Linksys, a developer of networking solutions for the home and business, has added clustering to its entire portfolio of wireless access points (APs) for small businesses. Clustering enables easy management of core AP functionality without the need of cloud-based controllers or hardware wireless LAN controllers.
The Linksys clustering feature is designed for small businesses that need a simple solution to manage multiple access points efficiently. A cluster provides a single point of administration for up to 16 APs and lets administrators view, deploy, configure, and secure the wireless network as a single entity rather than a series of separate wireless devices. When an administrator makes a change on one access point, it will automatically push the change to the other access points in the cluster.
“Our customer focus guides product development, helping to ensure that we continue to deliver quality products purpose-built for small businesses,” says Nandan Kalle, director of commercial networking, Linksys. “WLAN controllers are expensive and over-engineered with unnecessary functionality that small businesses don’t need. The Linksys portfolio of APs provides the right feature set that small businesses need to run a productive business environment at an affordable price point.”
In addition to clustering, Linksys has added a captive portal across its entire wireless AP product line. This is a fully customizable landing page for businesses to welcome visitors and provide wireless access in a branded environment that is separated from the core business network to maintain security for critical business assets.
The clustering feature is now available on all Linksys Business Wireless-AC Dual Band Access Points. Small businesses and their reseller/managed solution provider partners can download the firmware upgrade for LAPAC1750 and LAPAC1200 Wireless-AC Access Points at no additional charge. The LAPAC1750PRO AP currently ships with the clustering feature.
The company plans to add clustering to Linksys Business Wireless-N Access Points later this spring.
