SMC Networks Ships All-in-One Hotspot Gateway Solution

SMC® Networks announced the availability of its new comprehensive solution for Internet Hotspot set-up, the EliteConnect 2.4GHz 802.11g wireless Hotspot Gateway Kit. Combining a wireless access point/bridge with AAA services (Authorization, Authentication and Accounting) in a secure NAT router with a solid SPI firewall, the new EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway rounds-out the solution with a Mini POS ticket printer to make it easy for businesses to turn WiFi access into revenue.

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) December 9, 2004 -- SMC® Networks (www.smc.com), leading provider of networking solutions for the SMB/e and all the way home, today announced the availability of its new comprehensive solution for Internet Hotspot set-up, the EliteConnect 2.4GHz 802.11g wireless Hotspot Gateway Kit. Combining a wireless access point/bridge with AAA services (Authorization, Authentication and Accounting) in a secure NAT router with a solid SPI firewall, the new EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway rounds-out the solution with a Mini POS ticket printer to make it easy for businesses to turn WiFi access into revenue. Priced at $899.99, the EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway Kit is available now from SMC resellers.

Built to make revenue-generating public Web access easy, the new SMC EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway Kit makes it easy to deploy, control and bill for Web access in hotspot environments like coffee shops, hotel lobbies, transportation hubs and more. The EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway Kit not only facilitates access, but provides a means to authenticate, authorize and bill clients for Internet services and usage.

The new SMC EliteConnect Hotspot Gateway Kit has a built-in 54Mbps 802.11g Access Point with a detachable antenna to distribute high-speed wireless access. Using the products Wireless Distribution System (WDS) feature, coverage can be extended with repeater/bridging between as many as six additional WDS enabled Access Points. With repeaters/bridges in place, clients using nomadic wireless devices, such as laptops and PDAs, can roam across the entire extended coverage area, while remaining connected within a secure wireless network.

Easy to configure through a Web-based management interface; the authentication, authorization and accounting settings are supported either via 802.1x/RADIUS or by a built-in local database that can host up to 2000 entries. SMCs new Hotspot Gateway also facilitates custom banners, so hotspot vendors can set up introductory pages or display specific Web pages and Web banners for commercial and advertisement purposes during the user login period. Type a simple order for the amount of access time from its auxiliary keypad, and the included small form-factor, point-of-sale ticket printer prints receipts for access-based billing. The client receipt provides important client information, such as logon username and password, SSID, security method and encryption key.

The kit is anchored by the SMCWHSG44-G xDSL/cable modem gateway, which offers a combination of up to 4 LAN or WAN ports. An additional designated LAN port supports 802.11af compliant POE, so that repeaters and bridges can be placed without regard to availability of power outlets. The WAN ports can provide up to 4 xDSL/cable modem connections, or be used for out-bound load-balancing and bandwidth aggregation; alternatively, they can be configured to provide a redundant link to guarantee an always-on-line connection. The SMCWHSG44-G gateway supports a host of security features such as NAT, SPI firewall and MAC address filtering to ensure a secure Internet environment.

About SMC Networks

A leading provider of networking solutions for the SMB/e and all the way home, SMC puts its more than 30 years experience to work for every product and solution the company produces. Leveraging strong industry relationships in combination with experienced and talented in-house design and engineering, SMC continues to bring to market a host of affordable, high-performance products. Headquartered in Irvine, California, U.S.A, SMC Networks supports its worldwide market through regional offices located throughout the United States and 20 other countries. For more information about SMC Networks or its products, visit www.smc.com, or call 800-SMC-4You (800-762-4968).

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