SPUTNIK TEAMS WITH VALUEPOINT TO DELIVER INDOOR/OUTDOOR WI-FI HOTSPOTS
FOR PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS AND FIXED WIRELESS APPLICATIONS
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San Francisco--April 7, 2004--Sputnik and ValuePoint Networks have teamed to deliver a high-powered, indoor/outdoor wireless access point designed for distributed Wi-Fi deployment in hotels, multi-tenant dwellings, airports, campuses, and outdoor public venues. Built on ValuePoint’s SuperAP technology, the new Sputnik AP 200 access point works seamlessly with the Sputnik AP 160 and Sputnik Control Center software, enabling public access providers to build and manage inexpensive, long-range wireless networks.
Sputnik provides secure, managed Wi-Fi software and hardware for hotspot and hotzone providers. ValuePoint supplies 802.11 Wi-Fi equipment for wireless ISPs (WISPs) and solution providers who are serving the public access and fixed wireless markets.
The Sputnik AP 200 is a high-powered wireless access point that features a sealed, ruggedized enclosure for operation in the harshest outdoor conditions. Industry-standard Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability allows the access point to be located where AC power is not available, further extending the options for indoor/outdoor hotspots.
"Sputnik's affordable, easy to use Wi-Fi solution has allowed us to rapidly offer wireless Internet services to our customers with minimal capital investment. We are thrilled with the addition of the AP 200 outdoor solution; its rugged design and 200 mWatt output power allows us to offer Wi-Fi service out to every boat, not just to people on the dock," said John Ashley of Nomad Caribbean, a provider of wireless Internet service in the Virgin Islands and beyond.
"Until now, ruggedized, outdoor wireless access points with centralized management were too expensive for most business models. A WISP had to make a huge upfront capital investment before a customer base was in place. The Sputnik AP 200 lets a WISP build and scale a network incrementally as the customer base grows," said David LaDuke, Sputnik chairman and CEO.
The Sputnik AP 200 is pre-configured for plug-n-play operation with the Sputnik AP 160 and Sputnik Control Center server software to provide a managed, long-range wireless network. Sputnik Control Center software runs on any Intel-based server in the solution provider's data center. It provides a captive portal web page that enforces secure, SSL-based authentication and log-in screens that can be customized to meet branding goals or to push content to end users.
The Sputnik AP 200 offers flexibility for configuring Wi-Fi hotspots to provide coverage in a variety of public access venues, from multi-tenant buildings to city parks. The access point includes a 200 mWatt transmit antenna suitable for long-range applications. With its industry-standard N-type antenna connector, the Sputnik AP 200 can use a wide assortment of antennas: high-gain, directional, omnidirectional, or Yagi. Sputnik provides a selection of antennas certified for use with the Sputnik AP 200. The Sputnik AP 200 includes transmit power control functionality, making it suitable for use in any environment.
"With this powerful and affordable equipment, a Wi-Fi provider can enter new markets, such as public access across a downtown, or into an apartment building. Wi-Fi has the potential to provide the high-bandwidth last-mile Internet connectivity that wired service providers have been slow to deliver," said David Grissom, ValuePoint vice president, business development.
In addition to acting as an access point, the Sputnik AP 200 can operate as a repeater utilizing the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) standard, allowing it to communicate with other access points and routers. Using the repeater function and a directional antenna, a solution provider can extend the wireless network to a range of several miles.
Price and Delivery
The Sputnik AP 200 is available immediately at $250 for a single unit at www.sputnik.com. A range of Sputnik-certified directional and omnidirectional antennas and PoE accessories are also available from Sputnik's online store. All Sputnik products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ValuePoint is a manufacturer of Wi-Fi products for service providers, small and medium sized businesses, and the shared access market. ValuePoint's products are designed for the unique needs of service providers, Wireless ISPs, billing providers, and venue operators in the burgeoning mobile access space. This includes airports, hotels, multi-tenant units, multi-dwelling units, pay telephones, and storefronts.
Sputnik Inc. provides secure, managed Wi-Fi network software and hardware for the public access wireless 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 200 can be found at www.sputnik.com/products.
