The HotPort Mesh Nodes from Firetide provide network administrators with the ability to extend the reach of their wired LANs to unwired locations via the building of "Wireless Mesh Networks."

HotPort Mesh Nodes are served in indoor and outdoor configurations; each of the outdoor HotPort Mesh Nodes contains dual 10/100 Ethernet ports (4 ports on the indoor models). Any node can be installed and configured as a Network Gateway Interconnect (which allows a node to establish a connection between the wireless mesh and an existing network, such as a LAN, WAN, or Internet connection). After installing a node so configured somewhere on the wired LAN, additional nodes can then provide remote LAN access points after being plugged in and powered up. Proprietary technology developed by Firetide (the AutoMesh protocol) allows the nodes to automatically detect and internetwork with each other; the actual Ethernet devices (PCs, laptop, access points, surveillance cameras, etc.) are then attached to the Mesh--and therefore the LAN--by plugging their Ethernet cables into the HotPort nodes. HotPort nodes operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz spectrums (special 4.9 GHz nodes are also available), with throughput of 10 or 25 Mb/sec, depending on model.

The nodes communicate with one another via the vendor's AutoMesh Protocol, and data protection is provided via WEP (40/104 bit) or AES (128/256 bit) encryption. Access to the mesh network can be protected via MAC address filtering on either an explicit Allow or Deny basis.

Each Mesh Node ships with Hotview Mesh Management Software, which provides an administrative GUI allowing for the configuration of security provisions, VLAN assignments, per-port traffic prioritization settings, transmit power levels, diagnostic and test tools, and more. The separately available HotView Pro software allows for the bridging and centralized administration of multiple mesh networks ("MeshBridge"); such MultiMesh environments can, according to the vendor, operate with up to 1,000 nodes. In addition to MultiMesh capabilities, the Pro version of the management software also adds SNMP management, and Web-based client access to the HotView Pro Server.

Multiple versions of the HotPoint Mesh Nodes are currently offered.

The 3101 and 3103 are indoor models with 4 Ethernet ports providing up to 10 Mb/sec (3101) and 25 Mb/sec (3103) throughput. The 3103 adds a three-level CoS prioritization feature.

The 3203 starts with the same functional feature set as the 3103, except that it is built for outdoor use (it ships in a cast aluminum NEMA-4X/IP66 compatible enclosure) and houses only 2 Ethernet ports. The outdoor node can be powered via a weatherized AC adapter or a street light power tap, and additionally provides PoE power to attached devices.

Each of the above nodes ships with a 100 mW radio. For use only in the US, the vendor also offers the 3500 series of indoor nodes, which mirror the capabilities of the 3101/3103; and the 3600 series which mirrors the 3203. The 3500 and 3600 series nodes ship with 400 mW radios.

Finally, the vendor also offers 4.9 GHz compatible versions of their nodes (3100/PS, 3200/PS), targeted specifically to public safety organizations.

Beyond the HotPort Mesh Nodes, Firetide also offers their HotPoint Access Points, which can plug into a mesh network provided by the above nodes (or a wired network) and provide connectivity (802.11 b/g) to it for wireless-enabled devices. Like the mesh nodes, the access points are served in both indoor and outdoor models, and can be managed by the same HotView management software.

New to the Firetide platform is the HotView Controller software, which is currently bundled with HotView Pro. HotView Controller can be installed either on the HotView Pro Server or a separate Linux-based PC, and provides mobility controls to the Mesh network such that mobile devices can remain continuously connected to the Mesh network when moving from Mesh node to Mesh node. According to the vendor, the roaming hand offs work across Firetide access point networks even when switching across mesh networks or IP domains. The vendor notes that upcoming versions of HotView Controller will add auto provisioning features for Mesh Nodes and Access Points, and client controls that manage signal strength and admission control.

Base pricing for the HotPorts is $895 indoor, $1995 outdoor; and for the HotPoints is $695 indoor, $995 outdoor. HotView Pro with the HotView COntroller is priced at $2,995 for 30 seats.

Contact Firetide for further information.