Airespace

Airespace, Inc. was a wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure company specializing in centralized WLAN management and security. Founded in 2001, Airespace developed wireless controllers and lightweight access points that allowed for the centralized configuration, management, and monitoring of wireless networks.

Airespace's architecture aimed to improve the scalability, security, and manageability of wireless networks compared to traditional autonomous access point deployments. Their central controller handled tasks such as radio resource management, security policy enforcement, and client mobility, reducing the management overhead on individual access points.

Key features of Airespace's solutions included intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) specifically designed for wireless networks, role-based access control, and support for various authentication methods. Their technology was often deployed in enterprise environments, including universities, hospitals, and large corporations, where robust and secure wireless connectivity was crucial.

Cisco Systems acquired Airespace in January 2005 for approximately $450 million. The Airespace technology and product line were subsequently integrated into Cisco's wireless networking portfolio, forming the foundation of what would become Cisco's Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) solutions. While the Airespace brand name is no longer in active use, its technology legacy continues to influence Cisco's wireless networking products.