Atheros has bundled cloud-based management capability from PowerCloud Systems into its networking software platform, enabling cloud management for routers and access points based on Atheros chipsets.
Cloud managed routers are not a new concept, as Meraki continues to improve its cloud-based router offering.
However, Meraki’s products are relatively expensive and require an ongoing subscription fee. Atheros’ addition of PowerCloud’s CloudCommand technology will allow Atheros’ OEM partners to provide a similar, Meraki-esque experience.
CloudCommand will give smaller businesses management features similar to those enjoyed by larger enterprises using expensive, multi-AP management solutions. However, those systems don’t scale down to meet smaller businesses’ needs very well, which might have only a small number of APs to manage.
Atheros is hoping to change this by allowing OEMs to cloud-base multi-AP management and bring cost-effective and flexible wireless network management to more products.