In partnership with TeamF1, Inc. and Senao Networks, Inc., Applied Micro Circuits Corporation (AMCC) has developed comprehensive hardware/software reference design kit based on its 32-bit PowerPC 405EX RISC processor. This reference design kit is designed to accelerate customers time-to-market for enterprise 802.11n wireless access points (AP). And will be demonstrated at next month’s Computex Taipei in Taiwan.

This reference design enables wireless access point system designers and manufacturers to overcome many of the design challenges associated with next-generation systems, stated Charlie Ashton, AMCC’s director of Enablement. By introducing high-performance, low-cost, low-power microprocessors into 802.11n APs, AMCC is helping designers support higher frequency radios, higher data rates, a greater number of end users, new security standards, power-over-Ethernet (PoE), voice, video and other applications, added Ashton.

The reference design comprises two key elements. The managed access point software (MAPS) from TeamF1, a provider of embedded security and wireless software, and the “Makalu” network appliance hardware reference design platform, developed for AMCC by Senao Networks, a Taiwan-based ODM with extensive experience in enterprise WLAN products.

The Makalu network appliance reference design features a form factor of 151 mm D x 264 mm W x 43.1 mm H. And features PowerPC 405EX processor operating at a clock frequency of 600 MHz, 256 MByte of DDR2 SDRAM, 64 MByte of NOR flash, two mini PCI Express connectors, two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, one USB 2.0 port, one serial port, one JTAG connector, and one trace connector. The flash image includes Linux 2.6 kernel and U-Boot boot firmware, both provided by Denx Software Engineering, along with a file system that incorporates TeamF1’s MAPS firmware. It supports two (2) dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz) 3 x 3 draft-11n radio cards for increased bandwidth over longer range and performance with fewer dead spots (see figure).

MAPS is a comprehensive production-ready software package that combines the latest 802.11 wireless standards with field-proven networking and security components. With MAPS, OEMs can easily differentiate their WiFi AP products by choosing from a wide range of advanced networking and security modules available from TeamF1 as part of its SMBware platform, according to AMCC. The key features of MAPS include: dual-band, multimode networks (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz) capable of delivering high-performance throughput, PoE, wireless distribution system (WDS), advanced 802.11 security standards including WEP, WPA, WPA2, (802.11i) for any generation of wireless security in personal and enterprise modes, WiFi multimedia (WMM), which provides improved quality of service over wireless connections for better video and voice performance; and comprehensive management capabilities, with SNMP plus 802.11 MIB support, which enable network administrators to remotely and seamlessly configure, update, and monitor multiple devices.

A fully packaged reference design kit includes a Makalu reference design board configured with two 802.11a/b/g/n radio cards, an evaluation copy of the TeamF1 MAPS software, a power adapter, all necessary cables and comprehensive user documentation. By following straightforward directions, users can set up the reference design, configure a few system settings and achieve a fully-functional enterprise access point within minutes after unpacking the unit, noted Ashton. Detailed MAPS and Makalu user’s manuals explain all the hardware and software configuration options that are supported and assist customers in fine-tuning the design to meet their specific product needs, according to the supplier.

According to AMCC, it’s enterprise WLAN AP reference design kit is available now.

www.amcc.com
www.teamf1.com
www.senao.com

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