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Aruba launches dual-band Wi-Fi access point [ITP.net (United Arab Emirates)](ITP.net (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Network access solutions provider, Aruba Networks Inc, has launched its dual-radio AP-103H access point (AP) for the hospitality industry. The AP-103H is designed to maximise mobile device performance in moderately dense Wi-Fi environments while minimising interference from cellular networks. Aruba claims the AP "installs in minutes and easily mounts to an electrical or data wall box". It uses the existing structured cabling system to provide secure wired and Wi-Fi network access. The AP, billed by Aruba as "compact and cost-effective", delivers "wireless data rates up to 300 Mbps per radio employing 802.11n technology with two spatial MIMO streams. This 2×2:2 AP features dedicated 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz radios and integrated omni-directional antennas". Graeme Kane, sales manager, Hospitality at Aruba Networks said, "Hotel guests expect 'always-on' Wi-Fi in order to find in-venue activities, access self-service apps and stream content without delay. Keeping this in mind, the AP-103H is designed to provide smarter, adaptive wireless network infrastructure that enables secure guest and employee Wi-Fi access to thousands of devices at a time and supports mobile collaboration for hotel staff." Kane referred to "recent industry reports" that indicate Dubai plans to almost double the number of hotel rooms by 2020; he also mentioned that Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is growing at an annual rate of over 8.5% with 155 new hotels expected to open in the kingdom during 2014-2015. When considering these factors, and noting that the Middle East is outstripping Europe in building big hotels, Kane said, "We believe that there is a huge potential for our hospitality solutions." Aruba has a sizeable portfolio of customers in the hospitality sector in the Middle East, including Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates and Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates. (c) 2014 ITP Business Publishing Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |