layer 3, at the IP level, transporting all wireless traffic directly on the same protocol level on which wired network traffic operates. This provides higher levels of service and more forward-thinking technology over switch-based, Layer 2 wireless LANs, which provide adequate technology for basic wireless access, but do not offer the added features required for more sophisticated uses of wireless communications.
BeaconWorks 2.0 has specific new features designed for widespread adoption of voice over IP and anticipated adoption of multimedia applications across wireless networks. BeaconWorks 2.0 also adds significant abilities for wider remote and more secure deployments. These features are:
Seamless differentiated multi-subnet roaming for VoFi traffic without the aid of client software
Adaptive QoS, and SSID-based QoS to simplify and unify VoFi deployments;
Compliance with the latest wireless security standards, including WPA;
Detection of rogue access points, which, if undetected, can compromise the security of the network;
VNSWorks™ for VoFi, providing firewall-like traffic steering, without the expense of new software or hardware - eliminating any potential of espionage anywhere on the wired network due to weak authentication and encryption of traditional VoFi phones;
CTP enabled protocol, providing mobile session management seamlessly across the WLAN infrastructure, including a clear direction for E911 support in a later release;
Branch support with central management and local bridging of authenticated traffic;
Active and passive Rogue AP detection increasing ability to detect rogue APs while minimizing service impact on users;
Check Point ELA (Event Logging API) support;
European Union and EU Free Trade partner support.
BeaconWorks 2.0 is a software only feature that does not require any new hardware or module. The software is free for those customers with support.
Chantry Networks has taken the best-of-breed approach with BeaconWorks. As such, BeaconWorks offers out-of-the-box interoperability with voice communications provider SpectraLink and security, firewall and virtual private network (VPN) provider CheckPoint Software Technologies. This interoperability enables customers to leverage proven, market-leading technologies within the BeaconWorks architecture.
"In 2003, Metro Toronto Convention Centre selected Chantry's BeaconWorks because it was smarter than most wireless networks and can deliver unprecedented levels of scalability and availability," said Bill McDonald, director of technology services for the Metro Toronto Convention Center (MTCC). "The wireless network backbone we have developed - based on BeaconWorks -allows us to provide clients with Internet access and networking capability, our staff with access to our corporate network, and a wireless portable telephone system - all on a single antenna infrastructure."
MTCC's WLAN can provide guaranteed seamless and continuous wireless service to more than 1,000 simultaneous mobile users. The wireless network gives users Internet access speeds of up to 54 Mbps, which is close to 1,000 times faster than conventional dial-up. MTCC is Canada's largest convention and trade facility and hosts more than 700 events annually, ranging in size from large international conventions to small local corporate meetings. Located in downtown Toronto, the convention center has a total of 460,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space and more than 2 million square feet of total space. By selecting BeaconWorks, MTCC has a future-proof wireless infrastructure to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees - regardless of traffic demands, user devices or location.
Pricing and availability
Many wireless users opt for phased deployments of wireless LAN technology. As such, Chantry offers flexible pricing models, starting at under $10,000. BeaconWorks 2.0 is available immediately from Chantry Networks and its authorized resellers in North America.
About BeaconWorks
BeaconWorks is a router-based WLAN architecture consisting of the BeaconMaster' access controller with BeaconPoint' access points. Embedded in BeaconWorks is Chantry's innovative VNSWorks technology that manages multiple virtual wireless networks over one physical wireless network. This technology provides yet one more cost effective approach to meeting the needs of wireless users.
About Chantry Networks
Chantry Networks is the creator of BeaconWorks, an innovative, IP-based wireless LAN (WLAN) solution. Offering unprecedented scalability and availability, coupled with unique network virtualization features, BeaconWorks overcomes the obstacles inherent in traditional WLAN systems to provide enterprises and service providers with the first economical and practical solution for building seamless and pervasive wireless networks. Founded in April of 2002, Chantry Networks is headquartered in Boston with offices in Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington, D.C. Chantry is backed by top-tier investors including Flagship Ventures, Primaxis Technology Ventures, Venture Coaches/ Skypoint Capital and Ventures West.
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