Securing and scaling the Wireless LAN

First generation Wireless LAN (WLAN) systems were all about basic standards, connectivity, and end-user benefits. They did not address a number of key enterprise requirements. Second generation WLAN systems are all about enhanced standards addressing security, Quality of Service (QoS), interoperability, enterprise-wide roaming, and architected solutions with placement of functionality for optimal price, performance, and control. This paper describes Nortel Networks second generation secure WLAN architecture, which is centered on a new networking element: the WLAN Security Switch. Deployment of second generation WLAN solutions will lay the groundwork for third generation WLANs, which will be highly integrated and include support for seamless roaming across public and private networks.