Formerly from Wireless Valley and now owned by Motorola, LANPlanner is a visual design tool that assists in the layout and deployment of wireless LANs.

Using LANPlanner, a network engineer can convert drawings of current floor plans into multi-story databases. Additionally, RF specific characteristics of walls or other obstructions can be indicated from the product's built-in RF attentuation DB. Asset location and configurations are also stored in the DB, with the result being a graphical 2D/3D display of expected network performance along with tools such as automated equipment placement recommendations, and built-in bill of materials and maintenance records. Existing floor plans can be imported from AutoCAD, Visio, or bitmap drawings; a scanned image, digital photograph or PDF file; or a free-hand or electronic sketch.

LANPlanner can additionally verify and record field performance metrics from wireless LAN client devices (i.e., Wireless NIC, PCMCIA card, test AP, etc.) to verify the network is in proper working order; metrics which can then be incorporated into the environment model. This information is typically gathered as part of the design stage of the WLAN. LANPlanner automatically learns the history of past measurement campaigns to allow for the creation of optimized propagation models for future designs.

New to LANPlanner is support for 11n-based network design, which is due to be added in LANPlanner in Q3/2008. The 11n-enabled version of LANPlanner is expected to boast migration wizard support for three deployment scenarios: A "new building/new deployment" scenario allowing for clean slate designs; a "rip and replace" scenario in which existing 802.11 gear is expected to be replaced (entirely) with 802.11n gear; and a "mixed" deployment scenario in which 802.11n devices are expected to be deployed in stages alongside existing 802.11 infrastructure.

LANPlanner is available now; the 11n capabilities are expected in Q3/2008. Pricing starts at $7,500 for members of Motorola's Partner Select program.

Contact Motorola for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

E-Mail this page to a colleague
send info about LANPlanner

Suggest a link
for the LANPlanner fact sheet