For businesses considering an investment into Cisco Meraki hardware, it can bring superior lifetime ROI specifically because there's so much it can do, and so many potential applications.

Taking A Look At The Meraki MX64W Internet Appliance

Let's start with the basics.

1 - A stateful-inspection firewall

The first and most obvious use for this unit is to add full firewall functionality to your existing network. It uses stateful-inspection analysis to watch for DOS attacks, and covers Layers 3 - 7. The firewall has a throughput of 200Mbps, and each unit can support around 50 users. With more users, just add more MX series firewall appliances and they'll work together to ensure full coverage for everyone.

2 - Full Unified Threat Management (UTM) capabilities

With an upgrade to the Advanced Security package, your MX64W adds several more layers of protection. The full range of protections includes a smart intrusion-prevention system, which monitors for multiple types of attack, including both on-site and off-site methods. There are also anti-phising systems to go alongside the anti-DOS capabilities.

Additionally, it can utilize CIPA-certified content filtering, making it safe for work or school, including both Google SafeSearch and YouTube-For-Schools support.

(Short on time? Click here to download a Free Guide to Keeping Your Patient Records Secure.)

3 - An integrated WiFi access point

The MX64W also functions as its own access point, with dual band 802.11n/ac 2x2 MIMO radios providing high-speed access with a maximum theoretical throughput of 1.2Gbps. It can support up to four separate SSIDs. Its gateway functionality includes DHCP, NAT, QoS, and VLAN management, giving it a superior feature set.

In this respect, it's effectively equivalent to a Meraki MR32 access point, except with significantly expanded security and firewall services.

Making Use Of The MX64W

Thanks to this combination of features, there are numerous ways the MX64W-HW can be deployed within an operation. It could be:

• A one-and-done box for providing fast, safe, and secure WiFi access to a smaller office or retail location.
• A straightforward firewall appliance, adding extra security to your existing Meraki network.
• An SMB UTM module to bring superior security and attack prevention.
• Deployed in schools or other educational facilities, to provide safe access with whatever content filtering is needed.
• Utilized in remote settings, such as trade show kiosks, to bring full network access without sacrificing security.
• A backup\mobile device that can simply be taken anywhere and, within moments, provide access whenever and however it's needed.

We would tend to especially recommend this model to businesses getting their first start with Meraki, as it truly has everything needed to create a highly secure WiFi network with all the cloud-networking benefits that only they can bring.

And, of course, because of how easy it is to reconfigure Meraki networks, the MX64 series can be moved from role to role throughout its active life. The unit that begins as the heart of a small network can continue to be used as an access point, or simply as a firewall, as that network expands. It's easily the most multipurpose hardware they have to offer.

For more information, download the MX64W datasheet here.

Are you still wondering whether mesh-based networking is right for your business? Just contact Hummingbird Networks today.

Like so much of ADTRAN's hardware, this SIP gateway packs a lot of features into a small package, making it ideal for smaller ventures which need to minimize the amount of hardware they purchase.

Let's take a look...

The ADTRAN Total Access 908e: A Powerful Business Gateway

Just to begin with, calling the Total Access 908e merely a "gateway" is somewhat misleading, as it includes a full integrated IP router as well. This adds significant advantages, as well as making it possible to use it in a variety of roles across your organization.

The new Third Generation model features two 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports, as well as adding a Gigabit Ethernet port for improved downstream speeds. Additionally, it features 8 FXS ports for connecting legacy copper-wire telephone equipment, as well as optionally supporting an FXO-based lifeline. For those who are interested in hosting their VoIP systems on-site, the ADTRAN 908e also includes full enterprise Session Border Control capability, giving you superior security at the network edge.

The result is a seamless point of unification for all data and voice transmissions, whether the voice calls are using VoIP or copper service.

(Short on time? Click here to download a Free Guide to An Introduction to SIP Gateways.)

On-board software is equally full-featured, with both QoS packet optimizations as well as VQM systems for tracking and analyzing your VoIP network's performance. This gateway further integrates a full stateful inspection firewall capable of stopping DOS attacks, bringing further security to the gateway.

The ADTRAN Total Access 908e is fully compatible with major softswitches and call agents, while support for both SIP and MGCP protocols bring compatibility with a wide variety of existing VoIP systems.

Significantly improved processor speeds over previous models allow the Third Generation Total Access 908e to perform all these tasks simultaneously with little noticeable slowdown. Overall throughput and processing capabilities are over 40% higher than previous hardware versions. This places it well ahead of most other gateway\routers in its class.

An ADTRAN 908e still remains easy to manage, thanks to the powerful AOS operating system. It includes full CLI support, as well as a windowed GUI that allows both newcomers and experienced administrators to quickly and easily configure the device. As your ADTRAN network expands, AOS will expand as well to bring easy oversight of the entire system.

Finally, an industry-leading 5-year warranty from ADTRAN guarantees that this SIP Gateway can remain in service for many years to come.

ADTRAN Brings Enterprise-Grade Networking To SMBs

All told, the ADTRAN Total Access 908e packs a surprising number of features into its rugged metal case. It can be used as a plain IP gateway, or as a dedicated controller for your VoIP, or for Unified Communications, or even in powering MAN-scale network applications.

In terms of price, power, and long-term value, the Total Access 908e is an excellent investment for a wide range of growing operations. Contact Hummingbird Networks today to get all the details.

      

Despite

The NetVanta 3430 is a very well-engineered piece of hardware that brings multiple extra benefits, as well as significant options in expanding its feature set. The result is a router that can easily handle the demands of a small business, while also having plenty of potential for deployment in secondary or tertiary roles within a larger operation.

Five Value-Added Bonuses With The ADTRAN 3430

1 - DIM/NIM Slot

Despite its small size, ADTRAN fit an Interface Module slot onto the NetVanta 3430, which allows it to accept a wide variety of connection types. The most obvious use for it is adding up to two T1 connectors, allowing significant flexibility in the 3430's deployment.

The other popular option is adding a Dialup Interface Module, which allows for emergency backup 56/64K copper-wire Internet access, in the event of a broadband outage. That's not enough for normal operations... But it is enough to keep your website or your Point-of-Sale software online, and those are some of your most critical network functions.

2 - RapidRoute

ADTRAN's proprietary RapidRoute technologies allow the NetVanta 3430 to make blazingly fast packet-routing decisions, even when the main processor is being utilized for other tasks like QoS or firewall management. Unlike many other routers in its class, the 3430 won't bog down under heavy use even at near-maximum utilization.

This also makes it an excellent option in a secondary role handling a SMB's VoIP network, while leaving a larger router to control primary Internet access.

(Short on time? Click here to download a Free Guide on Options for Deploying IT Equipment in Small Offices.)

3 - Onboard WiFi Controller

ADTRAN is one of the only major hardware vendors to consider multi-functionality to be a priority, which is another reason they're an excellent brand for SMBs. The built-in WiFi controller eliminates the need for a separate box, while adding very little to the costs of the 3430.

That sort of added value is why ADTRAN continues to grow in popularity.

4 - The Enhanced Feature Pack

The EFP for the ADTRAN 3430 is well-chosen, with two features that startups and small organizations probably don't need, but will be invaluable as a company grows. It allows for IPSec-protected VPN support, with up to 500 simultaneous tunnels. These are protected by high-bitrate DES/3DES/AES encryption for absolutely secure remote connections.

It also adds Voice Quality Monitoring systems, which can enhance your VoIP service by providing detailed statistics on jitter, delay, and packet loss.

5 - Enterprise Border Session Control

You also have the option of adding BSC features to your 3430, for either 50 or 100 simultaneous calls. This adds significant security to your VoIP connections at the point they meet the outside network, and helps facilitate a move towards on-site PBX hosting. As with the EFP, this isn't a feature every business needs - but when it's time to make that change, an affordable license upgrade can prevent the need for a new router.

Hummingbird Helps You Do More, With Less

Here at Hummingbird, we're fully aware that most companies don't have the budget for every network upgrade they'd like to have. That's why we focus on custom-building solutions tailored to your needs, making use of a wide range of products -including serviceable older models- to deliver maximum performance for your money.

To learn more, just download the Adtran 3430 datasheet and contact our experts today for a free consultation on putting together a network that combines power with affordability.

The Bluetooth Low Power (BLE) radio in the MR32 has a transmission range of around 70 meters, which is enough to cover a good-sized retail or restaurant space, and has full Beacon\iBeacon support.

Let's look into what that could mean for your network.

MR32 Bluetooth Support Brings Extra Value To Your WiFi

Bluetooth Beacons, or iBeacons since they began as an Apple standard, are a relatively new and so far under-utilized technology, which is compatible with most modern mobile devices. They deploy a very low-power broadcast to continually announce their presence and form a one-way connection with any devices in their vicinity.

There are two primary ways this can be useful for a business, especially one dealing with walk-in customer traffic.

(Short on time? Click here to download a Free Guide to How to Create a Wi-Fi Network Your Guests Will Love.)

1 - Movement and device tracking

When an iBeacon makes contact with a device, it doesn't get much information about the device since it's a one-way transmission - but it does calculate the distance to the receiving device. And since it's transmitting constantly, usually at around 100ms intervals, that means you get a fairly good overview of the movements of a device around your premises.

In turn, this means that a couple of Bluetooth beacons can effectively act as anonymized customer movement pattern trackers. You can quickly chart the most common paths around your operation, areas where customers lingered, as well as areas where they don't linger.

This data can be put to use optimizing your layout, improving the placement of displays in high-traffic areas, or evaluating the effectiveness of new promotional materials.

2 - Pushing advertisements and announcements

The other main use for the MR32 Bluetooth radio is pushing messages to your customers. Any device that's powered up -even in standby mode- will receive whatever message is embedded into the beacon broadcast. Whether the customer sees it will obviously depend on their own preferences, but it will be there.

This makes it extremely easy to send information about your business, specials, flash sales, and a wealth of other promotional material to your visitors. Or, place the MR32 near to your door, and you could use the beacon to attract more walk-ins from those who are passing by.

MR32 Bluetooth Brings Plenty Of New Options

As we said, beacons are relatively new, and the uses for them are still being explored. They can be used in payment systems, for example, although we probably wouldn't recommend tying a customer payment system to the main WiFi network. Or, if your business had a custom app, it would be possible to utilize beacons to interact with that app.

Likewise, social media integration is another possibility, although that requires more advanced programming of the beacon and its broadcast.

Either way, Bluetooth compatibility makes a great wireless access point even better. When combined with the easy deployment and day-to-day use, and the power provided by the Meraki Dashboard, this makes this AP an excellent addition to retail spaces.

Want to learn more? Contact Hummingbird Networks today to learn about the many advantages a Meraki network can bring!

Meraki is a name that not every business is familiar with, but we suspect this is going to be changing. Backed by Cisco, Meraki delivers absolutely unparalleled virtualized mesh-based networking in a package that, as they say, just works.

Everything about the MR34-HW WiFi access point is streamlined, from its sleek white exterior to the simplified single-pane-of-glass management interface. It simultaneously delivers the best virtualized networking services on the market today, while being easy enough to use that even networking newcomers could quickly deploy a large-scale Meraki network.

Is a Meraki MR34 right for you? Let's take a closer look.

The MR34-HW: Superior Mesh-Based Networking Anyone Can Use

At the heart of the MR34 is a blazing-fast 1.75Gbps wireless access point that can easily keep your workforce connected at high speeds. It features 802.11ac radios, operating at 5ghz and 2.4ghz, which can be used concurrently. Smart on-board frequency-switching systems give it superior interoperability in environments that already have a high density of cordless or Bluetooth devices.

Additionally, it includes a Bluetooth radio with full Beacon and iBeacon capabilities, which can be used in a variety of roles to push messages -or advertisements- to users on the system.

Security is also a high priority with the Meraki MR34. It has an onboard stateful inspection firewall, covering Layers 3-7, as well as a live anti-virus scanner and active WIPS/WIDS intrusion detection and prevention systems. Industry-standard 802.1X systems keep the device itself secure.

On its face, this is fairly standard for current-gen WAPs , but Meraki takes things further with their revolutionary mesh-based network architecture. Each Meraki access point self-configures based on the components present, to optimize performance on any hardware combination. This works across all Meraki products, including the physical switches and firewalls.

Together, they form a seamless and self-healing mesh network architecture that's highly robust and fault-resistant. If one piece of hardware fails, the others take over its load for minimal disruption. If a piece of hardware is added, the system automatically recognizes it and adds its abilities to the network whole.

In fact, in most situations, the installation of any new Meraki hardware after initial deployment is a true plug-and-play process. Once the hardware is plugged in and registered, it automatically pulls network configuration and security settings while optimizing alongside the rest of your hardware.

Management of the MR34-HW is similarly easy. Through the Meraki Dashboard interface, your sysadmin will have full access to every component on your Meraki network, while also enjoying a full overview of its usage. This is wrapped in an easy-to-use GUI that requires no special expertise, and no command-line usage.

They still get fine levels of granular control, down to the app level. Permissions and bandwidth settings can be altered on an app-by-app basis for true fine-tuning, allowing your admin to further optimize the network for your own specific needs.

Cisco Meraki: The Next Generation Of Wireless Networking

A single MR34 can function as a single all-in-one network appliance for small organizations, or just as easily work alongside a massive deployment. Simply put, no other networking vendor on the market has this combination of speed, power, flexibility, and ease-of-use.

Is your organization tired of network hardware that works against you, and wants something that will simply work as needed? Contact Hummingbird Networks today for all the details on next-generation Meraki networking.

The Total Access 908e is aimed specifically at growing SMBs that need a converged solution for voice and data that's ready to interface between VoIP and copper networks. As with most ADTRAN solutions, the 908e is packed with features and designed to be as multi-purpose as possible while still providing excellent service in its primary role.

This new revision adds significant value to the 908e, as well as making it better suited for a more modern, data-heavy business network.

The ADTRAN 908e Third Generation: Better Than Ever

Older versions of the IP business gateway only included two 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports, which are beginning to struggle even for relatively small deployments. Data demands are growing, and ADTRAN recognized this. So, the new SIP gateway now includes a third Gigabit-speed Ethernet port, allowing it to function far more effectively within a high-speed network.

As before, there is a router integrated into the IP business gateway, so these ports can be used for either WAN or LAN purposes, giving it significant flexibility in its usage.

Short on Time?  Download The Free Guide:  An Introduction to SIP Gateways

Additionally, the Total Access 908e has eight FXS ports, which allow it to provide legacy support to any remaining copper-wire phones or fax machines in your organization. These can be used simultaneously alongside the VoIP services. This feature can be utilized with any SIP- or MGCP-based VoIP system, but it's especially effective for groups with on-site PBX hosting. In this scenario, the gateway is an excellent partner for your VoIP equipment, as it can bring those additional telephone ports to wherever they're needed.

The other substantial upgrade is to the CPU, which is significantly faster than previous models. The Third Gen has overall throughput and packet-processing speeds that are 40% faster than the second gen, and greatly reduce any slowdown when it is put under heavy loads.

The faster processor especially helps the onboard stateful inspection firewall and QoS packet optimization services reach their full potential.

As before, the ADTRAN 908e can be disaster-proofed with an optional 8 hour backup battery, which allows it to continue functioning even during extended power outages. We highly recommend this for operations planning on using its FXS ports, since that allows for continuity of telephone services. It also allows for a copper-based "lifeline" via FXO, to bring emergency dial-up services if your broadband goes out.

Rounding off its suite of telephony services is the enterprise Session Border Controller option. This brings superior security and encryption services to your network border, at the point your network joins with the outside copper system. The eSBC provides much safer communications.

The Third Generation ADTRAN 908e Is A Superior Investment

For growing SMBs that need both VoIP and copper phone support, the Total Access 908e brings an impressive collection of features, made even better in the latest hardware revision. It's another good example of ADTRAN's commitment to meeting the needs of smaller organizations with high-grade enterprise-class hardware.

For a full consultation on our options in ADTRAN networking, just contact Hummingbird Networks .

      

If you have a small operation and you're rapidly outgrowing off-the-shelf hardware, the ADTRAN 3430 is a good example of how you don't need expensive top-grade hardware to create an excellent network.

The NetVanta 3430: A Great Choice For SMBs

The 3430 is a Fast Ethernet 10/100 modular access router, featuring dual LAN interfaces for greater flexibility in deployment. Its raw speed may not impress, but that's compensated for in many ways by one of its best features; ADTRAN RapidRoute technologies. These systems allow for blazing-fast packet route decision-making, with minimal burden on the central CPU. This gives it a packet throughput comparable to much larger and more expensive router, as well as freeing up its processor for high-end tasks.

(Short on time?  Click here to download a Free Guide to Deploying IT Equipment in small places.)

And there are plenty of extra systems built into the NetVanta 3430. ADTRAN has always had a focus on multi-functionality, which is another reason they're a good choice for SMBs. This router has a full stateful inspection firewall included, plus a WiFi controller. That's potentially three boxes, in one.

Additionally, it has high-powered VoIP processing systems. It includes full QoS optimizations with DiffServ marking and multiple queueing options, as well as Network Address Translation services. A simple software upgrade also gives it full Voice Quality Monitoring features. This all makes it a great choice for SMBs who need a single box dedicated to VoIP management.

Other add-ons can further increase the utility value of an ADTRAN 3430. Another software upgrade allows it to host up to 500 simultaneous VPN connections, with high-bitrate encryption protecting your traffic. Or, use the standard Interface Module slot to add a variety of additional connectors, such as for T1 or backup dialup/ISDN connections.

And, again, thanks to the superior systems engineering ADTRAN has put into the NetVanta 3430, all these features can be active simultaneously without significantly affecting its basic routing functionality.

As far as the interface goes, there's a standard command line if you happen to have a Unix guru on your team. However, for everyone else, ADTRAN has one of the easiest-to-use GUIs in the business. Again, it's built for small businesses and assumes little technical expertise. The graphic interface is web-based, allowing it to be accessed from anywhere, with a simple Windows-style layout designed for easy day-to-day administration.

A Solid SMB Network Doesn't Need To Break The Bank

The truth is, network technology is advancing faster than all but the largest companies can keep up with. There are plenty of options currently on the market which can easily meet the needs of growing smaller operations, and the ADTRAN NetVanta 3430 is among the best. This powerful little router packs a lot of features into its small frame.

If you're looking to build the best SMB network for your money, give Hummingbird Networks a call. Our experts can custom-craft networks from a variety of vendors to specifically meet your needs, while staying under budget. Leasing or certified refurbished options are also available. Just ask!

When you decide to purchase products and/or services from us, you’ll be assigned an account manager, which will be how you get to know your network as well as you do. We don’t have any call centers and we take great pride in this. We know just how frustrating it can be to purchase a product/service and not be able to make changes as you go or get the tech-support required to have successful communications. Your account manager will actually take the time to get to know you and your business on a personal level, which should show just how caring and compassionate our company is. Since all of our account managers have been trained and educated in all of our parts and equipment, they can speak intuitively and intelligently with you.

Our small business IT solutions exhibit the very nature of sophistication, as we’ve developed a system of support and advice that’s been proven to be effective on many different levels. We’ve seen what’s worked from what hasn’t, as our experience in our industry dates back decades. If you have problems with your communications, whether it be the phones, phone systems, routers, switches, or wireless access points, you’ll have the immediate assurance of our real-time consultations whenever you need it. We’ll make sure that your IT equipment, parts, and devices are fully operable and are ready for deployment. 

• No one wants to hack my network. There are two misconceptions that float around with this myth: It would be a waste of time to hack your network and smaller networks are harder to attack which means that hackers won't want to spend the time necessary for such a small reward. These things simply aren't true - think about it: Just because a hacker can't connect to your wifi from your front lawn doesn't mean that they can't or don't want to make the connection. Plus, if you think that a few credit cards aren't worth a hacker's time, you're wrong - it's an under-the-radar win.
• The 2.4 GHz band is superior and your router should stay connected to that band at all times. Each band has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, 5 GHz is superior to 2.4 GHz when it comes to avoiding crowded networks that are full of other devices. However, 2.4 GHz is superior to 5 GHz when it comes to spanning distance, or penetrating materials like concrete. While both have their place, neither is a sure-fire “must use” band.

We not only provide several options of small business phone systems, but we provide them for far less than their estimated MSRP. For an additional cost, we can install the product as well, which we find to be what our clients value. Our installation crews are all trained, certified, and educated with every small business phone system we have in stock, not to mention the ones we have coming in the near future.

One of our most advantageous small business phone systems is our  NetVanta 7100 VSMB. The Base Chassis  supports 2 combo 10/100/1000/SFP gigabit ports, 2 NetVanta NIM/VIM module slots, 2 analog trunk FXO ports, 2 analog station ports, and 1 10/100 WAN Ethernet port. Its IP PBX with integrated 24 port PoE switch can remarkably support up to 30 users. It has a music-on-hold input, a door relay, and a paging output, which most communication techies find to be extremely useful during multi-faceted communications. This particular phone system supports 30 SIP phones and includes up to 50 hours of voicemail storage. It also keeps call detail records, has an auto attendant, and provides email notifications with attachments.

In consummation, our phone systems are some of the most technologically advanced systems to date. This shows just how dynamically oriented, adaptable, and compatible our products are, let alone our business!