Nortel revamps WLAN portfolio with Trapeze technology

In partnership with Trapeze Networks, Nortel Networks has developed a new line of wireless LAN products, intended to converge office communications onto the same platform and build a better business case for wireless in the office.

The WLAN 2300 product line incorporates Trapeze's wireless LAN switch technology, which provides centralized network control of both networks, along with VoIP over wireless and new multimedia functionality. Trapeze's LAN mobility switch acts as an adjunct to an enterprise Ethernet network, allowing terminals connected via wireless to function just like PCs connected to the wired network while maintaining security protocols and access permission.

Nortel officials said that the goal of the new portfolio is to establish wireless as the primary means of business communications in the workplace, which despite the success of Wi-Fi has remained a very hard-wired environment.

Trapeze officials said that the relationship with Nortel is more than just an OEM one, in which Nortel will resell its switching products. The two companies are co-developing new WLAN technologies and Nortel would integrate Trapeze technology directly into the WLAN 2300 products.