NetEqualizer Passes Load Testing with High Marks

December 3, 2008 — netequalizer

Editor’s Note: We just wanted to comment on this recent press release. This is not just industry hype as we really do test our units. To give you an example, several years ago we had a few units locking up in the field (perhaps one out of hundred) after many hours of continuous use. This type of problem is hard to re-create in a lab, but, unless you can recreate it, there’s very little chance of finding and correcting the issue. However, with the help of Candela Technologies and their LanForge equipment, we were able to recreate the problem quite easily. It was just a matter of accelerating time by increasing loads on the NetEqualizer well beyond what was likely in the real world.

Since that first experience with a load-related latent bug, we have always gone back to Candela for validation testing under load and are happy to say we have caught all service-related bugs with new versions prior to release.

With that said, here is the latest press release:


One-Gigabit NetEqualizer Performs Flawlessly Under Independent Load Testing

USA, FERNDALE, Washington (December 03, 2008) – APconnections – a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products – today announced test results from the independent laboratory of Candela Technologies.

“APconnections has been coming to us for years to put extreme realistic loads on their equipment,” said Ben Greear, lead engineer, Candela Technologies. “We used our LANforge traffic generator to hit the latest NetEqualizer release with over 1.2 million simulated user data streams within a 60 second window. The NetEqualizer shrugged off
the abuse and continued to pass in excess of 800Mbps of bi-directional traffic.  The NetEqualizer successfully ran this torture test for a full 24 hours without a hiccup.”

Eli Riles, vice president of technology at APconnections, was very pleased with the results, noting the importance of the tests to ensuring NetEqualizer’s high level of performance.

“With our higher-end shaping solutions, we cannot afford a problem in the field,” said Riles.

APconnections is extremely grateful to have such a knowledgeable company like Candela Technologies with such impressive simulation capabilities testing its equipment. Their load generator is able to strain equipment well beyond real world situations, ensuring its stability and protecting company and product reputations.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance. It is both flexible and scalable. The NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP and email. It does it all automatically and so dynamically while improving on other bandwidth shaping technology available.

For more information regarding the New NetEqualizer one-gigabit  carrier class traffic shaping solution, please visit www.netequalizer.com.

APconnections is a privately held company founded in 2003 and based in Lafayette, Colorado.

Candela Technologies specializes in emulating network traffic including VoIP and VLANs.

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One Gigabit NetEqualizer Announced Today

November 7, 2008 — netequalizer

Editors Note: We expect to go higher than 1 gigabit and 12,000 users in the near future. This is just a start.

APconnections Announces Fully Equipped One-Gigabit NetEqualizer Traffic Shaper for $8500

LAFAYETTE, Colo., Nov. 7/PRNewswire/ — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, today announced a one-gigabit enhancement to their NetEqualizer brand traffic shapers. The initial release will handle 12,000 users and sustained line speeds of one gigabit.

“Prior to this release, our largest model, the NE-3000 was rated for 350 megabits,” said Eli Riles, APconnections vice president of sales. “Many of our current customers liked our technology, but just needed a higher end machine.The other good news is that our current NE-3000 platform will be able to run this new version with just a software upgrade, no forklift required.”

Future releases are in the works for even higher speeds and more users, thus solidifying APConnections as the price-performance leader in the WAN optimization market place.

In its initial release, the one-gigabit model will start at $8,500 USD. For more information, contact APconnections at 1-800-918-2763 or via email at sales@netequalizer.com.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology
gives priority to latency-sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. Behavior based shaping is the industry alternative to Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology available.

APconnections is a privately held company founded in 2003 and is based in Lafayette, Colorado.

Contact: APconnections, 1-800-918-2763

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Death to Deep Packet (layer 7 shaping) Inspection

October 29, 2008 — netequalizer

Editors note: Deep packet inspection (layer 7 shaping) will likely be around for a while. It is very easy to explain this technology to customers, hence many IT resellers latch on to it as it makes a compelling elevator pitch.  We put out the press release below to formalize our position on this issue.

For detailed information on how the techniques of NetEqualizer differ from Deep Packet inspection, see the following link: http://www.netequalizer.com/Compare_NetEqualizer.php

LAFAYETTE, Colo., October 28, 2008 — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, today made a formal announcement to formally discontinue  deep packet inspection techniques in their NetEqualizer product line.

“Our behavior-based techniques worked so well that current customers stopped asking for the layer-7 techniques we had at one time implemented into our system,” said Art Reisman, CEO of APconnections. “So, we eventually just decided to phase the technique out completely.”

Although deep packet inspection, also known as layer-7 shaping, was unofficially discontinued nearly two years ago, the ongoing debates over user privacy spurred the official announcement.

“What prompted us to make a formal announcement was the continued industry lack of understanding that deep packet inspection not only does not work very well, but it also puts you are at risk of violating privacy laws if you use these techniques without customer consent,” said Reisman.

Although Reisman says most providers cross this line with the good intentions of controlling traffic congestion, the reality of it is that it’s no different than listening to a private phone conversation and terminating the call if you don’t like what you hear.

“It’s quite risky  that any public US based ISP would invest in  this technique, especially after the FCC slapped Comcast’s wrists in a recent decision” said Riesman.

For more information on the NetEqualizer technology, visit www.netequalizer.com or contact APconnections at 1-800-918-2763 or via email sales@netequalizer.com.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology available.

APconnections is a privately held company founded in 2003 and is based in Lafayette, Colorado.

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NetEqualizer Direct Sales and Restocking Fee

October 17, 2008 — netequalizer

A customer recently stated that the restocking fee we charge gave the appearance of a lack of confidence in our product. I can appreciate that perception, especially with all the failed products many IT professionals have been burned with over the years.

However, here is the official reasoning behind why we charge a restocking fee.  As taken from my response to this customer:

The restocking fee has its roots based on a couple of factors…

1) The restocking fee is designed to make sure we don’t get inundated with requests for free units from customers that are “just looking”. The other vendors  you mention charge much higher prices, sometimes four times as much,  and they typically use a channel that already purchases stock for the purposes of demo’s. All of this cost gets passed along to the customers that end up buying the product (basically covering the cost of dry wells).  We sell mostly direct and with  no local presence it is difficult to know a customer’s buying patterns.   You’d be surprised how many customers will trial something  without any intention to purchase.  But, many times it is not the immediate customers fault as the CIO might change the IT manager’s  budget, etc.

2) We are  not 100-percent certain that our unit will solve your issue. I’d  say we are closer to 80-percent certain based on what you described, but we will easily provide you with $200 of support helping you figure out what your issue is. You will have the chance to talk directly to our engineers who trouble shoot thousands of networks a year with similar problems. We do not want or pretend to be a consulting company, but we don’t want to consult without recouping some of our cost either — especially with our low margins which we are already passing along.

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NetEqualizer Evaluation Policy

October 1, 2008 — netequalizer

Our official policy for customers requesting evaluation units is to require payment upfront.  However, we do honor a no-questions-asked  30-day return policy.

As you can imagine, we get a constant stream of requests for evaluation units. Obviously we’d love to provide everybody who asks with a demo unit. After all, the other brand name packet shapers will throw them at you. Especially if you are coming from an account they want to win over.

So, you may be wondering why we don’t do the same…

Some background:

APconnections  sells quite a few units under $3000 dollars. To put this in perspective, last year a CEO from a larger competitor selling similar equipment admitted that $4000 is their break-even point.

So, how do we offer units starting at $2000 and still turn a profit?

A big part of our model to is make sure that we do not drill dry wells. Dry well is industry speak for pursuing business that will never materialize. Yes, we love chatting with people, but in order to pay our engineers and stay in business, we must limit money spent supporting customers that are just “looking”.  The easiest way to do this is to enforce our evaluation policy.

Serious customers that are ready to buy something but need to see it work in their network usually have no problem with purchasing up front.  Some, but not all, customers that are not agreeable to purchasing up front may have cash flow problems of their own. In an economy where banks do not know how to qualify loans, we don’t want  to try to calculate this risk.

The result of our conservative policy translates to much lower prices , and to date nobody is arguing with that.

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NetEqualizer Bandwidth Controller Looking Strong During Slowdown

April 5, 2008 — netequalizer

The last several months have been filled with panic and scare by the news media. The world is coming to an end for many reasons. To name a few:

1) Greedy Wall Street firms

2) Greedy oil companies

3) Lack of government oversight on the mortgage industry

4) An unpopular war in IRAQ

5) Child molesters on the Internet

6) Crazed lunatics on college campuses

I suppose you could listen to this and get depressed or you could ignore it and buy a NetEqualizer, which is what many new customers are doing these days.

One factor is obviously our price points. Companies either die or move forward, and part of moving forward involves maintaining a superior communication infrastructure.

During boom years, purchasing a bandwidth controller was an easy sale for our competitors. The Packeteer, Allot, River Bed reps showed up at the door and the typical IT director, opened his pocket, and wrote a check, often dropping 50K without blinking. Now with a slightly uncertain future, the formerly little known NetEqualizer brand, priced too low to be true, is now on par with more expensive traffic shapers.

Our inquires and sales for the first quarter of 2008 are picking up over last year. We have not increased our advertising and we still sell mostly direct, thus keeping our prices down.

In the past week, we had major sales to companies such as Fluor Corporation, Airbus, and some major college accounts.

More to come soon, look for our new release coming out in May 2008.

Eli Riles — For the NetEqalizer

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APconnections Details Hidden Node 802.11 Solution in AirEqualizer White Paper

August 8, 2007 — netequalizer

APconnections, maker of the popular bandwidth control solution NetEqualizer, today announced the publication of a detailed white paper describing how their new access point technology, AirEqualizer, solves the hidden node problem widely found in wireless networks.

“The AirEqualizer has proven itself to be a rock solid access point which completely eliminates congestion and slowness associated with hidden nodes,” said Art Reisman, CEO of APconnections.

Entitled, “AirEqualizer and Hidden Nodes: A Real Solution to a Virtual Problem,” the white paper breaks down the hidden node issue and the complications it can cause for wireless networks. The paper goes on to document the technology behind the AirEqualizer solution, which uses latency to prevent more dominant nodes from blocking out those with weaker signals.

The white paper in its entirety can be found at http://www.netequalizer.com/Hidden_Node_White_Paper.php.

The AirEqualizer technology was first developed out of open source projects that APconnections started in 2004. Like the company’s NetEqualizer line, the AirEqualizer is designed to fit easily into any network with minimal setup time. In addition, the technology doesn’t require users to purchase products from any single equipment supplier, like many other hidden nodes solutions.

When asked why APconnections openly explains and details their technology in a white paper, Reisman responded: “We found that customers don’t like getting locked into proprietary solutions where they’re forced to buy certain types of equipment, and we use that to our advantage. Anybody already using 802.11 technology can retrofit our AP’s right in without any re-design. We offer a value add by supporting and bundling the technology in an AP.”

Also announced today is the availability of the AirEqualizer in Western Europe exclusively through APconnections’ distribution partner Ai Bridges (http://www.Aibridges.ie).

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APconnections Offers 802.11 Hidden Node Solution in Most Recent AirEqualizer Release

July 9, 2007 — netequalizer

LAFAYETTE, Colo., July 9, 2007 /PRNewswire/ — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, today announced that the capabilities of its AirEqualizer power-over-Ethernet wireless access point (AP) are expanding. The AirEqualizer now not only effectively controls network congestion and eliminates AP brownouts and lockups, but also serves as a proven 802.11 network hidden node solution.

With the advent of this technology, AirEqualizer users worldwide have seen the near instantaneous drop in problems associated with hidden nodes, leading to significant improvements in QoS and customer satisfaction.

“As we began to grow our client base, we discovered hidden node collisions were causing customer slowdowns. The more customers we put on, the more complaints we received,” said Chris McKay, director of British Columbia’s Airspeed Wireless. “Once the AirEqualizer was setup and configured to run optimally on our busiest site, the complaints immediately dropped off. We now have over 20 AirEqualizers in place at all of our WIPOP’s and very rarely get calls from upset customers. We give the AirEqualizer three thumbs up. It has saved our business and our sanity!”

Through the equalizing technology found in APconnections’ NetEqualizer bandwidth shaping products, AirEqualizer allows organizations to control network congestion at the AP. This ensures high-quality connectivity for voice over IP (VoIP) and other priority users, thereby dramatically reducing help desk and service calls, without the need for any manual tuning.

“We run a VoIP service over our wireless data network in Gunnison, Colorado and can’t afford to have customers with lower powered radio signals get crowded out of the RF spectrum,” said Jason Swenson, president of Internet Colorado. “With the unique QoS provided by the AirEqualizer, we have been blessed with the ability to run our network using less expensive 802.11-based equipment while maintaining first rate QoS.”

In addition to the equalizing technology, AirEqualizer comes with standard commercial AP features, including authentication, billing, re-direction, routing, and firewall protection.

APconnections partners with Aibridges.ie and the University of Limerick Ireland on a European version of the AirEqualizer.

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NetEqualizer Announces 1-Millionth Customer Served

June 11, 2007 — netequalizer

LAFAYETTE, Colo., June 11, 2007 — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, today announced that over 1 million Internet users have been served by companies implementing its NetEqualizer technology.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology available. It controls network flow for the best WAN optimization.

Since being introduced in 2003, the NetEqualizer has been successfully installed in businesses, libraries, universities, ISPs, and office parks around the world. Administrators have found the technology to be extremely effective in networks both large and small.

“We switched to a NetEqualizer in 2006 after previously using a high-end solution and have been very pleased with the results ever since. It’s been exactly what we were looking for and has worked just as advertised,” said Derrick D’Gama, director of Information Services at Lewis University. “We provide Internet service to over 5,000 students and have now effectively minimized any bandwidth issues. To have such a low-maintenance product work so well has made my job that much easier.”

In order to match its past success, the NetEqualizer is constantly evolving to meet the developing demands of the technology industry. Over the past two months, NetEqualizer has released software capable of name-based shaping and shaping over VLAN. The NetEqualizer is also now able to serve as a CALEA probe, offering ISPs an affordable, yet effective, answer to recently introduced law enforcement regulations.

To better demonstrate the NetEqualizer’s capabilities, APconnecitons offers a free online live demo of the technology at its Web site: http://www.netequalizer.com/livedemo.htm. Visitors who sample the demo will be entered to win two round-trip domestic tickets through Frontier Airlines.

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NetEqualizer Announces Low-Cost CALEA Probe for Mid-Level ISPs

May 18, 2007 — netequalizer

LAFAYETTE, Colo., May 18, 2007 — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products and creator of the NetEqualizer, today announced an upgrade that will allow operators to perform the necessary data reporting measures mandated by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, or CALEA.

“We already had a great bandwidth shaping tool dispersed in networks around the world. It was a natural extension to add CALEA functionality with our equipment already in place,” said Art Reisman, CEO of APconnections. “Rather than watch our customers purchase CALEA specific solutions at what seem to be inflated prices, we have produced a functional CALEA probe that meets the spirit of the law at no extra cost to our existing customers.”

The NetEqualizer CALEA probe will allow an ISP or other system operator to comply with a basic warrant for information about a user on their network by capturing and sending IP communications in real time to a third party. This communication can be captured either by headers alone, or by both headers and content. The NetEqualizer probe will provide basic descriptive tags identifying headers, data, and time stamps, along with HEX or ASCII representation of content data.

Customers with current NetEqualizer Software Subscriptions (NSS) can implement the upgrade at no charge. This will be done with the assurance that the NetEqualizer’s bandwidth-control capabilities will continue to operate effectively and unabated. All future NetEqualizer models will be shipped with the upgrade already installed.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology out there. It controls network flow for the best WAN optimization.

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NetEqualizer Announces VoIP QoS Solution Over VLAN

April 24, 2007 — netequalizer

LAFAYETTE, Colo., April 24 /PRNewswire/ — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products and creator of the NetEqualizer, today announced the release of new technology capable of ensuring VoIP QoS over VLAN.

Although most traditional switch providers have in the past had solid solutions for ensuring VoIP within an enterprise network using TOS bits and class of service available on most commercial routers, all bets have been off as to whether VoIP calls would go through over the public Internet (unless using a solution from an Internet provider).

This was the case until service providers, schools and libraries began using the NetEqualizer to better connect their customers to the Internet. The NetEqualizer can sense congestion on the Internet link and rearrange traffic so that VoIP calls maintain their quality without the need for any additional equipment or use of TOS bits.

“Our customers love it because it handles congestion in both directions, something traditional routers can’t do,” said Art Reisman, CEO and co-founder of APconnections.

With the NetEqualizer, products such as Vonage phones can remain operational even during peak times of bandwidth usage over a VLAN. This new technology will prove especially useful for operators providing Internet service to diverse groups of users such as in office parks and municipalities.

“We have deployed several NetEqualizers in office complexes around the world starting several years ago,” said Kris Lamberth, senior partner of Digital Reach, Inc. “We can’t say enough on how simple the NetEqualizer is to use and how much easier managing bandwidth has been compared to traditional router-based solutions. The VLAN shaping feature will allow us to provide QoS for each VLAN, which will give us a huge competitive advantage over other IT consulting agencies in our industry.”

Digital Reach (http://www.digitalreachinc.com) specializes in delivering cost-effective and cutting-edge IT solutions to small- and medium-sized companies around the world.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology out there. It controls network flow for the best WAN optimization.

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Five Thousand Users? No Problem!

March 6, 2007 — netequalizer

For customers who need to push more than 5,000 users, we have also recently optimized our Linux Kernel internals. We expect to do some beta tests with high-end customers this week. What this optimization will do is allow existing and future NetEqualizer customers to handle more users at one time without using more expensive hardware.

At NetEqualizer, we are always working to uphold our pledge to offer the most affordable bandwidth shaper on the market.

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