Jordan O'BrienPakedge’s latest gigabit wireless access point claims to be the first and most comprehensive in the industry, with the company stating that it has ‘set a new standard for the AV networking industry’.
The new WX-1 is an 802.11ac access point that features a 3×3 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radio configuration, which claims to improve connection speeds by up to five times, while also improving bandwidth by up to four times.
When compared to standard N-based APs, Pakedge claims that the WX-1 supports twice as many clients and support for channels up to 80Mhz wide.
The WX-1 has also been designed to process up to four times as many signals per channel.
Pakedge is hoping that its latest product will assist integrators who are keen to diversify their business – with the company guaranteeing powerful wireless installations in a variety of high-performance applications.
While that’s a big claim to make, Pakedge believes that features such as TruStream and Pakedge Zones, which are able to recognise and prioritise latency sensitive voice and video traffic.
The hardware also includes six internal antennas based on Pakedge’s proprietary design, high transmit radios, as well as SectorMaxx technologies.
The reason behind this specific focus was for Pakedge to offer something that is uniquely designed for bandwidth intensive multimedia traffic – but it has its sights set on more than just residential installations.
Pakedge believes that its latest AP is ideally suited for bigger, more challenging residential jobs, as well as hospitals, schools and MDUs.
To make it fit for purpose in a commercial environment, Pakedge has ensured that the WX-1 is plenum rated for fire safety compliance.
RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server support is thrown in as standard, which will allow users to centralise authentication, authorisation and account management for enhanced security.
Furthering that security commitment is support for WPA Enterprise and WPA2 Enterprise signal encryption for those who use RADIUS servers.
A variety of mounting options will be available alongside the WX-1, while installers will be able to opt for different form factors to suit their installation.
A wall/ceiling surface mount and the in-ceiling/in-wall mounting trays should offer integrators the ability to stock only one SKU that can be upgraded as needed.
The WX-1 also includes t-bar brackets for drop-tile ceilings and there is an outdoor version for installations that require it.
Mounting options are also made even more flexible thanks to the inclusion of POE+ support, meaning there’s no need for an AC power outlet near the point of integration.
Installers requiring a unique set-up for the WX-1 will be able to utilise Pakedge’s Custom Engineering Program, which allows resellers and installers to create and lock in their own, customised configurations.
This means when the day of installation comes all the installer needs to do is plug the WX-1 in and it will already be ready to go.
Pakedge will be debuting the WX-1 and the rest of its AV specific network innovations at the CEDIA Expo in Dallas this month.
The company will be raffling off 802.11ac access points and giving away power banks to visitors who stop by their booth to check out their demo stations.
Pakedge will be at CEDIA booth #6414.