One of the most common issues users have is determining the IP address of a network device. Especially challenging is finding dynamically assigned addresses (DHCP). Yes, the easy solution is to look at your DHCP server for active leases. But to a novice this might be too complex.

Enter the Cisco Discovery Protocol or CDP. This network protocol allows every network device to announce itself to the network, share it's configuration information, and make itself known to all other devices.

Unfortunately, this is a proprietary protocol. Open standard protocols for discovery have been created, but few have been widely adopted (see LLDP). Many manufacturers have written their own discovery and management protocols, creating a mess. However Cisco was kind enough to publish CDP so that anyone can make their network device easy to find. CDP is the de facto discovery protocol.

The next part of discovery is having a simple to use tool for your computer that let's you find the CDP enabled devices. Up until now, there has been no freely available CDP discovery tool.

Introducing HSDiscover^TM, a simple to use application for MS Windows PCs. This application provides you with a simple list of all of the network devices it finds, provides the device's IP address and a link to it's web page (if it has one). Anyone can now find their network devices including all of the HauteROUTER^TM,, HauteWRAP^TM, and HauteWIND^TM, products, as well as products from Cisco, HP and others.

Best of all HSDiscover^TM, is free. Just send an email to HauteSpot Networks and we will send you a link to download it.

Depending on customer feedback, we may port HSDiscover^TM over to other platforms such as Macintosh.

CDP can also be used for more complex network management tasks such as mapping, status checking, alarming and more. But simple discovery is a basic function that almost everyone can use.

HauteSpot Networks is working hard to deliver innovative products which solve your wireless needs for both video and general broadband data access. This month in the lab we will be discussing network device discovery and management. Under product development we announce some new features and capabilities for our HauteWIND^TM product line.

We are also pleased to announce our partnership with Irwin Commercial Finance who is providing equipment leasing and finance options to both our end customers and resellers. Read more about this innovative program below.

Again, Happy New Year and we look forward to working with you in 2008.

HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance Update

Last month HauteSpot Networks released the HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance and we told you in HauteWire all about this cool product. This month we wanted to update you on the product status.

For those of you who missed last month's HauteWire: the HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance is designed to collect data from weather station sensors made by a variety of manufacturers, and then push the data to Internet based services such as Weather Underground, Citizens Weather Observer Program, HAMWeather, WeatherBug and others.

The compact, simple to use device attaches via a serial port to the weather station sensor. It connects to the Internet using either existing Ethernet to a broadband router, or via 802.11a/b/g to a wireless access point router.

Once connected, it then collects the data from the sensor and forwards it on to the Internet service where it is logged and becomes available for public use.

Prior to the release of this product, virtually all Personal Weather Stations needed to use a host personal computer (PC) in order to send data to Internet services. This significantly reduces the complexity of installing a Personal Weather Station, as well as the cost, since a personal computer is no longer required, and wiring to broadband router is not required.

If the end user has an IP Camera, this can also be attached to the HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance and share the Internet connection.

Also, HauteSpot Networks just added full layer 2 discovery and support for a MS Windows client application (see "In the Lab" in the next column) as part of the features of the HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance.

The HauteWIND^TM Internet Weather Station Appliance will available for retail sale through a dedicated retailer later this month. If you are an OEM who is interested in adding weather sensors to your product offering or adding Internet capabilities to your existing weather sensor, we would welcome the opportunity to talk to you. Send an email to oem@hautespot.net.

Irwin Commercial Finance has experience in credit underwriting for the wireless broadband communications industry and has approved HauteSpot Networks wireless gear for leasing.

WHY LEASE HAUTESPOT NETWORKS EQUIPMENT:

Affordability A monthly payment is much more affordable than the cash outlay for the entire purchase. It is easier to budget $695 per month versus $35,000 for a network build out. Expand your infrastructure as a monthly expense or capitalized lease.

Simplicity You pick out the HauteSpot Networks equipment and Irwin Commercial Finance pays for it. An easy, one-page leasing application is the only item needed for transactions up to $75,000.

Convenience Purchase and finance all of your network equipment through one company. HauteSpot Networks will bill Irwin Commercial Finance.

Covers All Equipment Costs Allows financing of soft costs, including installation, freight and maintenance. No need to obtain financing elsewhere.

Conserves Working Capital Cash is not tied up in equipment. Rather, it's free for more revenue-generating activities.

Preserves Bank Lines Bank credit resources are available for more important expansion and immediate business opportunities.

Minimal Down Payment No large down payment is required.

Easy to Budget Payments are fixed for the duration of the lease. Banks often vary monthly payments making future payments difficult to budget.

Simplifies Accounting and Depreciation Records Lease payments can be tax deductible. Check with your accountant.

Who is Irwin Commercial Finance? They are the Commercial Finance Division of Irwin Union Bank & Trust, founded in 1871 and traded on the NYSE. They are a direct funding source, and pride themselves in offering flexible funding, consistent service, and extensive experience.

HauteSpot Networks has a dedicated account representative, CJ Gross, based at Irwin’s operations center in Bellevue, Washington. He is focused on supporting HauteSpot Networks resellers and customers at the transaction level, processing lease applications, and answering any questions that arise.

To speak with our Irwin representative directly and discover how he can help you gain incremental sales in an easy and efficient manner call: CJ Gross, Regional Sales Manager 866.824.8170, Ext. 225 or write to him at cj.gross@irwincf.com

This exciting conference is part of the ASIS Professional Development program. Mr. Bob Ehlers will be presenting a course on "Challenges in Wireless HD and Multi-megapixel Surveillance.