The Proxim Orinoco AP-4000 makes sense for large companies that can take advantage of its many features, like rogue AP detection, extensive SNMP support, and the ability to download configuration files from a central location. Unlike other products in this story, the AP-4000 can be fully configured using SNMP.

By comparison, however, the AP-4000 was a weak performer, despite the high output power of its radios. On our tests, the AP-4000 lost signal at 120 feet in "g"-only mode (1.2 Mbps) and at 100 feet in "a/g" mixed mode (5.4 Mbps). Several add-on antennas are available for this product, though we did not (and do not) acquire them for testing. Besides, for $899 per AP, an external antenna should be included.

The management interface includes a setting to control the transmit power level. Though its wireless distribution system—in which an access point without Ethernet access connects to another wireless access point—can further extend the range.

The device's support for multiple VLANs allows for a protected and guest network on the same AP. As with all of the products in our roundup, Proxim will soon offer the new WPA2 security protocol, which supports the 802.11i specification and its AES encryption, in a firmware upgrade.

The AP-4000 is configurable through a Web interface, which is a little clumsy but gets the job done. Larger companies will probably opt to use centrally managed configuration files or SNMP. By adding Wavelink's Mobile Manager Enterprise software ($1,500 and up, www .wavelink.com), you get capabilities as extensive as those of Cisco's WLSE (which is a nearly $8,500 purchase).

The AP-4000 is an impressive access point for medium-to-large businesses. But for the same price, the 3Com 8750 offers slightly more features out of the box.