Aerohive Platform Upgrade Includes Spectrum Analysis, Mobile Device Authentication

Fast-rising wireless LAN vendor Aerohive access point OS access control

Aerohive's HiveOS and HiveManager 4.0 releases build on what Aerohive has previously established with its controller-less approach to wireless networking. Specifically, in 4.0, each HiveAP has a Web portal through which guest network access can be provided using a private pre-shared key (PSK), and that same function also lets employees access the corporate network securely with their personal mobile device of choice, be it a tablet or a smartphone.

According to Aerohive, IT administrators can expand and modify user access rights based on both the type of device being used and information gained from the Web session, the Active Directory authentication, or the domain membership. For example, users can access the network with their personal devices with the same user credentials they have for their corporate devices, but administrators have the option to direct them to a separate network with only Internet and e-mail access if they choose.

The proliferation of different types of mobile devices and the need for those devices to be used in a business context are things no business can ignore, said Stephen Philip, vice president of corporate and product marketing at Aerohive.

"They want to be able to say, if it's a productivity tool, fine, let's use it, but we don't have to give unfettered access to the network," Philip told CRN.

Aerohive also has added spectrum analysis to its existing 802.11n APs, delivered as a free software upgrade. That's a difference from competitors that charge for the function, Philip noted.

"It's not a dedicated new AP a la Cisco," he said. "And we're not licensing the functionality like Aruba, but it is similar in the diagnostic tools that are provided."

Aerohive's spectrum analysis covers 2.4-Ghz and 5-Ghz spectrum analysis, time slicing access with scanning, and can identify interfering devices using common signatures. Aerohive said it's also providing HTML5-based spectrographs -- graphical representations of spectrum analysis -- that can be accessed via any device or Web browser.

Other updates to HiveOS/HiveManager 4.0 include integration of Aerohive's AP RADIUS functionality with Library Information Systems, the ability to perform access and backhaul on the same HiveAP radio, the ability to support VMware PCoIP and Citrix ICA desktop virtualization protocols using HiveAP quality of service and firewall policies, and multi-level and multiple perimeter support on Aerohive's HiveManager and the online version available at www.aerohive.com/planner.

Elsewhere, Aerohive is now offering a full complement of cloud networking services through channel partners, making good on a promise to launch cloud services in part behind its acquisition of cloud networking startup Pareto Networks earlier this year.

Aerohive VARs can offer services via Aerohive without having to build their own hosting platform or network operations center (NOC). Partners can demo, evaluate and add additional products to a customers' network as they see fit, Philip said.

"We're enabling partners to do their own administration of cloud-enabled networks," Philip explained.

HiveOS and HiveManager 4.0 are free to Aerohive customers with software support, and will be available starting June 20, according to Aerohive.

Aerohive has celebrated a number of recent growth milestones as it continues to build its market and channel presence. Last week, it announced the hiring of Bill Hoppin, a veteran of voice processor chip company Audience, as its new vice president of business development. Earlier this spring, Aerohive also closed a $25 million round of Series D venture capital funding.