|
Newsletters
|
|
|
|
|
|
WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Funk Software Announces Shipping of Odyssey(R) Client 4.0 with WPA2(TM) Support
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 12 -- Funk Software, a
leading provider of network access security solutions, today announced the
shipping of Odyssey Client v4.0, an upgrade to its secure 802.1X access client
that includes support for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). WPA2, the next
generation of Wi-Fi security, offers the strongest available security in the
form of AES-level encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard), plus faster
roaming between access points. Odyssey Client v4.0 also adds support for the
WLAN protocols EAP-FAST and EAP-SIM and Microsoft machine credentials.
"WPA2 is helping speed deployment of WLANs with the strongest security
encryption the industry has seen, and Funk Software worked hard to ensure
Odyssey Client would be the first supplicant to support WPA2 and fulfill this
growing need," said Joe Ryan, vice president of Funk Software. "The Odyssey
Client supports virtually any wireless computing device, continuing Funk's
market leadership in secure network access, and easing the security pain of
customers implementing wireless initiatives."
WPA2 is based on the encryption algorithm AES; its predecessor, Wi-Fi
Protected Access(TM) (WPA(TM)), uses the encryption algorithm TKIP (Odyssey
Client has supported WPA since July 2003). In addition to AES-based data
security, WPA2 permits 802.1X authentication in either ad-hoc mode or in
traditional infrastructure networks, and accelerates re-authentication using
key caching and pre-authentication techniques.
A complete WLAN security solution based on WPA2 includes Odyssey Client
v4.0, an 802.1X-compatible RADIUS server such as Funk Software's Odyssey
Server or Steel-Belted Radius(R), and WPA2-compatible WLAN equipment. This
complete system provides the following safeguards to enterprises deploying
WLAN access:
Access control ensures that only authorized users can connect to the
network, blocking access by users who are not listed in the enterprise
security database. In addition, through strong mutual authentication of client
and server, the system ensures that WLAN users can only connect to a legal
network.
Complete credential (password or token) security is provided over the
wireless link when a strong authentication method such as EAP-TTLS is used.
This provides total security for enterprise user names and passwords or
tokens, preventing credential theft, as they traverse the wireless link.
Data privacy is afforded by the WPA2 encryption protocol, so session data
is protected against wireless eavesdropping and other attacks, preventing
discovery of enterprise information as it traverses the wireless link.
To maintain the product's market-leading multi-vendor compatibility,
Odyssey Client v4.0 also adds support for Cisco's EAP-FAST WLAN protocol.
Odyssey Client v4.0 also adds support for EAP-SIM, the WLAN protocol that
allows GSM operators to authenticate customers accessing the network from an
802.1X-based hotspot against their existing Subscriber Information Management
(SIM)-based infrastructure (The GSM operator must also be running Funk
Software's Steel-Belted Radius/SS7 Gateway).
In addition to supporting WPA2, EAP-SIM, and EAP-FAST, Odyssey Client v4.0
can use Microsoft machine credentials to authenticate machines to the network
when a user is not logged in. This streamlines administration because machines
can be directly authenticated against their computer account in Active
Directory.
Odyssey Client Overview
Odyssey Client is the 802.1X access client that is most suitable for
deployment on enterprise networks. Its multi-platform, multi-protocol support
ensures compatibility in any environment, whether on the secure enterprise
WLAN or wired 802.1X network, or at a public WLAN hotspot. Advanced pre-
configuration tools enable rapid, automated deployment across every wireless
PC on the network, significantly reducing deployment costs associated with
WLAN access. And, numerous user conveniences provide a simple user experience
to ensure rapid adoption by the end user population, significantly reducing
support and training costs associated with WLAN access. No other 802.1X client
packs this triple punch.
Odyssey Client runs on Windows XP, 2000, 98, Me, and Windows Mobile 2003
for Pocket PC, and supports EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-FAST, EAP-SIM,
and LEAP authentication methods, and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), Wi-Fi
Protected Access (WPA), and dynamic WEP encryption protocols.
A WPA2-compatible version of Odyssey Client was selected by the Wi-Fi
Alliance for inclusion in their WPA2 certification test bed.
Pricing and Availability
Odyssey Client v4.0 is available now directly from Funk Software as well
as through Funk Software's Inner Circle Partners, local system integrators and
VARs, from Ingram Micro, Tech Data, TerraWave Solutions, and WAV, Inc., and
online from the Funk Software web site. It is available outside the US/Canada
through Funk Software's network of authorized international partners. Odyssey
Client costs $50/machine; quantity discounts and private-label licensing are
available.
About Funk Software
Funk Software is a leading provider of network access security solutions
for networks of any size, from enterprise to operator, wired or wireless. The
company's family of RADIUS/AAA and WLAN security products allow an
organization to enforce a uniform security policy across all network access
methods, including WLAN, remote/VPN, dial, and identity-based (wired 802.1X)
-- with the performance and reliability to handle any traffic load, and with
full support for any network infrastructure. Funk Software's customers include
many of the world's largest corporations, institutions, telecommunications
carriers, and internet service providers (ISPs); its products are licensed or
resold by numerous leading manufacturers of Internet hardware and software.
Founded in 1982, Funk Software is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
For more information, visit http://www.funk.com or call +1 (617) 497-6339.
|
|
|
