The MP-432 is a high performance 802.11n (3 x 3) Multiple Input / Multiple Output (MIMO), dual radio access point, with maximum aggregate data rates of up to 600 Mbps. It is designed for low-density deployments requiring maximum coverage.

It features built-in internal antennas to provide outstanding coverage and range enhancements without having to configure “rabbit ear” antennas. One radio operates in the 2.4 GHz band and the other in the 5 GHz band, with each radio featuring three radio transmit and receive chains. 3 x 3 MIMO provides significantly better range performance over implementations which use a more limited 2 x 3 system.

The MP-432 is backward compatible with legacy 802.11a/b/g clients in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to provide investment protection without the need for a second overlay network.

The MP-432 is compliant with the IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 standard, software upgradeable to the final standard, and tested extensively for interoperability with 802.11n clients and legacy 802.11a/b/g clients. The MP-432 supports all relevant encryption methods including WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 based on 802.11i), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), in both Enterprise (802.1X) and Personal (pre-shared key) modes. The MP-432 does not store data, encryption keys or security credentials locally on the access point, and poses no security risk to the organization if stolen. A stolen MP-432 would be a useless inoperable device if not connected to an authorized network.

The MP-432 also features two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports for redundant data connectivity and redundant Power over Ethernet (PoE). The Gigabit Ethernet ports run in auto-negotiation mode to seamlessly adapt to the Ethernet infrastructure. The MP-432 has extensive Power over Ethernet configuration options to fit the need of any deployment model.

The MP-432 can be powered by any standardsbased 802.3af, 802.3af+ (draft 802.3at), or 802.3 at power source. If there is little to no current PoE infrastructure investment, a high power 802.3af+ device is recommended. If a significant investment in 802.3af PoE exists, or for other reasons a significant 802.3af PoE investment is contemplated, the MP-432 can operate with full functionality with this infrastructure. When powered with 802.3af on both ports simultaneously, the MP-432 operates in 3 x 3 MIMO on both radios. If powered with 802.3af on only, both radios operate in 2 x 3 MIMO mode.

The MP-432 is compatible with all generations of Trapeze Networks Mobility Exchange WLAN controllers, and can be deployed without any hardware upgrades to the installed base of controllers.

The MP-432 can be mounted with the same mounting brackets used for legacy Trapeze Networks access points. The UL2043 rating of the MP-432 allows the access points to be placed above the ceiling tile in plenum areas regulated by municipal fire codes. Its enclosure design resembles a smoke detector to appear innocuous and minimize attention, making it less likely to be tampered with, while featuring a built-in Kensington lock system for added physical security.

The MP-432 is simple to deploy and easy to manage. To enhance the quality of the connection, the MP-432 automatically calculates the integrity and RF signal strength of the wireless channel, continually tuning for the optimal RF channel and transmit power. The MP-432 includes Automatic Channel Allocation and Automatic Power Allocation systems that support both 20 MHz wide and 40 MHz wide channels for 802.11n. The system is compatible with the auto channel and power allocation tools in the legacy 802.11a/b/g access points, providing an easy path for deployment and migration in mixed environments.

In addition to traditional access point functionality, the MP-432 also serves as a Mesh AP, Mesh Portal, or Wireless Distribution System (WDS) Bridge to extend the reach of enterprise WLANs where cabling cannot reach or is not desired. The MP-432 can support these services in either point-to-point or point-to-multipoint topologies, allowing maximum flexibility within a mesh or bridged environment. In Mesh Portal mode, the MP-432 is the gateway node to the wired network and advertises services to mesh access point nodes. It enforces firewalls, access policy, and quality of service (QoS) while performing broadcast suppression—all of which serve to optimize RF spectrum utilization in the mesh network. The MP-432 can be configured with one radio for client services and the other for mesh service.

The MP-432 plays an important role in wireless intrusion detection systems and wireless intrusion prevention systems (WIDS/WIPS) as well as denial-of-service (DoS) attack detection and prevention. The MP-432’s ActiveScan mechanism scans all 802.11 channels for WIDS/WIPS including 20 MHz and 40Mhz wide channels, while simultaneously providing wireless connectivity to Wi-Fi clients.

The SentryScan option allows the MP-432 or individual radios in the MP-432 to act as dedicated sentries, providing nonstop scanning and protection. The MP-432 also supports Dynamic Beacon Frame Protection, the strongest level of beacon protection in the industry, to ensure 802.11 beacon frames are not spoofed by an intruder.

For location based services, the MP-432 supports the LA-200 Location Appliance and other location engines that rely on Wi-Fi signal information for position location. Common applications include asset tracking and client location.

The MP-432 uses the same Mobility System Software™ as all other Trapeze Mobility Points. For more information about the security and networking capabilities of the MP-432, please read the Mobility System Software datasheet.