Meru says micro-cell wi-fi is dead

A SEA-CHANGE akin to the way switches killed hubs in the Ethernet world is being claimed by Meru Networks with its 'virtual port' technology. Theoretically it will enable wireless to completely replace wired network connexions.

The Network Nazis who typically control corporate LANs have shied away from wireless (ie Wi-fi) instead of fixed wire for three reasons. Firstly, they don't trust wireless to provide true reliability in the form of measurable QoS (Quality of Service), for example.

Secondly, they find it really difficult to manage wireless networks to ensure that important users and/or applications get the resources they need. Third, and perhaps most importantly, they don't trust wireless' security.

Meru reckons it has all three criticism cracked. Each wireless device can be assigned a 'virtual' port – just as if it were allocated a specific port on an Ethernet switch.

Once that happens, then the Network Nazis can control each wireless user's session to their hearts' content. Effectively Meru is copying what has happened in the storage space where users now see 'virtual' hard disk space instead of physical hard disk space.

All of this wouldn't work if wireless networks kept their 'micro-cell' structure where each wireless access point is effectively fighting for space against its closest rivals.

When a user with a laptop, PDA or mobile phone wanders around a building or a campus, it's difficult for the Network Nazis to guarantee the quality of their wireless connexion. Meru says that its 'virtual cell' technology defeats this obstacle.

Meru will have to convince the operators that this stuff really does work. But it has a trump card up its sleeve. Wireless LANs can prove far more cost effective than their fixed equivalents.

Something of an incentive to get the network guys to sit up and take notice. Or they might just lose their jobs. µ

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