Netgear Line Meets All Of An SMB's Needs
The overwhelming issue most integrators have when setting up a wireless network solution is that most vendors only excel in one aspect of the total solution. Whether it is on the hardware, software or service side, many integrators say the major wireless vendors are lacking in at least one area.
Netgear recently launched a product line that promises to make up for these shortcomings and provide full wireless networking solutions for SMBs.
The company’s ProSafe 24 Port 10/100 Layer 3 Managed Switch (FSM7326P) and ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point (WG302) give integrators the tools necessary to satisfy the needs of SMBs while at the same time providing the path for a migration to a larger installed base.
The ProSafe product line includes extensive management capabilities, especially in the access points. The APs provide Radius authentication and support 802.1x security features, 802.11i and AES encryption. These features are usually reserved for enterprise-class technology.
The ProSafe WG302 AP began shipping in March and costs $445. The device supports 802.11a/g. The ProSafe FSM7326P switch costs $1,750 and includes power over Ethernet capabilities. The PoE switch provides power over traditional CAT 5 cable from the switch and can also power the APs. In addition, the FSM7326P Layer 3 Managed Switch has the capability to power IP telephony.
Using the ProSafe products in addition to other Netgear offerings, an integrator could provide an entire wireless setup for less than $1,000. Netgear also offers smaller-scale products at lower prices, making the ProSafe offerings extremely affordable and scalable for businesses of any size. The ProSafe 8 Port Fast Ethernet Switch (FS108P), for instance, is priced at $181, and the ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point (WG102), priced at $250, are ideal for simpler deployments. The FS108P, a low-priced unmanaged switch, can provide power to PoE-enabled devices over four of its eight ports.
The most impressive feature in the product line is the cognitive radio frequency (RF) management functionality found in the APs. Netgear’s AutoCell RF management technology enables the wireless access points to dynamically load-balance in dense wireless environments to prevent slowdowns or network crashes. Netgear partnered with AutoCell Laboratories to develop the feature, which enables the APs to shift to different channels based on bandwidth utilization. This feature helps prevent co-channel interference. If any APs are knowingly on the same channel but cannot switch, each conflicting AP will power down to automatically heal the data flow.
CRN Test Center engineers were disappointed to find that Netgear does not yet offer a rogue AP detection feature. The company says it is releasing a free firmware upgrade this summer that will provide rogue AP detection.
A big mistake many wireless integrators make when they are setting up a wireless solution for a customer is not conducting a site survey to determine parameters before installation. Placing APs at random in a wireless environment without performing a site survey can cause problems. A site survey can head off any potential issues and can also provide integrators with service revenue. For example, if dealing with a high-RF environment, the integrator can provide insight and make the right adjustments prior to installation. Netgear provides tools through its Powershift Partner Program to help solution providers make the correct installation decisions.
Platinum partners in Netgear’s channel program receive a 5 percent front-end rebate for meeting $300,000 in annual sales, while standard partners receive a 2 percent rebate for sales of $60,000. Both levels receive a 5 percent front-end government/education discount. Margins average 18 percent to 20 percent. Training, seed units, marketing materials and support from sales personnel are available. Average reseller margin on hardware is 20 percent. Netgear also offers its partners a quarterly 2 percent rebate, and larger VARs receive an up-front 5 percent rebate. Also, all products come with a lifetime warranty.
Unlike some major wireless vendors, Netgear is not overdistributed. This is an advantage for solution providers, since their competitors most likely will not be selling the same equipment. This can help smaller integrators remain competitive without starting a bidding war.
