Motorola tightens up on WLAN security

Motorola has developed a hardware-based wireless intrusion prevention system sensor that it has incorporated into its wireless LAN access points, using technology from AirDefense.

Combining the WISP sensor with the access points will lower wireless deployment costs since many businesses apply a separate security network layer for their wireless LANs, said Kevin Goulet, senior director of product marketing for enterprise WLANs at Motorola.

Pricing was not disclosed for the AP-7131, which will be sold in the first quarter of 2009.

However, Goulet said that a business might save $200 (£123) per access point because it would not need to spend that much for a separate sensor and installation. Motorola purchased AirDefense in September and about 100 AirDefense staffers had been working on the new product prior to the close of the sale.

The AP-7131 will provide 802.11 a/b/g/n functionality, but a customer can also gain the combined sensor and AP capability with the AP-5131 for 802.11 a/b/g only, Goulet said.

Jasyn Voshell, manager of enterprise security at Textron, said the company is researching the Motorola APs for future use. "While the cost savings are extremely important to us, the physical management of the hardware is as important," he said in an email. "The ability to deploy one hardware unit and combine the infrastructure would decrease overall costs."

With its associated businesses, Textron's use of the Motorola technology could reach up to 30,000 workers, he said.