[May 10, 2004] Chantry Networks Integrates Funk Software's WLAN Security Solutions with BeaconWorks for Secure, Seamless Roaming for Voice And Data LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- May 10, 2004 -- Partnership Provides Maximum Security Features with Minimum Intrusion on Mobile Users Chantry Networks, the leading innovator of routed wireless networking technology for IP-based networking, announced today a technical integration and partnership with Funk Software to provide user-friendly wireless networks with advanced security features. Chantry's BeaconWorks(TM) is interoperable with Funk Software's secure WLAN and RADIUS/AAA solutions, Odyssey(R) and Steel-Belted Radius(R). "Wireless networks will only be successful and pervasive if they can adapt to users' needs," said Tom Racca, vice president, marketing, Chantry Networks. "The most significant demand users have is quality of service - wireless voice and data traffic must feel just like 'wired' traffic does to the end user. However, these usability requirements do not negate the need for robust security. Chantry's integration with Funk Software's solutions eliminates the 'either or' proposition and delivers both high quality service and comprehensive security." "No enterprise will deploy WLAN access unless it is secure and easily managed," said Joe Ryan, vice president of Funk Software. "With this partnership, Funk Software and Chantry are delivering a WLAN access solution that customers can confidently deploy - with maximum security and minimal impact on their IT staff." The key usability feature of this partnership is how the technology jointly handles user authentication. Since BeaconWorks does not require re-authentication as the user roams between subnets, the technology provides for zero latency - ensuring high quality for data and voice transmissions. Funk Software's Steel-Belted Radius server authenticates users against a wide variety of authentication schemes, including Windows, LDAP and token systems. Together, these technologies make it easier to realize the benefits of wireless networks while also providing the level of security necessary for corporate peace of mind. "When considering comprehensive security for a wireless LAN, enterprises must also consider the unique network requirements of voice and data traffic, such as throughput, voice quality and capacity," said Richard Webb, directing analyst, wireless LANs for Infonetics Research. "This technical partnership between two wireless LAN security innovators will allow enterprises to separate voice and data traffic on the network while ensuring each user has persistent secure access even while roaming between subnets." BeaconWorks is a router-based, fit (thin) access point architecture for more scalable and easily maintained wireless LANs. BeaconWorks runs directly on Layer 3, at the IP level, transporting all wireless traffic directly on the same protocol level on which wired network traffic operates. This provides higher levels of service and more forward-thinking technology over switch-based, Layer 2 wireless LANs, which provide adequate technology for basic wireless access, but do not offer the added features required for more sophisticated uses of wireless communications. The two companies have tested and certified full interoperability between BeaconWorks and Funk Software's Odyssey Client and Steel-Belted Radius, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data security across the wireless network. Funk Software's Odyssey Client is a multi-platform, multi-protocol 802.1x access client that allows WLAN users to establish a secure connection over the wireless network and is easily deployed enterprise-wide. Steel-Belted Radius is a RADIUS server that manages the access control and security of all WLAN, remote/VPN, and wired 802.1x users on the network. Chantry Networks has taken the best-of-breed approach with BeaconWorks. As such, BeaconWorks offers out-of-the-box interoperability with voice communications provider SpectraLink and security, firewall and virtual private network (VPN) provider CheckPoint Software Technologies. This interoperability enables customers to leverage proven, market-leading technologies within the BeaconWorks architecture. BeaconWorks consists of the BeaconMaster(TM) access controller with BeaconPoint(TM) access points. Embedded in BeaconWorks is Chantry's innovative VNSWorks technology that manages multiple virtual wireless networks over one physical wireless network. This technology provides yet one more cost effective approach to meeting the needs of wireless users. Demonstrating Interoperability at N+I Today's announcement coincides with multiple interoperability demonstrations at Chantry's booth #2259 at the show. Chantry is showcasing how BeaconWorks manages voice over wireless traffic, provides seamless roaming, and has centralized security through the integration with Funk Software. Additionally, Chantry Networks' CEO, Peter Vicars, will be participating in a WLAN CEO/CTO Roundtable moderated by Craig Mathias on Wednesday, May 12, 3:15pm-4:45pm. The discussion will focus on trends and issues in the wireless LAN industry. About Funk Software Funk Software is the leading commercial developer of WLAN and RADIUS/AAA security solutions. Odyssey, the company's end-to-end 802.1x WLAN security solution, managers wireless user access and security on enterprise networks from small companies to Fortune 100 corporations. The suite includes Odyssey Server, a RADIUS server customized for WLAN use, and Odyssey Client, a secure 802.1x access client offering fast and cost-effective solutions for wireless operator, service provider and enterprise networks, leads the market with deployments on thousands of public and private networks worldwide. Funk Software is the recipient of the 802.11 Report's Fiercest 15 award and Frost & Sullivan's 2003 Market Engineering Leadership Award for Standalone WLAN Security Software. The privately held company is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.funk.com. About Chantry Networks Chantry Networks is the creator of BeaconWorks, an innovative, IP-based wireless LAN (WLAN) solution. Offering unprecedented scalability and availability, coupled with unique network virtualization features, BeaconWorks overcomes the obstacles inherent in traditional WLAN systems to provide enterprises and service providers with the first economical and practical solution for building seamless and pervasive wireless networks. Founded in April of 2002, Chantry Networks is headquartered in Boston with offices in Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington, D.C. Chantry is backed by top-tier investors including Flagship Ventures, Primaxis Technology Ventures, Venture Coaches/ Skypoint Capital and Ventures West. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]