Nokia launches a new access point to bring style and convenience to public wireless LANs

Nokia today announces a new wireless LAN access point tailored to the exact needs of public "hotspots", such as airports, hotels, and convention centers, as well as corporate premises. The Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point has the built-in style, convenience and technology that make it the ideal choice for operators deploying wireless LAN in public hotspots.

"The owners of public places are often understandably reluctant to allow unsightly telecom infrastructure to be installed on their premises," says Matti Mikkola, senior industrial designer, Nokia Networks. "That's why we went directly to them when designing the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point. We wanted a clear idea of what property owners require in such equipment. We interviewed the staff of airports, hotels, shopping malls and conference centers, and the results were very informative. We found their major requirement was a discreet visual design. This direct feedback helped us to design an access point that property owners will be more than happy to have located on their sites."

Designed with public-property owners in mind, the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point is easy and attractive to deploy in heavily used locations where appearance is an important consideration.

The access point is light and stylish, with tamper-proof covers that can be painted to match the surrounding décor. The advanced radio-frequency technology employed by the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point allows its antennas to be concealed internally, improving appearance and easing installation, while providing industry-leading efficiency in the radio-frequency link. The access point can be installed in half the time -- translating into 25% savings in deployment costs -- thanks to its integrated antennas, quick mounting mechanisms, and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support, which reduces the number of cables needed.

As part of Nokia's Operator Wireless LAN solution, the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point provides carrier-class high-speed wireless connectivity to Internet Protocol (IP) based services for laptop users. Based on the IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) standard, it addresses the needs of existing WLAN cards while providing for future-proof upgrading - it can be remotely software-upgraded to the 802.1x, 802.11i/TKIP, and 802.11f IEEE standards from the network management center as standards become finalized. With support for Extensible Authentication Protocols (EAP), the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point can employ a variety of authentication methods.

Best-in-class network management allows operators to manage the access points remotely from the Nokia Network Management system. Operators can remotely upgrade the Nokia A036 Wireless LAN Access Point software to support upcoming Nokia Operator Wireless LAN system features, as well as to manage faults, alarms, performance, security and configuration with minimal site visits.

The product will be available in volume deliveries in June 2002 through Nokia and IBM sales channels.




Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet, Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.

Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance.

Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 7180 38711
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com

Product information: www.nokia.com/networks/product_catalogue/

Photos available at: www.nokia.com/press/