The AvaLAN product line consists of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radios that together facilitate the extension of an organization's Ethernet communications to remote nodes via wireless communications. The gear itself leverages a proprietary protocol that the vendor states is designed to produce maximum range support between radios while using "modest data rates," i.e., typical data rates needed for DSL/Cable modem communications.

Features of the vendor's proprietary communication protocol include automatic channel selection (the error rates of each packet are monitored; and if errors become excessive the radios can automatically select a new channel over which to operate); and support for sub-block re-transmissions--i.e., large Ethernet packets are divided in multiple sub-blocks, each of which can be re-transmitted individually in the event of an error (the receiving radio automatically re-assembles the received blocks prior to sending data on). Both 900 MHz and 5.8 GHz flavors of radios are offered by the vendor, the former focusing on non-line-of-site shorter distances where obstructions (trees, other buildings, etc.) are present, and the latter targeted to clear line-of-site deployments. The 900 MHz gear support typical deployments of up to about 1500 feet with blocking trees; while 5.8 GHz line-of-site radios support communications of up to 30 miles (when deployed with appropriate antennae). Both indoor and outdoor specific radios are available.

Three primary camps of wireless radios are offered by the vendor: Point-to-point bridges, point-to-multipoint connections, and now IP addressable radios (which are also point-to-multipoint by nature). All feature encrypted (128-bit AES) communications between radios.

In the point-to-point line, the radios are sold in compatible pairs that are already aware of each other's encryption keys. Products in this line include the AW900i/x and AW5800i/x, offered in both indoor (i) and outdoor (x) models.

For point-to-multipoint deployments, up to 16 individual client radios can be connected to a single master radio at any one time; with the individual clients first needing to connect/associate to the master via a special 'mating' mode. Again, both 900 MHz and 5.8 GHz versions are offered in both indoor and outdoor flavors (AW900iT/xT, AW5800iT/xT).

Finally, the newest entry in the product family is the AW900xTR/AW5800xTR, an outdoor point-to-multipoint radio that includes support for IP addressing. Because the maximum channel outlay in the 900 MHz range is 12 channels, up to 12 individual AW900xTR access points could be rolled out in a single deployment; with up to 16 clients connecting per access point (so up to 192 total remote nodes).

Other products offered by the vendor include both omni- and directional antennas, mounting gear, and OEM modules.

The new AW900xTR is priced at $675. Visit the AvaLAN Web site for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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