D-Link (http://www.dlink.com, an end-to-end
networking solutions provider for consumer and
business, is now shipping its latest 802.11n
wireless local area network (WLAN) solution
geared specifically for the small to medium
business (SMB). The US$179.99 D-Link Selectable
Dual-Band Access Point (DAP-2553), featuring
802.11n Wi-Fi technology, offers features
tailored for the SMB, including superior
bandwidth and coverage, multiple operation modes,
flexible centralized management, Power over
Ethernet (PoE) and a compact desktop case.

The high-speed AP includes integrated 802.3af PoE
support, so the device can be mounted where power
outlets may not be readily available, and can be
combined with PoE switches like those available
from D-Link. With three detachable antennas, the
DAP-2553 provides optimal coverage with maximum
wireless signal rates of up to 300 Mbps
selectable in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless
band. This, coupled with support for Wi-Fi
Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service features,
makes it ideal for data, video and voice
applications, says A.J. Wang, chief technology
officer of D-Link.

For Wi-Fi security the DAP-2553 contains both
personal and enterprise versions of WPA and WPA2
(802.11i) encryption with support for a backend
RADIUS server. Its Microsoft Network Access
Protection (NAP) restricts access based on a
client computer’s identity and compliance with
corporate governance. Additional safety measures
include MAC address filtering, wireless LAN
segmentation, disable SSID broadcast, rogue AP
detection, and wireless broadcast scheduling.
Other features include:

° Multiple operation modes, such as AP, Wireless
Distribution System (WDS), WDS with AP, and
Wireless Client, so they can be configured to
optimize network performance and can be
configured to bridge with one another while also
providing network access to additional clients.

° Load Balancing for managing traffic volume

° Spanning Tree Protocol.

° D-Link’s AP Manager II software that allows
users to easily manage the DAP-2553 and the
D-Link Plenum-rated DAP-2590, but also legacy
APs, including the D-Link DWL-3200AP, DWL-8200AP,
DWL-2700AP and DWL-7700AP.