Introduction - Proxim Harmony 802.11b User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing Proxim's Harmony 802.11b Access Point Model 8550, a
member of Proxim's Harmony Wirefree Infrastructure Family. The Harmony product
line is the first wirefree networking solution to embrace all current and future wirefree
LAN standards, including OpenAir, IEEE 802.11b, and future 10 Mbps frequency
hopping and 5 GHz technologies, in a single, homogeneous architecture.
For enterprise customers implementing wirefree solutions, Harmony reduces equip-
ment acquisition costs, installation complexity, and long-term operating costs by
centralizing network management, communication, and security services.
Harmony protects current and future wirefree infrastructure investments by supporting
all leading and forthcoming wireless LAN protocols. Existing RangeLAN2,
OpenAir-compatible and IEEE 802.11b products are all fully compatible with Har-
mony. Customers may seamlessly transition to new LAN standards by adding low-cost
access points without changing the management interface or disturbing existing users.
Harmony further reduces network costs through its SmartArchitecture, the first
wirefree management system to provide one-click, system-wide security updates and
remote office infrastructure management through a single interface. The system may be
managed through a Web-based interface, which provides customizable network maps
and traffic statistics, or through standard enterprise SNMP packages. Harmony's
SmartArchitecture also greatly reduces the time and expense of installation by avoiding
many of the hidden costs of a wirefree infrastructure.
Harmony Access Points may be connected to any portion of the Ethernet network,
eliminating the need for special wirefree subnets common in other installations. Har-
mony clients also roam seamlessly anywhere there is wirefree coverage, without the
need for extra client software. In addition, Harmony SmartAttach software auto-
discovers and configures new access points upon connection to the Ethernet network,
simplifying installation.
Proxim is the leading supplier of wirefree networking solutions. Proxim's unmatched
expertise in spread spectrum radio networking technology, combined with the
company's extensive experience serving the communication needs of the mobile
computing user, have kept Proxim at the forefront of the wirefree LAN market.
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