DAP-3520 enables organisations to provide secure, fast and reliable outdoor wireless access
LONDON, 28th February 2013 - D-Link has today launched its latest Wireless N Dual Band Outdoor Access Point (DAP-3520), designed to meet the demand for fast, ubiquitous outdoor internet connectivity. The DAP-3520 is a flexible, switchable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless access point with versatile deployment modes and is suitable for use in all weather conditions. This makes it perfect for small businesses or campuses that want to offer fast, wireless access to customers and visitors in their outdoor areas.
In the standard wireless access point mode, it is ideal for small business owners looking to enable Wi-Fi connection in outdoor areas of their business, such as pub gardens or coffee shop courtyards. With small businesses facing stiff competition to attract customers, outside wireless connectivity is a compelling differentiator.
It can also be used by organisations with multiple buildings spread over a large area, such as a university campus, to join networks together across buildings. This delivers improved wireless connectivity across a large area where Wi-Fi signal may have typically suffered weak points or interruptions. For these point-to-point deployments - where more than one network is connected - the access point has an embedded powerful directional antenna to focus the direction of the signal, thereby achieving the most superior outdoor connectivity in the desired area. Alternatively, two N-type antenna connectors are available if coverage is needed in all directions.
The new wireless outdoor access point features the 802.11n super-fast wireless technology standard for reliable wireless coverage. It also boasts Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) functionality, meaning users can simply connect a single cable that will carry data and power when connected to a compatible switch. This capability eliminates the need for additional electrical wiring or outdoor plug sockets. The DAP-3520 supports 64/128-bit WEP as well as WPA/WPA2 data encryption. While MAC address filtering and the ability to hide SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers), controls user access and further ensures no unwanted connection to the wireless network.
Specifically built to withstand all weather conditions, the model is IP65-rated, signalling that it has a robust enclosure and can be installed in locations with limited protection from the elements. It also features an in-built heater for installations where extreme cold weather is likely.
The DAP-3520 comes with D-Link's network management software, offering administrators multiple options for managing the network from a single location and carrying out regular maintenance checks of the access point centrally. This makes managing the entire network easier than ever.
Andrew Mulholland, Business Solutions Manager at D-Link UK & Ireland, commented: "Consumers increasingly want to be connected to their devices in any location. To satisfy growing ‘on the go' demands, small business owners and organisations are looking to provide fast wireless access throughout all areas of their business to boost customer loyalty. Furthermore, these wireless networks need to be cost-effective to deploy and easy to manage. As well as providing extended high-speed wireless access to outdoor spaces, the DAP-3520 removes the need for additional power cabling or outdoor power sockets, and its robust enclosure makes it weather resistant too."
