(Singapore June 18, 2001): Nokia today demonstrates its Operator Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) solution with a new authentication feature that encourages corporate users to access the workplace wirelessly.
The solution employs easy and secure authentication based on "smart card" technology that opens the way for operators to offer wireless LAN access not only in corporate premises, but also in public locations such as airports. In addition, the Nokia WLAN solution can now be integrated with virtual private networks (VPN) to enhance the security of broadband wireless access to corporate networks.
The solution is on show at Nokia Connection 2001, the inaugural Asia-Pacific event showcasing the latest Nokia products, and will be on the market within a few weeks.
By making fast and secure mobile access easy and available almost anywhere, mobile-network operators can use the Nokia Operator Wireless LAN solution to set up "wireless offices" in office premises or public locations. Wireless LAN terminals are fitted in laptops and PDAs to allow their users to make wireless broadband connections of 11 mbit/s, with full authentication safeguards.
By implementing the Nokia Operator Wireless LAN in public places with high concentrations of business users, mobile-network operators can tap into a new revenue stream - the idle businessperson. For example, business people waiting in airport lounges can more easily access their corporate networks, allowing them to integrate remotely with the office environment in between flights.
"In this fast-paced economy, business people don't like wasting time," says Kimmo Kaitala, General Manager, Operator Wireless LAN, Nokia Networks, "The Nokia Operator Wireless LAN solution gives companies the ability to extend the reach of the workplace to 'out-of-office' hotspots where their employees are.
"The innovative combination of SIM-based authentication and VPN simplifies access for the user, while simplifying billing for the operator. Nokia is pleased to demonstrate for the first time in Asia-Pacific, the benefits of this secure solution for keeping mobile users in the loop, even when on the road," adds Kimmo Kaitala.
Nokia now makes such wireless access easier and secure by implementing SIM-based authentication. Corporate users of WLAN only need to type a PIN code and click "connect" to access the company network. This is because their identification and authentication data is stored on the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card used by the Nokia WLAN terminals in their laptops, making network access as simple as using a GSM phone. The Nokia Operator Wireless LAN solution also supports non-Nokia WLAN terminals using traditional username and password authentication. In addition, security can be reinforced by integrating the Nokia VPN into the Nokia Operator Wireless LAN solution.
For business subscribers of Operator Wireless LAN, secure and reliable access to their corporate network resources over the wireless link and the Internet is a must. By integrating Nokia's VPN solutions with Nokia's Operator Wireless LAN solutions, operators can help enterprises safely harness the Internet for corporate and remote use. Powered by patented IP (Internet Protocol) Clustering technology, Nokia's dedicated VPN solutions provide secure end-to-end data transmission, eliminate any single point of VPN failure and provide unmatched reliability through active session failover and dynamic load balancing.
In order to enable seamless authentication and billing methods, Nokia is investigating new product features to the Nokia VPN client allowing the use of smart card technology to authenticate the user.
Nokia has been driving the standardisation for high-data-rate wireless networks and is committed to be one of the first suppliers to deliver Wireless LAN and 3G commercial solutions in the Nokia All-IP platform.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com