Xirrus Array Architecture

The patent pending Wireless LAN Array architecture maximizes the performance of a Wi-Fi network. Xirrus has solved the fundamental issue of allowing multiple access points to function at very close proximity to each other creating individual high capacity cells of Wi-Fi coverage. Xirrus' architecture is centered on the integration of the WLAN switch and access point functionality into a single device. This architectural approach puts encryption, QoS, RF and packet flow control at the every edge of the network delivering the needed performance, range and security for the most demanding networks.

No longer will IT administrators need to throw more access points, WLAN switches and/or appliances to accommodate more users, traffic and applications. Today's bandwidth-hungry applications such as Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) can now be handled with ease.

The Array Controller, Integrated Access Points and the Multi-sector Antenna System make up the key components of the Wireless LAN Array Architecture.

xirrus, array architecture

Array Controller

At the heart of the WLAN Array architecture lies the embedded Array Controller. The Array Controller uses an enhanced 802.11-compliant, Multi-channel MAC to control and optimize the Integrated Access Points (IAPs) of the WLAN Array. The Xirrus Multi-channel MAC provides unified management and coordination over wired and wireless packet flows, spectrum management and the Multi-sector Antenna System. The Array Controller also provides the same functions found in today's WLAN switch or appliance.

Array Controller Highlights

xirrus, high performance network solution

The Array Controller connects to the four IAP Modules and provides RF and network control as well as embedded management features. The central components of the Array Controller such as the MAC and Encryption Engines are all based on soft-core technology that allows them to be easily upgradeable with future features or enhancements. The Array Controller is supported by 2Gbps of switching fabric capable of supporting today and tomorrow's bandwidth needs. Two Gigabit uplink ports provide the interface to the wired network.

Integrated Access Points

The Integrated Access Points are controlled by a single, Multi-channel MAC resident on the Array Controller creating the "thinnest" access points of any architecture. Since the Multi-channel MAC is shared across all the IAPs, only the baseband, RF and power amplifier components exist on the four IAP Modules.

Integrated Access Points Highlights

Each IAP Module contains a maximum of 4 IAPs (3 802.11a + 1 802.11a/b/g). Different versions of the WLAN Array offer different IAP configurations of 16 (XS-3900), 8 (XS-3700) and 4 (XS-3500).

Multi-sector Antenna System Highlights

The resulting coverage pattern resembles that of a typical omni-directional antenna but covers 4x the area because the range in all RF sectors is nearly double that of a typical WLAN antenna. The Array Controller assigns each RF sector a non-overlapping channel and controls the coordination of all the IAPs through the wireless LAN antenna system. Additionally, the Multi-sector Antenna System offers a switchable 360o omni-directional antenna that can be used with one of the IAPs as a dedicated RF monitor.

The Multi-sector Antenna System, IAPs and the Array Controller work together as a system solving the fundamental issues of co-locating several 802.11 RF interfaces in a single device providing a revolutionary new way to take Wi-Fi networks to the next level. This methodology of simultaneously using non-overlapping channels over an extended coverage area yields the maximum amount of RF capacity providing the most efficient way to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity.

Xirrus Datasheets

XS-3900-16 WLAN Array Data Sheet (665K)
XS-3700-8 WLAN Array Data Sheet (595K)
XS-3500-4 WLAN Array Data Sheet (355K)
XM-3300 Management Platform Data Sheet (271K)
XP-3100-C and XP-3100-M Remote DC Power System Data Sheet (265K)

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