Sputnik is shipping a new Linux-based wireless access point (AP) that works with its carrier-class wireless network management software. The AP 220 is based on a Gemtek AP, flashed with uClinux and Sputnik's “Agent” software. It targets WISPs (wireless Internet service providers) with hotspots in motels, restaurants, and other public places.

Sputnik's AP 220 is based on the Gemtek P-520 operator access point
Sputnik shipped its original 10Mbps 802.11b AP 120, and its Control Center software, in October of last year. The company has since introduced a number of different rebranded APs, as well as several updates to Control Center. It has also launched a SputnikNet service that helps small WISPs run networks without maintaining their own central management servers.

The AP 220

The AP 220 is based on the P-520 AP from Gemtek, the largest AP maker in the world, Sputnik says. The P-520 targets wireless operators, rather than home or IT users, and is designed to work with even the largest hotspots, according to Gemtek. It features high receiving sensitivity, integrated high-gain diversity antennas, adjustable power output up to 200mW, PoE (power-over-ethernet) support, and a theft-deterring wallmount system.

The P-520 was designed to support integration with wireless mesh networks (networks with multiple access points). Its stock, Gemtek firmware environment supports seamless roaming through IAPP, Layer-2 user isolation, WDS (wireless distribution system), and 802.1x/EAPoLAN with optional pass-through methods, Gemtek says.

The device measures 7.7 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches (196 x 142 x 35mm), and weighs 350 grams.

The Gemtek P-520 is an “operator” AP for integration in large wireless networks

When purchased as the Sputnik AP 220, the Gemtek device features a uClinux operating system with special Agent software that interfaces with Sputnik Control Center software using jabber, an open xml-based message protocol used in instant messaging and in M2M (machine-to-machine) communications.

Claimed features of the Sputnik Agent include:

• Remote telemetry (reporting health and status)
• Remote management (plug-n-play provisioning, configuration, upgrade)
  
• Captive portal redirect (user authentication)
  
• Dynamic firewalling (based on user policy)
• Bandwidth tracking by AP or user

APs running Sputnik Agent software are managed through Sputnik's Control Center application, which provides a secure, Web-based central management interface. Users are managed through OpenLDAP (lightweight directory access protocol). A PostgreSQL database provides storage, and all functionality is implemented using open, standard languages such as perl and SQL.

According to Sputnik, Control Center features include:

• Multi-domain architecture
• Plug-n-play remote AP provisioning
• No special client software required, other than standard 802.11 wireless
• Built-in AAA – user authentication, central user authorization, user bandwidth usage accounting
• Integration with external AAA systems, including RADIUS, LDAP, EAP, NDS and Microsoft Active Directory, and NMS (network management systems) including CA Unicenter, IBM Tivoli, HP OpenView, and OpenNMS
• Detailed usage tracking, including reports for capacity planning and fraud detection
• Flexible reporting
• Remote AP management over the Internet
• Network security, including support for WEP, WPA and VPN pass-through
• Branded user experience
• Sputnik modules for added features
• Flexible business model
• Easy installation and upgrades
• Inexpensive to own and operate

Control Center software requires a Linux system with permanent Internet connection that is addressable via a valid DNS entry.

Availability

The Sputnik AP 220 is available now, priced at $199, or $599 bundled with a Control Center license and an AP 160 (pictured at right). Sputnik also offers sells APs separate from Control Center, for use with its “SputnikNet” accounts.

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