The Layer 2 encryption and access control techniques, used by some vendors, are difficult to implement and manage. In contrast, 3Com’s wireless secure tunneling offers a simple and scaleable Layer 3 solution that seamlessly integrates wireless LAN security into a company’s existing network infrastructure. 3Com’s solution works in conjunction with a company’s existing remote access management systems such as RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service) and MPPE (Microsoft Point to Point Encryption).

3Com’s solution extends the current WEP security featured in its AirConnect Wireless LAN. The WEP is a standardized Layer 2 encryption which is ideal for smaller wireless installations but is not sufficient for large corporate networks. In contrast, 3Com wireless tunneling Layer 3 solution provides network managers seamless management and scalability capabilities. Each SuperStack II Router 400 supports up to 256 simultaneous secure Layer tunnels, enabling IT managers to support hundreds of wireless users without significant investments of time or money. Since the system uses a company’s existing security infrastructure, IT staff can mange the authorization of both dial-up remote access and in-building wireless LAN users with the same tools.

For businesses with hundred or thousands of network users spread across multiple buildings, the 3Com solution offers the following benefits:

• Layer 3 tunneling utilizes private keys that are automatically negotiated and frequently changed, rather than manually entered shared keys as supported by WEP.
• The solution provides better security management than the access control schemes based on MAC addresses. Instead of IT managers creating and managing additional databases to link usernames to client devices, 3Com’s solution utilizes the username/password facilities that already exist on the network to automatically manage secure communications.