|
|
Rob Haviland introduces HP’s wireless product line
Watch on YouTube
Watch on Vimeo
Rob Haviland introduced HP’s wireless product line during Wireless Field Day 2, focusing primarily on the new HP Flex Campus mobility solution. The Flex Campus is designed to unify wired and wireless networking within organizational infrastructures, sitting alongside other components of the HP Flex Network architecture, which includes Flex Fabric for data centers, Flex Management, and Flex Branch for branch offices. Haviland emphasized that successful wireless networking is not only about technology but also an art, often influenced by the unique requirements of different environments. The presentation included highlights of HP’s new products, such as the outdoor 466R access point and the MSM 720 mobility access controller, which efficiently manages up to 40 access points, filling a gap in HP’s previous offerings.
During his talk, Haviland underscored the significance of conducting site surveys before implementing wireless solutions. He shared practical insights on how thorough site assessments—predictive, passive, and active—are vital to ensure optimal coverage and performance. The successful installation of wireless systems can hinge on such surveys, especially in larger enterprise settings where coverage can change due to technology upgrades or environmental factors. Haviland also touched on the evolving trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in corporate environments, highlighting the increased demand on access points and the implications on network performance and capacity.
Haviland concluded by discussing the features of the new access points, such as the 430, 460, and 466 series. He explained the advanced capabilities of these new products, including their support for concurrent operations on the 5GHz band, which enhance performance, particularly in high-density user environments. The pressurized introduction of features like band steering, beamforming, and the modular management system was designed to streamline network administration, enabling smoother integration of devices and more efficient use of bandwidth. Overall, HP aims to deliver a high-performance, scalable solution that not only meets the current needs of enterprises but is also attuned to future networking challenges.
Personnel: Rob Haviland
Rob Haviland continues his discussion of the HP Wi-Fi product line
Watch on YouTube
Watch on Vimeo
In this presentation, Rob Haviland elaborates on HP Networking’s Wi-Fi product lineup, introducing specific hardware and features that cater to the diverse needs of different market segments. He begins by highlighting the omnidirectional antenna suited for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, emphasizing the importance of external antennas for specific products such as the 466 indoor access point. Haviland points out potential misunderstandings from customers regarding the necessity of ordering these antennas, stressing that proper training in ordering processes is crucial. He also showcases the MSM 720 controller, a new addition aimed at servicing the mid-sized market efficiently, which includes support for up to 40 access points and a flexible deployment model.
As Haviland continues, he explains the hardware capabilities of the MSM 720 product, detailing its dual radio functionality and the ability to integrate with various components through advanced networking features such as LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol). This controller is positioned to function seamlessly within HP’s Flex Network Architecture, emphasizing a cohesive management experience for both wired and wireless networks. The presentation delves into licensing models and how HP’s approach minimizes the burden on customers, allowing them to purchase licenses in smaller increments, thereby serving smaller clients without requiring them to pay for excess capacity.
Haviland concludes by addressing the issue of mobility within HP’s wireless products, explaining the differentiation between access controllers and premium mobility controllers. The latter is equipped with advanced features such as layer 3 roaming, which does not come with the standard access controller without additional licensing. Throughout the discussion, there is an emphasis on HP’s commitment to innovation within a framework of industry standards, illustrating how the company manages to balance customer needs, licensing strategies, and product functionality within its networking solutions. The interactive session highlights customer queries related to the deployment, capabilities, and licensing approaches of HP Networking’s offerings, fostering an engaging environment that underscores the importance of customer insight in shaping product development.
Personnel: Rob Haviland