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Wireless security - yet another proprietary solution to WEP vulnerability

SMC has wrapped its wireless LAN technology in a "comprehensive Layer 3 solution" to provide VPN security

SMC, something of a pioneer in embedding firewalls in home and small-business wireless access points, reckons its new Eliteconnect WLAN security system will help it into the enterprise market.

EliteConnect incorporates VPN technology "to solve the security vulnerabilities of WEP and provides network administrators with virtual private network tunneling, user authentication and rights management."

It comprises the WLAN Secure Server (SMC2504W) and WLAN Access Manager (SMC2502W), and is "a network control system that integrates with part or all of existing wireless networks," says SMC. "The EliteConnect WLAN Security System is interoperable with all 802.11 standards, Bluetooth and wired Ethernet. For advanced security, the WLAN Security System enables secure VPN network traffic from the wireless client to the existing LAN infrastructure.

"With the introduction of the EliteConnect WLAN Security System, we've rounded out our comprehensive portfolio of wireless LAN solutions designed for the SMB and SME sectors," explained Betty Chan, Wireless Product Manager for SMC Networks.

"The EliteConnect system effectively solves the security and management problems that have plagued wireless networks since their inception. Organizations that have been hesitant to deploy the cost saving, mobility-enhancing WLAN technology can now implement wireless networks with confidence that they can maintain the positive control and security required to protect their corporate assets," Chan concluded.

Designed with an emphasis on network security, the SMC EliteConnect WLAN Secure Server (SMC2504W) offers an all-in-one solution that provides network protection and access management of the wireless network. The Secure Server centrally manages authentication and user rights for all wireless users, presents logon screens, and enforces access and usage policies. For added security, the Secure Server includes built-in VPN support (PPTP/L2TP/IPSec) to provide secure wireless communications to and from the wireless clients. To enhance mobility within the wireless network, the Secure Server creates a wireless environment that allows wireless clients to roam across different subnets, maintaining active sessions and eliminating the need for re-authentication.

The SMC EliteConnect WLAN Access Manager (SMC2502W) connects to all network access points, regardless of their wireless standard, through four 10/100 RJ-45 ports. All traffic between each wireless client and the rest of the network passes through the Access Manager. The Access Manager, which includes a robust packet inspection engine, monitors network traffic, enables Layer 3 roaming across multiple subnets, and enforces pre-configured user rights from the Secure Server once the users have been authenticated.

To manage the wireless network, the Access Manager supports complete session logging and persistent session roaming. The WLAN Access Manager is also used as a VPN (PPTP/L2TP/IPSec) termination endpoint where secure tunnels are created between the wireless client and the Access Manager.

It will be available at the end of March via direct marketers, through the Solution Provider channel, and to strategic accounts around the world at an estimated street price of $5,999 for the Secure Server, and $2,999 for the Access Manager. For additional information, visit http://elite.smc.com.