Netgear adds to SMB wireless access point line

Netgear has released a line of wireless access points designed to provide small business users with an easy to use and secure network setup.

The ProSafe appliances allow small firms to offer wireless network access without the need for larger and more expensive networking hardware, the firm said.

The 802.11n access points support VLAN and VPN pass-through, and integrate with Netgear's WC7500 and WMS networking hardware and software platforms.

The routers also sport security features such as WPA and WPA2 encryption and the ability to detect rogue wireless access points on the network.

Netgear said that the ProSafe access points allow small businesses to offer support for wireless networking platforms at a time when business users are increasingly looking to adopt mobile platforms for use in the enterprise.

"Mobile computing devices now outsell desktop PC platforms, and wireless networks are now mission-critical for businesses of all sizes," said Netgear wireless networking product line manager Maggie Wu.

"Delivering wireless video, voice and data solutions often brings hidden management costs."

Netgear is making the first ProSafe access point available worldwide with a suggested retail price of $350, and will release a dual-band access point later this year.