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The wired and wireless networking equipment that makes up a General Packet solution is open, flexible and affordable. We build wired networks using embedded systems with feature-rich architectures that can be configured for a number of different services. This allows us to adhere to a single, proven platform and field deploy it in a number of different and sometimes unique solutions. The same multi-port hardware runs software making it a versatile firewall with extensive filter, NAT and mangle capabilities, a fast, capable router supporting many routing protocols, a dhcp server, radius client, hotspot gateway and vlan switch. When more ports are required, the hardware platform scales.
For wireless networks, we use devices built on Linux kernels that scale in functionality by using a custom flash ROM configuration built for the application. This allows a common device to function as an access point, a wireless bridge, a WDS repeater, a Layer 2/3 mesh node or a complete wireless hotspot gateway solution. These functions can be field installed remotely and enabled and disabled at will. Furthermore, this same device can take on unusual roles such as network diagnostics, wireless monitoring, environmental sensory roles, and more, depending on the ROM and packages installed.
Our approach allows us to purchase basic network components and architect-in better features to achieve a sound solution. Since we have standardized around open platforms and products whose behavior we can influence through software, we are not focused on delivering specific manufacturer’s solutions or products, but rather on inexpensively acquiring a class of devices and adding value through software customizations. |