Gartner Magic Quadrant for Wireless LAN Infrastructure (March 2011)
Wireless LANs are continually evolving, with new devices like iPads, iPhones and Androids rapidly extending a corporate network's boundaries. O2 Networks rely upon the unique strengths of Aruba to simplify, segment and control your wireless LAN without impairing the user experience or your organisation's security.
Aruba Networks is a networking vendor selling enterprise wireless LAN and edge access networking equipment. Aruba’s core products are access points (APs), mobility controllers, and network management software through their Airwave Management Platform product.
In May 2009, the company introduced the Virtual Branch Network (VBN) family of products targeting branch offices and remote locations.
Aruba’s MOVE architecture provides context-aware networking for the post-PC era. Mobility network services are delivered centrally from the data centre across thin access networking devices or “on-ramps.”
At the heart of Aruba MOVE, Mobility Controllers deliver a single set of network services to manage security, policy and network performance for every user and device on the network, regardless of access type. This mobility and user-centric approach makes it possible to re-architect the access network to simultaneously provide workforce mobility and reduce costs.
To connect users into the network, whether at work, home, or on the road, Aruba access on-ramps include wireless, wired, and VPN products. Device configuration, security policies, and reporting are all done centrally in the data centre effectively making installation a zero-touch experience.
Deployed in the data centre, a centralized set of mobility network services enable device and user authorization, implement security policies, unify network operations, and provide visibility to the RF environment.
Mobility Controller: Aruba Mobility Controllers provide context-aware networking across wireless and wired LANs, VPN connections, and remote offices. Running the Aruba OS operating system, Mobility Controllers integrate a wide array of networking and security functions and deliver a seamless user experience regardless of the connection medium.
Amigopod Access Management: Aruba Amigopod software is a scalable, easy-to-use visitor management solution that delivers secure network access to guests, employees and their mobile devices. Scalable to satisfy the needs of large enterprises, Amigopod features self-registration as well as skin technology for customizing corporate branding.
AirWave Network Management: AirWave is the only multi-vendor network management software that manages everything affecting service quality – the RF environment, controllers, wired infrastructure and access points. The intuitive user interface can delegate responsibility across IT by providing access to charts, tables, diagnostic information and alerts based on support staff roles.
Access Points: Aruba’s 802.11n access points deliver up to ten times faster performance compared to legacy Wi-Fi networks. Spanning a wide range from entry-level to high-performance, the AP portfolio offer integrated RF management, intrusion prevention, and support for maximum client density of smartphones and tablets.
Mobility Access Switches: Aruba’s mobility access switches are a new class of product that brings context-based access to wired networks. Designed for wiring closets, the S3500 delivers secure access to users, independent of their location, access method, device or application
Outdoor Mesh Routers: Aruba wireless mesh routers deliver high-performance networking to outdoor environments where wired connectivity is impractical or unavailable. A multi-radio, multi-frequency design provides unparalleled speed and reliability for transporting real-time applications across long-distance.
Remote Networks: Aruba’s Virtual Branch Networking solution easily and affordably brings the corporate network to small and mid-sized branches and home offices. VBN rightsizes branch networks by leveraging compact Remote Access Points (RAPs), cloud-based content security, and affordable broadband to replace costly appliances, VPN solutions and WAN links.
VIA Agent: Aruba’s Virtual Intranet Access (VIA) agent software provides secure remote connectivity for Windows and Mac OS X laptops. Unlike traditional VPN software, VIA provides a zero-touch experience for the end-user by automatically creating a secure connection back to the corporate network whenever needed.