Systimax points to better access
Cabling vendor launches range of Wi-Fi APs
Cabling vendor Systimax Solutions has launched a range of Wi-Fi access points (APs) as an extension to its structured cabling.
The move suggests APs are becoming part of the general network infrastructure instead of separate - and costly - add-ons to wired networks.
But the firm will face stiff competition from several vendors, including Cisco, 3Com, Hewlett-Packard, Nortel, Airespace, Aruba and Trapeze.
"We were involved as part of Lucent when wireless LAN was in its embryonic stages," said John McCarthy, European managing director of Systimax. "We knew health concerns, security and speed were issues. These have been mostly resolved."
The firm has designed its own range of APs, combining them with rack-mounted Power over Ethernet devices and signal-enhancing antennae.
Bob Tarzey, services director at Quocirca, said: "There are lots of players in wireless now, but most are new. I would have thought Systimax would have been a good route to market for several wireless manufacturers."