Meru Debuts Controller-less XPress Cloud for 802.11ac

Meru Networks introduced its XPress Cloud, a controller-less 802.11ac Wi-Fi solution featuring cloud-based management and aimed at small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and distributed enterprises.

Meru said its XPress Cloud requires only a PoE-capable Ethernet switch or an optional external power supply, along with a basic Internet connection. Only network management traffic traverses the cloud; all corporate data remains behind the firewall.

The XPress Cloud portfolio includes the new Meru XP8i access point, with management software hosted by Meru and delivered through secure data center providers worldwide. The high-performance, two-radio, 2X2, 802.11ac Meru XP8i offers zero-touch provisioning, with automated channel and power selection capabilities enabling instant self-configuration. Meru XPress Cloud also features an integrated captive portal for secure on-boarding of employee and guest devices.

Meru is also offering two options for the acquisition of XPress Cloud, with XP8i access points available for purchase upfront, or available on a Wi-Fi-as-a-Service (WaaS), subscription basis. Monthly management and monitoring license fees apply.

“We’ve worked closely with small-to-medium enterprises around the world to understand what they need to meet their unique business demands,” said Don Trimble, vice president of SME Cloud Sales at Meru. “These findings, combined with our experience in the design of enterprise-grade WLAN solutions, led to Meru XPress Cloud – a high-performance offering that brings affordability, ease of deployment and scalability to the SME and distributed enterprise markets.”

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