Meru repackaged its software to allow users to easily configure their networks for a variety of situations: The software allows IT managers to select different configurations based on the type of use of the network, which consists of access points, a controller, and embedded software. "If you want to deploy voice, then you press optimize for voice so the controller will determine the best way for devices to connect and send packets and handoff is seamless," said Sarah Kim, senior marketing manager for Meru. "It's all the pieces of our technology that already existed but it's packaged in a way that the IT manager doesn't have to think about which set of parameters to turn on to get the best setting." Users can also choose to configure their networks for the best coverage and can opt for different configurations based on separate VLANs.
Kim says that Meru's approach to network optimization is unique. WLAN switch providers tend to rely on power adjustment to optimize network performance, adjusting each access point's power output to achieve the best coverage. But Meru networks, which operate on a single channel, optimize on a per packet basis.