Symbol Technologies announces new wireless architecture to drive the next generation of enterprise mobility

The architecture enables the consolidation of Wi-Fi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), VoWLAN (Voice over Wireless LAN), mesh and WiMAX networks in the industry's first integrated RF switching platform. With this new architecture, customers can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and lay the foundation for the next generation of productivity applications. Additionally, Symbol's Wi-NG architecture will enable Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), further powering the next generation of enterprise mobility.

Symbol's Wi-NG architecture will apply the same innovative concept of centralised wireless switching to RFID for improved security, manageability and scalability. By 2009, the RFID market will reach $2.5 billion and the enterprise WLAN market is expected to reach $2.9 billion. Rather than continue to build separate networks, Symbol will help customers consolidate both to create a RF switched domain that integrates both environments.

"With our experience and innovation in wireless and mobility, Symbol is uniquely positioned to forecast what is next for the enterprise and change the face of the wireless industry," said Tarek Hassaniyeh, sales manager, Symbol Technologies Middle East.

"Wi-NG is the blueprint to build a fourth-generation network, and represents the next step in Symbol's enterprise mobility strategy - enabling organizations to capture data; move the information with applications on Symbol's Wi-Fi network; and securely manage the entire system."

Symbol's Wi-NG will serve as the architecture that enables a RF switching domain to address the adoption and convergence of Wi-Fi networks and emerging RF technologies such as RFID. Businesses will be able to deploy an integrated RFID system with the proven security and scalability of a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, Wi-NG will give businesses the ability to expand their Wi-Fi networks beyond the four walls with a centrally managed mesh network, as well as enhanced security, management and wireless integration features.

The cornerstone of the Wi-NG architecture is the modular Linux-based operating system that provides a separation between infrastructure, services, application and management layers.

"Symbol has a history of innovation in enterprise wireless dating back to 1989 when we introduced the first wireless LAN, and again in 2002 with the industry's first wireless switch," said Sujai Hajela, vice president of engineering of Symbol's Wireless Infrastructure Division.

"The layered Wi-NG architecture is an engineering concept that takes advantage of multiple hardware platforms and multiple-processor systems to enable scalable, high-performance wireless solutions required by the next generation of enterprise mobility."

The Wi-NG architecture includes integrated RF management features to monitor and manage wireless devices throughout the spectrum to ensure maximum up-time and peak performance of the network system, as well as plan, evaluate and monitor the Wi-Fi network.

Symbol's RF management with Wireless Intrusion Protection System (Wireless IPS) enables businesses to extend location-based services throughout the enterprise, and quickly locate devices and disarm potential threats, providing protection against unauthorised access and malicious attacks on the Wi-Fi network.

Symbol's Wi-NG will serve as the foundation for Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) for the enterprise, providing persistent connectivity to dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handheld devices. Wi-NG will enable FMC by supporting current and emerging broadband wireless technologies, including 802.11n, WiMAX, GPRS, EV-DO, and integrate multiple Wi-Fi networks in a LAN.

Later this year, Symbol's award-winning WS5100 wireless switch will be the first product to leverage the Wi-NG architecture. The WS5100 wireless switch will allow businesses to use their access points to securely extend the perimeter of wireless coverage to locations, previously too expensive or physically difficult to wire.