Extreme Dual-radio Access Point

The Altitude 350-2 is a dual-radio access point (AP) that supports simultaneous operation of 802.11a and 802.11g/b wireless networks. Used with Summit® WM series switches for centralized management and control, the Altitude 350-2 APs deliver Plug and Play installation anywhere in the organization’s network, including the next building, the next city, or even in another continent. Supports antenna diversity for better performance, particularly in challenging multipath environments.

The Altitude 350-2 delivers an easy-to-use, secure and high-performance solution that is ideal for demanding enterprises. With the versatility to simultaneously support a wide variety of wireless needs – including voice access, guest access, secured access, and rogue access point detection – the Altitude 350-2 dramatically simplifies the installation and operation of Enterprise wireless networks. This access point can be installed without major network topology changes, without significant network reconfiguration, without time-consuming pre-configuration steps and without skilled labor at the site.

Out-of-the-box Altitude 350-2 access point installation is easy. Using AccessAdapt, the Altitude 350-2 automatically discovers connections to the Summit WM series switch. No changes to the network topology or new VLANs are necessary – making the solution easy to integrate with existing networks. After discovering the Summit WM series switch, the Altitude 350-2 AP downloads configuration details and provisioning information. Using multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), designers can make a rich set of access options available to users of a single AP. For example, one Altitude AP can simultaneously support guests, Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) handsets, and secured employee access.

The Altitude 350-2 APs support two 802.11 wireless LAN radios, maximizing design options for user support and perimeter defense. When both radios are utilized, Enterprises benefit from having the maximum aggregate capacity available at every service location. Each radio can support multiple applications, such as voice, corporate, or guests, to tailor performance for demanding applications. The AP is plenum rated and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) or external power (adapters are sold separately), giving installers the flexibility to meet site demands for device placement.

The Altitude 350-2 APs provide Dynamic RF Management (DRM) using AutoCell (optional on the Summit WM100). AutoCell automatically assigns power levels and channels, continually adjusts RF characteristics while the system is in operation, and self-heals the network should an AP go out of service. As a result, the Altitude 350- 2 delivers fewer dropouts and lost connections, clearer calls, and higher system throughput. In addition to providing outstanding coverage, AutoCell also reduces the need for a rigorous site survey before installation.

AutoCell operations can be tailored to meet site, performance, and security demands. For the highest aggregate throughput and best roaming performance, AutoCell minimizes co-channel interference by providing “shaped” RF coverage. With cell shaping, transmit power is dynamically limited to the lowest level possible, while management frames (beacons) are transmitted at maximum power. This allows roaming clients (such as VoWLAN handsets) to easily and quickly locate radio resources and roam to adjacent cells. When cell shaping is disabled, the Altitude limits beacon transmission power levels, adding an extra measure of security by making wireless networks harder to detect outside the facility.

AutoCell even works to optimize the network when “foreign” wireless networks or interference sources are in range. If an interfacing signal is detected, AutoCell will automatically select channels and power levels to minimize the impact.