Xirrus Unveils Dual-Radio 802.11ac Access Point for $775

Xirrus today publicly took the wraps off what it described as the lowest cost 802.11ac access point designed for enterprise, the $775 dual-radio Xirrus XR-620 AP.

With the XR-620 AP, both radios support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies and both 802.11n and 802.11ac standards. It supports data rates of up to 867 Mbps per radio.

"Dual radio 11ac operation enables the XR-620 AP to deliver 30 percent greater 11ac performance compared to 11ac access points on the market today that are limited to only one 802.11ac radio due to their fixed configuration," according to Xirrus. "The XR-620 represents the industry's first 2x2 (two-stream) 802.11ac enterprise solution, capable of 867 Mbps per radio. This represents almost twice the maximum 450 Mbps speed available with 3x3 802.11n, yet the XR-620 is available at a lower price point than today's fastest enterprise 802.11n solutions."

Other features include:

  • ACExpress (for segregating 802.11n and 802.11ac traffic on different radios);
  • Software-programmable radios;
  • Support for up to 240 users;
  • Integrated controller with ArrayOS;
  • Cloud-based or on-premises management;
  • App control for up to 1,200 groups;
  • Support for Apple Bonjour; and
  • Dual gigabit Ethernet ports.

The XR-620 AP is expected to ship this month. Users can purchase an 802.11n version of the unit for $675 and upgrade it for $100 or purchase a pre-configured 802.11ac version for $775. Xirrus also offers the XR-630, a 3 x 3 802.11ac access point.

A (Flash) video demonstrating the new AP can be viewed on Xirrus' site. Additional details can be found at xirrus.com/11ac.

Editor's note: This article has been modified since its original publication to correct a factual error. We previously stated in the headline and throughout the article that this unit costs $675. However, the total cost for the 802.11ac version is $775, either pre-configured for 802.11ac operation or through a $100 upgrade of a $675 802.11n unit. Last modified March 12, 2014, 2:15 p.m. — D.N.

 

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • a cloud, an AI chip, and a padlock interconnected by circuit-like lines

    CrowdStrike Report: Attackers Increasingly Targeting Cloud, AI Systems

    According to the 2025 Threat Hunting Report from CrowdStrike, adversaries are not just using AI to supercharge attacks — they are actively targeting the AI systems organizations deploy in production. Combined with a surge in cloud exploitation, this shift marks a significant change in the threat landscape for enterprises.

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation in Education

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education, from preschool through higher education.

  • figures sitting around a round table, discussing over an open book, papers, and glasses

    Alliance for Learning Innovation, Digital Promise Form National Education R&D Advisory Committee

    The Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) and Digital Promise are bringing together a coalition of education leaders to help develop a national education research and development agenda and foster innovation in schools and districts across the country.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.