Ekahau RTLS

Ekahau RTLS (Real-Time Location System) is a continuous monitoring platform that allows system administrators to know where their wireless assets are currently located.

The platform is software based; with the central Positioning Engine running off Windows or Linux servers, and software clients available for the tracking of laptops and/or handheld devices (2000/XP/2003, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile, Symbol). Additionally, the vendor separately sells hardware "tags," small Wi-Fi radios that can be attached to other mobile assets or worn by individuals for people-based tracking; and also notes that their technology is able to track devices using Wi-Fi modems from Digi and Lantronix. A partner program from the vendor provides the ability for 3rd party device makers to enable their wireless devices for use with the platform. The vendor states that the platform operates on standard Wi-Fi networks without requiring proprietary antennas or other hardware; the platform works with 802.11a, b, g, and now n gear.

Individual components of the platform include the central Ekahau Positioning Engine (EPE), which utilizes strength of signal indicators from user-selected contributing access points in the Wi-Fi network in order to determine an object's location (the vendor notes that location accuracy is typically within 1 to 3 meters); the aforementioned software/hardware clients; the Ekahau Device Manager (EDM), for the remote management and updating of hardware tags; and optional and specific applications that can leverage the platform's capabilities to provide location-based services. Finally, a Java-based SDK and socket-based API are provided, allowing developers to integrate positioning capabilities within their own applications.

The optional applications listed by the vendor that can be driven by the Ekahau RTLS platform include:

- Ekahau Vision, a Web-based application that provides the ability to search for and locate assets; including searches by name, location, device type, or category. Vision features include customizable notifications, integrated tag management, real-time map displays, support for bi-directional communications with hardware tags (for LED activation or buzzer alerts on the tags themselves)

- Ekahau Tracker is also a Web-based interface, which the vendor states is fully customizable. It provides SQL-backed tag, asset, and user management features (and supports single sign-on via MS A/D or LDAP), customizable notifications including support for escalation; and real-time notifications through such methods as pop-up windows, E-mail, SMS, tag buzzer/LED, or 3rd party applications (HTTP POST).

Contact Ekahau for further information.