Software sensor for wireless intrusion detection

Fluke Networks today announced a new version of its WLAN security and performance monitoring solution, AirMagnet Enterprise, Version 10, which offers the industry’s first Software Sensor Agent (SSA), allowing customers to use both software and hardware sensors to optimize cost, deployment and security monitoring needs.

With Fluke Networks’ new software-based option, organizations can now turn any Windows-PC into a software-based WLAN sensor. This deployment option allows network professionals to choose between standard hardware sensors, which are the core technology for monitoring WLANs, and a cost-effective software alternative for multi-site healthcare, retail and concession operations needing basic PCI or HIPAA compliance monitoring.

The new software sensor is one of several new capabilities included in the new version, which also includes new performance monitoring and WLAN platform support.

Key to the software agent is incorporating Fluke Networks’ rogue detection and performance management capabilities to ensure the highest levels of security. The new version also features a new management screen that provides a consolidated view of all data and controls to simplify investigation and containment of rogue devices.

In addition to the software agent, Version 10 also features the market’s first Automated Health Check (AHC) capability for proactively monitoring WLAN network health from the end-user device all the way to the cloud. Network professionals can now pinpoint root cause issues, such as wireless authentication failures, download speed degradation and application system outages, before they impact the organization.

Lastly, AirMagnet Enterprise now includes support for customers using equipment from Meru Networks. With this support, customers can obtain full analysis of Meru Networks-based WLANs, enabling detailed monitoring down to the client device.