Free update enables setup of virtual networks without complex VLAN structures

London, UK, Thursday 26th May, 2011 - German networking specialists LANCOM now offer customers LCOS 8.5, a free update for their LANCOM WLAN controllers, upgrading the devices to include Layer-3 Tunneling. This intelligent addition to the LANCOM Smart WLAN Controlling Architecture enables administrators to set up virtual wireless networks even where infrastructures do not support VLAN, with a typical application being the provision of wireless access accounts for guests. LCOS 8.5 is available for free download from the LANCOM web site.

Layer-3 Tunneling tunnels data from managed access points through IP infrastructures without the complication of setting up VLANs. Both payload and management data are transmitted, enabling seamless roaming throughout the WLAN without a change of IP address, a key feature when operating voice over WLAN (VoWLAN).

Virtual WLAN infrastructures can be installed without having to reconfigure existing networks or requiring switches to support VLANs.

Applications: Guest Internet access, roaming, remote hotspots
Layer-3 Tunneling enables simple provisioning of wireless Internet access for guests even in highly heterogeneous networks, a key feature, for example, in hotels with established networks that employ switches of different brands and classes. Without this function, these networks would require significant upgrades in order to offer wireless Internet access to guests.

Layer-3 Tunneling also supports the operation of remote hotspots: In combination with the LANCOM Public Spot option, LANCOM WLAN controllers can use a secure connection (VPN) to provide hotspot functionality to access points at remote locations—an extremely economical solution.

Directing payload data from the WLAN through the layer-3 tunnel enables roaming even beyond the limits of broadcast domains. In this way, wireless clients can seamlessly maintain contact to the WLAN even when moving between network segments with different IP address ranges. This feature is useful for voice over WLAN applications, which benefit from roaming without a change of IP address.

With LCOS 8.5, Layer-3 Tunneling is available for all current LANCOM WLAN controllers; LANCOM WLC-4006, LANCOM WLC-4025+ and LANCOM WLC-4100. LANCOM WLAN controllers provide highly effective, centralised management of all LANCOM access points.