SPUTNIK DELIVERS SMART 802.11g ACCESS POINT
AND PRE-PAID CARD SUPPORT TO WI-FI HOTSPOT PROVIDERS
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San Francisco--March 9, 2004--Sputnik, which provides secure, managed Wi-Fi software and hardware for hotspot providers, today announced immediate availability of a smart, low-cost 54 Mbps wireless access point designed for centralized management and new software that enables hotspots to offer customers pre-paid cards for network access.
The new Sputnik AP 160 is a low-cost 802.11g wireless access point that offers increased bandwidth over 802.11b-compliant equipment, allowing providers of wireless hotspots to support more users on each device. The Sputnik AP 160 includes Sputnik Agent software, enabling it to provision itself, authenticate and track end users, and participate in a centrally managed wireless network.
The AP 160 includes a four-port 10/100 Base-T router (wired LAN) for configuration flexibility. Because both the wireless and wired LAN ports on the AP 160 can be managed remotely, the device offers functionality similar to public access gateways that sell for several times its price. Hotspot providers can use the AP 160 to extend their managed wireless network with third-party wireless access points, or to control access to the wired LAN. End users who associate with a third-party access point or join a network connected to a Sputnik AP 160 are authenticated and tracked by Sputnik Control Center server software.
The Sputnik AP 160 has an industry-standard external antenna that can replaced with a higher-gain or directional antenna for outdoor use or range-extended installations.
Also announced today is the Sputnik Module for Pre-Paid Cards, software that extends a hotspot provider's business flexibility through support for pre-paid cards, coupons, or codes that give users time-limited access to the wireless network. Similar to phone cards, pre-paid cards are a popular business model for hotspots in cafes.
According to a recent report from industry research firm Gartner, the number of hotspot users worldwide will total 30 million in 2004, up from 9.3 million users in 2003. By the end of 2004, more than 50 percent of professional notebooks will have wireless LAN capability, increasing the demand for mobile access.
"We looked at a lot of options, but settled on Sputnik because their technology is the most cost-effective and the easiest to deploy--just drop off an access point at the hotspot, plug it into broadband, and you're up and running," said Mike Landman, CEO, 3rd Wave, a leading hotspot provider in Atlanta.
Sputnik Software Manages Wireless Networks
System integrators, Internet service providers, and local and regional hotspot providers choose Sputnik for building cost-effective wireless networks with enterprise-class network management features. Sputnik provides these features through its innovative software:
- Sputnik Control Center software running on any Intel-based server in the hotspot operator's data center
- Sputnik Agent software embedded in standard wireless access points such as the Sputnik AP 160
Together, these software components enable plug-n-play provisioning of new Sputnik APs onto the network, remote configuration and software updates, user authentication, bandwidth tracking, and user policy management. Equivalent capabilities are found only on expensive, enterprise-class access points. Even a widely dispersed Sputnik network can be managed over the Internet through a secure web browser. Sputnik support of open, standard interfaces means operators can easily integrate Sputnik into a variety of third-party authentication, billing, and network management systems.
"Sputnik brings enterprise-class wireless network management software to inexpensive access points. Only Sputnik lets a hotspot provider expand a wireless network as his business grows, simply by putting access points anywhere on the Internet," said David LaDuke, Sputnik CEO. "Our customers love Sputnik because we help them keep capital and operating costs low, and we support their preferred business model, whether free or paid wireless services."
Price and Delivery
The Sputnik AP 160 is available immediately at $185 for a single unit, in both North American and European configurations. A Starter Kit consisting of two AP 160s and Sputnik Control Center server software (version 2.4) is $495. The Sputnik Module for Pre-Paid Cards is $295 per server.
Volume discounts are published on www.sputnik.com.
About Sputnik
Sputnik Inc. provides secure, managed Wi-Fi network software and hardware for the hotspot provider market. Innovative Sputnik software provides enterprise-class network management for low-cost wireless access points. Sputnik launched its commercial products in November 2003 and has gained nearly 200 customers, many of whom are piloting for major deployments in 2004. The company is privately funded and based in San Francisco.
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Editor's note: a data sheet with specifications for the Sputnik AP 160 can be found at www.sputnik.com/products.
