Fluke Networks has announced a new dedicated sensor for Wi-Fi network monitoring that eliminates the need for Ethernet cabling, and reduces the cost by up to two thirds in situations where cable installation is restricted from a time, cost or logistics perspective.

With its quick and easy installation, three internal radios and Wireless Connect feature, the SmartEdge Sensor Series 4 for AirMagnet Enterprise instantly extends Wi-Fi security and performance monitoring, providing immediate coverage in the face of explosive wireless LAN (WLAN) and the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) growth.  

Wayne Allen, program manager, Fluke Networks, said, “With WLAN growth approaching $1-billion-per-quarter, and the dramatic increase in BYOD, the areas in which organisations need Wi-Fi performance and monitoring coverage is increasing exponentially.

“The SmartEdge sensor provides a solution to help secure and monitor the network by eliminating roadblocks caused by Ethernet cabling.”

For customers where Ethernet cable is already available or not cost restricted to install, the new SmartEdge Sensor can leverage its internal radios (two 802.11n 3×3 MIMO 450 Mbps plus one for dedicated spectrum analysis) for 24×7 security monitoring, scanning and rogue detection, combined with client performance verification via AirMagnet Enterprise’s Automated Health Check (AHC) feature. AHC proactively tests and verifies WLAN network health from the end-user device all the way to the cloud and identifies issues before they impact the organisation.

In addition, the SmartEdge sensor has been completely redesigned with a “fade-into-the background” enclosure, an integrated drop ceiling mount and recessed cable entry. The sensor also features increased memory capacity and support for 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet.