3Com® Wireless LAN Access Point 8500
Future-Proof Enterprise-Class Wireless LAN for Anywhere Network Access

The 3Com Wireless 8500 Access Point creates a high-performance enterprise-class wireless LAN supporting up to 250 simultaneous users. Built-in security, manageability, upgradability and reliability features make it ideal for any organization or institution facing increasing mobile computing needs. The 8500 Access Point ships as a single-mode 802.11a 5 GHz, 54-Mbps access point with an open slot for upgrading to dual-mode operation with optional field upgrade kit. Dual radio-slot architecture provides configuration flexibility and investment protection for current and emerging wireless standards. You can meet existing needs at the time of purchase, then reconfigure and upgrade in the field as requirements and standards evolve.

To protect sensitive communications and data on the WLAN, the 8500 Access Point offers an advanced, comprehensive set of authentication and encryption security capabilities. Web-based network management tools make configuration and remote management of the network painless, while SNMP and 3Com Network Supervisor support integrates the WLAN with your wired infrastructure. Wi-Fi certification ensures the access point will support all Wi-Fi-compatible laptops, handhelds, PDAs, and other mobile wireless devices.

Features & Benefits

• Supports up to 250 simultaneous users at distances up to 50 meters (164 feet)
• Ships as single-mode 802.11a 5 GHz, 54-Mbps access point, upgrades to 802.11b-802.11a dual mode with optional field upgrade kit
• Modular, dual-mode design lets you mix and match radio frequencies for flexibility and investment protection
• 802.11a turbo mode boosts performance to 72 Mbps over 802.11a wireless connections
• Intra-subnet roaming, roaming between routers, and Inter Access Point Protocol allow users to freely roam among access points within the same subnet and between router boundaries without re-authenticating
• Clear Channel Select and Dynamic Rate Shifting select the best channel and keep network connections continuously available by choosing the optimum connection speed; users can also select channels
• Each radio is assigned an independent Extended Service Set ID (ESSID) that uniquely identifies the wireless network
• 2.4- and 5-GHz radio antennas provide optimum performance and coverage in high multi-path environments such as offices, warehouses, and other indoor installations
• Power over Ethernet powers the access point over existing Ethernet cabling for simpler, more flexible installations; no additional power supply required
• Local and RADIUS server-based MAC address authentication control WLAN access
• 64-, 128- and 154-bit WEP encryption ensures the privacy of all wireless transmissions
• Static IP and DHCP support allow both manual IP address input and automatic IP address generation for flexible configuration and setup
• Wireless Infrastructure Device Manager and Wireless LAN Device Discovery tools let you configure parameters and run diagnostics, plus monitor performance using a web browser from anywhere on the network
• Support for SNMP, 3Com Network Supervisor, HP OpenView, and other standards-based management software ensures seamless integration with your wired network

Additional Information

     3Com® Wireless LAN Access Point 8500 Data Sheet (PDF 149KB)