Networking

Review: Extreme Networks AP4000 Brings Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity for Healthcare

This Wi-Fi 6E access point offers secure access in high-density environments.

Carlos Soto is an award-winning reviewer and journalist with 20 years of experience covering technology and business.

As healthcare organizations continue to modernize their network infrastructure to support increased bandwidth requirements, newer versions of Wi-Fi 6E are essential for maintaining quality connections. Wi-Fi 6E-compatible devices and applications benefit from a faster, dedicated connection that leads to better speeds and lower latency, which care teams need to share large files quickly.

The Extreme Networks AP4000 Wi-Fi 6E access point performs well in high-density environments by supporting the added demands of extra users, devices and applications.

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Extreme Networks AP4000 Provides Next-Level Speed and Security

Health systems require stringent security and protection from phishing and ransomware. The AP4000 is packed with security features such as Wi-Fi Protected Access 3, Galois/Counter Mode authenticated encryption, 384-bit hash-based message authentication code and 256-bit Broadcast/Multicast Integrity Protocol.

Additionally, the access point supports a stateful Layer 2–Layer 7 deep-packet inspection firewall for context-based access security, a tri-frequency security and location analytics sensor, and a private, preshared key.

DISCOVER: How does a network assessment support healthcare modernization?

Unlike most access points, which scan only part-time, the dedicated tri-frequency sensor empowers IT security to monitor wireless connections for rogue devices and mitigate the risk of attacks. The continuous scanning feature allows the AP4000 unit to run multiple ExtremeCloud IQ operating systems for on-premises or cloud deployments to deliver better range in large areas.

ExtremeCloud IQ also geolocates the access point and accurately provides the channel and power specifications under which the product can operate in that country.

With three 2x2:2 radios, the AP4000 Wi-Fi 6E access point provides high-efficiency, high-performance 802.11ax aggregate data rates of up to 3.9 gigabits per second in the 6-gigahertz, 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. I tested this feature by moving large clusters of data at different times of the day over short, medium and long distances while streaming on 30 additional devices. In every instance, the device reached upload and download speeds of 3.9Gbps.

Extreme Networks AP4000 Wi-Fi 6E access point

Extreme Networks AP4000 Is Small but Mighty

With a sleek and small chassis measuring 1.5 by 8.1 by 8.1 inches, the AP4000 delivers impressive performance, making it a versatile choice for difficult-to-reach areas. Much of the unit’s power comes from the combination of 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E technology, advanced security, and machine learning and artificial intelligence management capabilities.

The AP4000 is the first enterprise Wi-Fi 6E access point that features a fully functional multiband filter. This makes the device capable of simultaneous operations with no performance degradation between all of the 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies. The result: steady and secure data transfer rates.

By adding wireless infrastructure with devices such as the Extreme Networks AP4000, healthcare organizations can make strides in elevating their data sharing capabilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

NETWORK: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E), Bluetooth 5.2 LE
CONNECTIVITY: 3.9Gbps
ENCRYPTION: WPA3
PRODUCT INFORMATION: 16 SSIDs per radio
TOTAL USERS: 1,536
DIMENSIONS: 1.5x8.1x8.1 inches
WEIGHT: 29.98 ounces

The Top 3 Features of Effective Wi-Fi

Not all access points are the same. The elements of effective Wi-Fi can be broken down into three categories.

1. Management and Analytics

Access points, like other network technologies, are growing in complexity. This is why it’s essential to have a simple setup with easy management and reporting.

The centralized management software for the Extreme Networks AP4000, for example, helps IT staff save time by simplifying the cloud or on-premises management of units. The devices also come with a rich set of data displayed via context-driven widgets, representing unlimited historical data or a combination of historical and current data.

This provides context-specific granularity with perspective views for locations, networks, APs, individual client devices and policy roles. In each context, administrators simply adjust the dashboard using a widget library.

2. Robust, Integrated Bluetooth with Low Energy Requirements

It’s important for APs to support both the Internet of Things and guest engagement services. Organizations can also use applications driven by application programming interfaces to send relevant information directly to patients and their visitors. This makes it ideal for healthcare organizations with sprawling campuses that may have their own apps for visitors to use or to provide site-specific information.

3. Headache-Free Performance

The AP4000 supports two software-programmable modes to optimally manage radios to provide the highest level of performance. It is a tri-radio access point and can transmit with three data radios or with two data radios and a dedicated tri-frequency sensor.

The device intelligently monitors the software-configurable radios, enabling network managers to set up the network radio-frequency technology based on the user environment and configure the access points in different modes as required.

The Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and enhanced capacity technology accesses to up to 1,200 megahertz of spectrum — three times that of the existing spectrum — and enables better quality of service in dense environments.

The additional 6-gigahertz spectrum offered by Wi-Fi 6E on the AP4000 also operates across three times as much spectrum as previous generations of Wi-Fi to deliver enhanced speeds and less interference.