Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> "kdw" <k.willey@nvrh.org> hath wroth:
>
> >We are currently looking over some of the wireless lans systems on the
> >market and have pretty much narrowed it down to Meru or Aruba. We are
> >looking for site wide wireless with the plan to go to VoIP at some
> >time.. I feel that both have their strong points. I like Arubas
> >security features and Remote AP Module. Meru's strong point seems to be
> >the "virtual cell".
> >
> >Looking for some advice. What do you all think? Meru or Aruba
>
> Personally, I prefer Symbol for wireless switches. Aruba is fine but
> I have zero experience. I can't advise which is appropriate for your
> unstated applications topology, and price point.
>
> Meru got caught screwing with the 802.11 duration value in the 802.11
> header. See:
> <http://www.networkcomputing.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=194400865>
> Specifically:
> <http://www.networkcomputing.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=194400865&pgno=5>
> "The 802.11 standard defines the CTS-to-Self duration value as being
> long enough to cover one following data frame (often in the range of
> 300 microseconds), but Meru inflates this value outside of the 802.11
> standard to as high as 2,500 microseconds, thereby protecting multiple
> sequential data frames and monopolizing airtime."
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Thanks Jeff
Yes, I read the article on the Meru/Cisco test a week ago. I asked one
of Meru's sales reps about it and asked him to send me documentation on
the companies response. Have not seen the documentation as of yet. His
personal response was the testers did not have a good understanding of
802.11 standards. No, I am not that gullable. I was intrigued by Meru's
1 channel virtual cell as it could address some of the issues I have in
this installation. Our buildings walls are not very RF friendly thus we
have had to place APs in all most every room making channelization and
client hand-offs a real problem. While we are in a rural area with no
other surrounding WLANs so monopolizing airtime migh not be an issue
however, the company we choose needs to establish a "trusting work
relationship" and as of right now at least, I am having second
thoughts about trusting a company which as you said; "got caught
screwing with the 802.11 duration value."

Please let me know if you hear anything else
kdw