802.11 Wi-Fi Array From Xirrus Open To Public Scrutiny

Xirrus, Inc. has announced there is now public access to the test plans and results of its 802.11n beta program scheduled to launch this quarter. The program, announced last week at Interop New York, focuses on comprehensive testing of Xirrus’ 802.11n Wi-Fi Array. The 802.11n Wi-Fi Array beta program will be executed by a number of existing Xirrus customers. These Beta customers will assist in the execution of performance-related testing of Xirrus’ 802.11n Draft 2.0 Wi-Fi Arrays. This testing will complement Wi-Fi Alliance certification for interoperability with the same draft standard. The beta program will focus on testing in the following six categories: Range, Rate and Coverage—Traffic Throughput—User Density—802.11a/b/g Interoperability—Voice over Wi-Fi applications—and Video over Wi-Fi applications.




Although the 802.11n wireless LAN standard is not expected to be finalized until the second half of 2008, the significant performance and range enhancements of the technology is increasing demand to deploy it in advance of its final ratification by the IEEE. It is the purpose of the Xirrus 802.11n beta program to provide a true picture of the capabilities of the technology for those customers looking to deploy it sooner rather than later. Test plans and results from the beta program testing will be made available via the Xirrus Web site (www.xirrus.com) and news releases.




While some may perceive deployment of pre-standard network infrastructure products as risky, the modular, upgradeable architecture of the Xirrus Wi-Fi Array alleviates such concerns. With removable, replaceable radio modules and a programmable hardware engine, the Xirrus Array can be upgraded from 802.11a/b/g today to 802.11a/b/g + n tomorrow. Plus, it can keep pace with potential additional changes to 802.11n before the standard is finalized. Xirrus has offered its 802.11n Upgrade Guarantee Program since December 2006. This has allowed customers to buy Xirrus Arrays today along with pre-purchasing an upgrade to 802.11n once it becomes available—Westlake Village, California